Job Announcement: Winter Farallon Biologist

Overview

PRBO Conservation Science (PRBO; formerly Point Reyes Bird Observatory) of Petaluma, CA is seeking applications for a staff biologist in 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. Most research on the Farallones involves multi-decadal and continuous time series.

PRBO is seeking a biologist to oversee 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 occupation by biologists. This unique position involves overseeing field crews of long term volunteers, research, maintenance of facilities, small boat handling, data management and analyses, and scientific reporting and publication. Farallon biologists also work closely with our partners at the USFWS, to help with management activities of the refuge.

Depending on interest, experience, and suitability of applicants, this position may be seasonal (~5 months per year focusing on winter field activities) or potentially full time to encompass both field activities and more data analysis and publication of Farallon datasets. Non field time would be based out of PRBO’s Petaluma office. This position requires a minimum 3 year commitment.

Job Description

Field season is early December to mid March each year on Southeast Farallon Island, a rugged 120-acre island National Wildlife Refuge 28 miles offshore from San Francisco, California. Biologist’s responsibilities include: continuing the long term demographic studies of northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris); conducting surveys for arboreal salamanders (Aneides lugubris farallonensis), birds, pinnipeds and other marine mammals; hiring, training and supervising research assistants each year; overseeing standardized data collection, entry, and proofing, and management of long term datasets. Biologist will also analyze data, write reports, publish scientific papers, and present results at appropriate meetings. Biologist would be expected to maintain good communication and coordination with partner agencies, such as USFWS and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.

In addition to research activities, the biologist will be responsible for maintaining all island systems including small boats and outboard engines; a photovoltaic power system; diesel generators; booms and winches; housing facilities, and rainwater collection.

Interested applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences or related field and multiple years of experience conducting research and supervising crews in a remote field camp environment. Preference will be given to applicants with advanced degrees (MS or PhD), and a proven track record of effective database management, analysis and publication. In addition, successful applicants must have significant small boat handling experience (preferably in an offshore environment), and strong mechanical aptitude, including basic familiarity with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, outboard engine maintenance, computer, and construction skills. Applicants must able to live and work effectively in a remote setting with a small crew under potentially difficult weather conditions for an extended field season. On island work is conducted 7 days a week throughout the entire field season, often for extended hours with no time off.

Compensation

Compensation will be competitive and dependent on experience. A full time position would receive a generous benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k match, and vacation time. Biologists will also receive 2 weeks of paid compensation time for every 6 weeks spent on the Farallones.

Start Date

November 15 2010

Application

Send a cover letter, CV, and list of 3-5 references to Russ Bradley, Farallon Program Manager: rbradley at prbo.org by July 31st, 2010. Include references for all supervisory field positions you have held. Attach PDF’s of publications you feel are relevant to your application. Successful applicants will be interviewed by phone in August and then in person at our Petaluma offices in September.

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Russell Bradley, M.Sc.

Farallon Program Manager

PRBO Conservation Science

3820 Cypress Drive #11

Petaluma, CA 94954

Tel: 707-781-2555 ext. 314

Fax: 707-765-1685