Seabird Research Assistant

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR, USA
USD 14.7-21 / hour
Posted on Mar 21, 2025
Position Information
Job Title Seabird Research Assistant
Appointment Type Student Employee
Job Location Newport
Position Appointment Percent 100
Appointment Basis 12
Pay Method Hourly
Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Remote or Hybrid option?
Min Hourly Rate $14.70 (Standard); $13.70 (Non-Urban); $15.95 (Portland Metro)
Max Hourly Rate $21.00 (Standard); $20.50 (Non-Urban); $21.50 (Portland Metro)
Position Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill field and desk-based research assistant positions in the Seabird Oceanography Lab during the interval between the spring and fall terms (maximum of 40 hours per week). Available positions will be described in greater detail on the Seabird Oceanography Lab Webpage (https://fwcs.oregonstate.edu/seabird-oceanography/).

Field research will occur at various locations, including Cannon Beach, Newport, the Columbia River, and interior Oregon and Washington. Field work will often occur in early morning hours. The incumbent will assist members of the Seabird Oceanography Lab with grant funded projects by contributing to research in one or more of the following study areas: (a) reproductive and diet monitoring of seabirds, (b) tufted puffin diet, © PIT tag recovery, (d) waterbird colony counts, and (e) general studies of seabird ecology.
Position Duties
  • Collect a variety of data on seabird ecology in field settings, including both independent work and work within a field team.
  • Enter, validate, and organize biological datasets in both physical and digital formats.
  • Assist with the maintenance and organization of field research equipment.
  • Strictly adhere to Oregon State University field safety protocols
Minimum Qualifications
Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: http://fa.oregonstate.edu/stu-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements

  • Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
  • Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
  • Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard
    • High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program
    • Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
    • Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*
    • Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
    • Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*

*International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered “full-time” by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.
Additional Required Qualifications
  • Incumbent must be capable of independently following scientific data collection protocols.

This position requires driving a University vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the University; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Motor Vehicle History Check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions (as per Voluntary and Compulsory Driver Standards OSU Standard 125-155-0200) as per OSU Standard 576-056-0000 et seq.
Preferred (Special) Qualifications
  • Direct experience collecting biological data in the field
  • Up-to-date first aid and CPR certification
  • Experience in technical wildlife photography
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities
  • Strong academic/professional interest in seabird conservation
Working Conditions / Work Schedule