Research Technician Intern - Tutakoke River Eider Project

Job Description

Position Summary:

We are seeking 1 technician for a study led by a graduate student on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta of Alaska that focuses on predator-prey dynamics and physiology of Pacific eider species and Arctic Foxes. There is one position that will start in early May and finish at the end of July. Primary duties include searching for and monitoring nests of Spectacled and Common eiders, Black Brant and other waterfowl, reading color-character tarsal bands of marked brant and eiders, mist netting adult eiders in early spring and capturing and banding female eiders late in the season, data entry, and assisting with remote field camp operations. The technician will also assist with setting and monitoring hair snares and camera traps for Arctic Foxes. Working hours can be irregular and are often influenced by weather and tides. The field site is on the coast of the Bering Sea and technicians will frequently be working in adverse conditions (e.g., high winds, freezing temperatures, precipitation) and walking long distances on mud flats and coastal vegetation while wearing waders. The project is based out of a remote field camp with limited amenities (e.g., no running water, cellular service, or internet).

Work Unit Description:
Department of 'Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

Application Deadline: December 1, 2026

Essential Job Duties:

• Search for and monitor nests of Spectacled and Common eiders, Black Brant, and other waterfowl, and read color-character tarsal bands on marked brant and eiders.
• Mist net adult eiders in early spring and capture and band female eiders late in the season.
• Enter field data and assist with remote field camp operations.

Conditions of Employment

N/A

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants must be detail oriented, and able to work both independently and cooperatively with others,
• Able to lift and carry >75 pounds.
• Applicants must have attained or be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to applicants with experience monitoring bird nests, capturing, marking, and resighting large numbers of birds, working in remote field camps, operating snow machines or ATVs, and fixing small engines.
• Preference for the long-term position will be given to applicants with experience operating boats with tiller motors.

Additional Information:

To apply, please also submit a single PDF with a résumé or vitae, cover letter that is less than one page, and names and contact information for three professional references by e-mail to Mairin Murphy at [email protected], with the subject header “Tutakoke Eider Position”.

Salary Range

$20 - $20

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

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Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.