ALASKA VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANTS (6) needed early Jun to mid-Jul 2008
to assist with nesting biology studies of threatened Steller’s eiders in
Barrow, Alaska. Barrow is the northernmost city in Alaska and the U.S.’s
farthest northern community, with approximately 4,500 residents. It’s is
an active Arctic research community, with a variety of ongoing projects
on marine mammals, snowy owls, shorebirds, passerines, and lemmings.
Volunteers will primarily assist with two surveys: 1) ground-based
breeding pair surveys for Steller’s eiders, as well as spectacled eiders
(also a threatened species) and avian predators (snowy owl, 3 species of
jaegers, glaucous gull, and common raven) to determination abundance and
distribution; and 2) nest searches to locate Steller’s eider nests,
which will be monitored to determine reproductive success.
Qualifications: Persons with previous experience in ornithology,
especially waterfowl, are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able
to work as part of a team, willing to live in shared quarters in a
remote village, and be willing to work long hours. Must also be willing
and capable of walking up to 10 miles per day, in hip waders, on wet
tundra in cold, windy weather or possible warm, buggy weather (maximum
temperatures are 10-15 C). Preferred qualifications include experience
in identifying and observing waterfowl; locating nests; conducting
surveys; navigating by aerial photographs and GPS; use of ArcGIS; and
ATV operation. Airfare from Anchorage or Fairbanks to Barrow provided.
Lodging and food provided plus $3/day for miscellaneous expenses. Hip
boots and binoculars provided; you must provide your own field clothes.
To apply, email a letter of interest (and indicate that you are
interested in the volunteer position), resume, and name and contact
information for 3 references to: NORA ROJEK, USFWS, (EM: nora_rojek AT
fws.gov). Applications will be reviewed starting in early Feb until the
positions are filled.