The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is hiring one eligible* university undergraduate to serve as a seasonal field technician from 7/13/2026 to 8/15/2026 to conduct bill load photography of tufted puffins, monitor disturbances by eagles, interact with the public, curate photos, and identify photographed prey items. The field work will occur in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

The Tufted Puffin photography technician must be able to work solo with minimal supervision. Field work will be scheduled to capitalize on low tides and conditions suitable for photography. This includes very early mornings, evenings, and weekends. It is anticipated the technician will spend 2-5 hours in the field each day when conditions are good. The technician will be expected to curate photos on a regular basis and review photos for initial prey identification following established protocols using a custom prey identification guide. Experience in technical wildlife photography is desirable. The applicant will be using a Sony A9 with a FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens and a 1.2x teleconverter to photograph flying puffins with bill loads. Experience with a similar system to photograph flying birds is highly advantageous.

The successful applicant should be able to carry loads upwards of 30 lbs and stand for long periods of time. Accommodation will be provided throughout the duration of the position and will include tent camping. Applicants are expected to be able to provide their own vehicle.

OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below:

Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Technology

Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/student-employment-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements

*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.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1. A Resume/Vita

2. A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position

For additional information please contact: Rachael Orben at rachael.orben@oregonstate.edu

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

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.

Note: All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.