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.

*********************************
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
www.prbo.org<http://www.prbo.org>


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