THIS IS A VOLUNTEER POSITION. AS A REQUIREMENT YOU MUST HAVE PRIOR FIELD EXPERIENCE WITH MARINE MAMMALS. IF YOU DO NOT PLEASE DO NOT APPLY. Overview PRBO Conservation Science (PRBO; formerly Point Reyes Bird Observatory) of Petaluma, CA is seeking applications for 3 intern positions for our Farallon Islands Program. PRBO is an independent, scientific research non-profit whose mission is to conserve wildlife and ecosystems through innovative scientific research and outreach. Under co-operative agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), PRBO has conducted continuous research and stewardship of the unique natural resources of the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge since 1968. The Farallon Islands are just a few miles from the continental shelf and lie in the rich coastal upwelling region of Central California. The islands host globally significant breeding seabird populations (over 300,000 individuals of 13 species), are a major haul out and breeding site for 5 species of pinnipeds, and a key feeding site for White Sharks. The islands also host a variety of migrant landbirds and an endemic salamander population. PRBO is seeking interns to assist with its winter activities on the Farallones. Research during this period focuses primarily on breeding elephant seals, but there are a variety of other biological studies conducted. Accommodations are in restored lighthouse keeper’s housing, with a fully equipped field station to accommodate year-round occupancy. On Island Work Duties The field season is early December to mid March on Southeast Farallon Island, a rugged 120-acre island National Wildlife Refuge 28 miles offshore from San Francisco, California. Responsibilities include: continuing the long term demographic studies of northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) which includes tag resighting of breeding animals (subadult/adult males and females), pelage dye marking of individuals, flipper tag application of animals and weaned pup restraint for tag application and measurements; conducting surveys for arboreal salamanders (Aneides lugubris farallonensis), birds, other pinnipeds and cetaceans. There is also opportunities to aid in burrowing owl surveys, removal of invasive plant species, Cassin Auklet breeding box checks, Common Murre band resighting and assist with routine maintenance of island equipment. Interns will also aid in standardized data collection, entry, and proofing, and management of long term datasets (Access, Excel, Photo-ID, paper filing). Applicants must be able to live and work effectively in a remote setting with a small crew under potentially difficult weather conditions for an extended field season (approximately 3 months without leaving the island). On island work is conducted 7 days a week throughout the entire field season, often for extended hours with no time off. Interns are expected to participate in cleaning and maintaining housing facilities as well as rotating cooking duties for dinner each evening (kitchen is equipped with full cooking utensils and food). Online media Video of winter season: http://openroad.tv/video.php?vid=37 (copy and paste into url) Blog of biologist’s work on island and video link on left: http://losfarallones.blogspot.com/ Live webcam of islands: http://www.calacademy.org/webcams/farallones/ Overview of all research projects on island through PRBO: http://www.prbo.org/cms/157#Projects Compensation This is a volunteer position and no compensation will be awarded. PRBO does not pay for travel costs to San Francisco/Petaluma, CA where interns will meet to make the trip to the island. However, once on the island all food and housing costs will be provided. Reliable phone and internet services are available. Start – End Date Early December to early or middle of March. There may be an opportunity for a 2 week break during the mid to latter part of the season. Application Send a cover letter, CV, and list of 3-5 references to Ryan Berger, Farallon Program Biologist: rberger at prbo.org. ********************************* Ryan Berger, M.Sc. Farallon Program Biologist PRBO Conservation Science 3820 Cypress Drive #11 Petaluma, CA 94954 rberger@prbo.org www.prbo.org