Técnico de investigación ornitólogo (Oregon, USA)

Faculty Research Assistant – Marbled Murrelet Breeding Ecology, Oregon State University
Position Summary

The Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society in the College of Forestry is soliciting applications for a full-time 1.0FTE fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant (FRA) to work as part of a large-scale, long-term investigation of the federally threatened Marbled Murrelet. This is a collaborative project being led by Dr. Jim Rivers (http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim-rivers/) in cooperation with Dr. Matt Betts (OSU Dept. Forest Ecosystems & Society), Dr. Dan Roby (USGS and OSU Dept. Fisheries and Wildlife), and Kim Nelson (OSU Dept. Fisheries and Wildlife). This position will provide leadership for several ongoing research projects evaluating the factors that shape terrestrial space use and limit breeding success in the Marbled Murrelet in western Oregon. The position will consist of some field-related duties during the spring/summer field seasons (April-August), and office-related duties throughout the year.

Position Duties

35% – Travel and Data Collection:

Travel to field sites throughout Oregon to collect data on the space use, movements, habitat selection, and population ecology of the Marbled Murrelet and its avian nest predators.


35% – Organizational and Office:

Interface with field coordinators, project leaders, data analysts, and other senior project personnel. Write and edit data collection protocols; enter, analyze, and summarize field data, contribute to written reports and data collection protocols. Organize and maintain budgets, purchase necessary equipment and supplies. This position will have fiscal responsibility for research program budget development and control.


15% – Supervisory:

Recruit, select, and train seasonal field crews comprised of student and/or temporary employees. Supervise seasonal field crews to ensure that data collection protocols are understood and correctly implemented.


10% – Analyze data, interpret results, draw conclusions, and prepare reports for use in peer-reviewed publications and for presentation at scientific conferences. Results will be presented both statistically and graphically.


5% – Maintain federal, state, institutional, and local permits required for conducting research with wild vertebrate animals, including birds.


Minimum/ Required Qualifications

- B.S. degree in wildlife ecology and conservation, animal ecology, or a closely related field.

- Demonstrated supervisory experience and ability to effectively lead research teams in data collection.

- Professional competence in executing and coordinating research.

- Strong verbal and written communication skills.

- Ability to work effectively as a member of a large research team.

- Computing skills including statistical software (e.g., SAS, R), spatial software (e.g., ArcGIS, Spatial Analyst, Google Earth), and database programs.

- Ability to traverse steep, rugged, and/or uneven terrain while carrying up to 25 pounds in all weather conditions.



Preferred Qualifications

- M.S. degree in wildlife ecology and conservation, animal ecology, or a closely related field.

- Record of presentation and publication of scientific research.

- Previous experience with obtaining, modifying, and/or maintaining permits necessary for vertebrate-related studies.

- Knowledge and experience with forest management practices of the Pacific Northwest.

- A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.



Application Instructions

Applicants should create a single PDF file that contains (1) a cover letter addressing your qualifications as they relate to the specific duties and qualifications described in the position description; (2) a full-length curriculum vitae (CV); and (3) the names and contact information (email, telephone, and mail) of three referees who may be contacted. In addition, they should upload this document to the job application website (https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/23052) and submit a copy by email to Dr. Jim Rivers (jim.rivers@oregonstate.edu) with “Marbled Murrelet FRA Position” in the subject line.


For full consideration, apply by April 23, 2016. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.


Oregon State University commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.




Dr. Jim Rivers

Assistant Professor, Senior Research

Dept. Forest Ecosystems & Society

Oregon State University

Corvallis OR 97331-5752



Office: +1 541 737-6581

Lab website: http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim-rivers/