Northern Elephant Seal Volunteer Opportunities On The Farallon Islands Point Blue Conservation Science is looking for Volunteer Elephant Seal Research Assistants (3-4) for winter 2021/2022 on the Southeast Farallon Island. Research Assistant (RA) responsibilities include, but are not limited to, censusing and monitoring breeding elephant seals, flipper tagging animals, resighting tagged California and Steller’s Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and Northern Fur Seals, and surveying for salamanders, crickets, songbirds, seabirds, gulls, burrowing owls, and whales. (Sorry, white sharks are unlikely during the winter months). RAs also contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the research station and help with food preparation. RAs generally participate in field research 7 days a week, with a variable schedule that includes long days and some night work. Some field work requires rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and climbing. Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of responsibility in field work and data entry as well as working frequently with a partner or team. Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in biology or related field and prior remote ecological research experience. Enthusiasm for field work in windy, rainy, and moderately cold conditions is essential. The ability to coexist on a small, isolated island with the same crew for several months is essential. Positions are available December 4th, 2021 through March 26th, 2022. Strong preference will be given to applicants who are available for the entire period. This is a volunteer position with no financial compensation, but we provide transportation from the mainland to the island, as well as great food and housing during the assistantship. Transportation to Point Blue headquarters is not provided. Vaccinations against Covid-19 are strongly encouraged. More information can be found at pointblue.org. To apply, please email a single pdf file in the following format: lastname_firstname_2022winterassistant.pdf to Garrett Duncan (gduncan AT pointblue.org<mailto:gduncan@pointblue.org>). This document should contain your cover letter explaining your interests, your resume, dates of availability, and the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of 3 professional references. Applications are accepted until September 30th, 2021 but will be evaluated as they are received so some positions may be filled before the deadline.