Sycan Marsh Forest Birds Field Assistant

The Sycan Marsh Forest Birds (SMFB) Field Assistant will collect nesting success and habitat characteristics data for a study of the effects of prescribed burns on cavity-nesting birds.
Specifically, position will conduct nest searches for cavity-nesting birds, monitor nests to determine reproductive success, and collect data on habitat characteristics around nests. Position will require working alone in forested situations, as well as habitat sampling with 2 or 3 coworkers and coordinating with researchers in other disciplines or institutions.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree or be near completion of a degree program in wildlife, zoology, ecology, or related field. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency with identifying birds of western pine forests and must be able to identify trees and shrubs of pine forests. Experience with map and compass and familiarity with habitat sampling techniques required. One season of experience with nest surveys may substitute for education requirements.

Physical requirements of the job include 20/20 vision, the ability to hear and identify the songs and calls of all birds in the project area, a willingness to start work before dawn, and the ability to hike 3-5 miles a day. Applicants must be willing to work outdoors under variable weather conditions. A valid driver's license is required. This position is based on The Nature Conservancy's Sycan Marsh Preserve near Silver Lake, Oregon. Field investigations will also be conducted on the adjacent Fremont National Forest.

The Sycan Marsh Forest Birds Field Assistant is a non-exempt position supervised by the Sycan Marsh Preserve Director. The position begins in May 1, 2002, and ends in September 4, 2002. The SMFB Field Assistant will be paid $6.50 to $7.25/hour for 40 hours/week. A wooden-floored, canvas-walled tent with a cot will be provided for sleeping. Modern kitchen and shower facilities are available in the nearby research station.

Application Deadline: Extended to March 19, 2002

Applications must include two copies of (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter providing more in-depth information on your academic and professional experience, (3) two letters of reference, and (4) the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references. The letters of reference must be submitted with the resume cover letter, and reference list. Confidential, sealed, original reference letters are not required. If you wish, the authors of your reference letters may be among those people included on your reference list. Your name and the position(s) for which you are applying must be noted in the top right-hand corner of the cover letter, resume and reference list. You may apply for more than one position. Please collate and staple each application separately in this order: cover letter, resume, list of references, reference letters.

Please note that we request that you submit two (2) copies of all application materials for each job, including letters of reference.

We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions for applicants. If you have questions, please go to The Nature Conservancy's web site at nature.org/oregon. Then choose "Job Opportunities" on the left and look for "Frequently Asked Questions" under "Seasonal Employment". Available positions are also listed there under "Current Openings".

Positions lasting over six months will include a benefits package (medical and dental insurance, vacation). If benefits are provided, it is noted at the end of the individual position description.

Because we typically receive hundreds of applications for these job openings, it is not feasible for us to individually address all inquiries regarding specifics about positions. If you believe a job-as it is described in the job posting-is a good match for your background and career interests, we encourage you to apply following the instructions on the job posting. In order to be consistent and fair to all applicants, we have made a decision not to meet with or discuss the specifics of the positions with individual candidates before the interview phase of the recruitment. Exceptions are possible for some logistical questions. We will be happy to provide additional information on positions to candidates who are selected for an interview.

The starting and ending dates of all of the positions are somewhat flexible. In your cover letter, please indicate the earliest starting and latest ending dates that you will be available. Please also indicate how you learned about the position.

If there is a change in the information you submitted, please notify us in writing.

Send applications to the attention of:

Seasonal Employment

The Nature Conservancy of Oregon

821 SE 14th Avenue

Portland, Oregon 97214-2537

If you need verification that your application arrived, we request that you send it using certified, return receipt mail or a delivery confirmation request. We do not have the resources to return the high volume of contacts we receive inquiring about application status. Once a candidate has been hired, we will notify all candidates in the pool within 10 business days that the position has been filled.