SAPRI Birder Overwinterer

Key Responsibilities:

• Collecting field data on surface-nesting seabirds including albatrosses and giant petrels to be used for conservation and academic purposes
• Carrying out physiology work with petrel and albatross nestlings including handling, blood sampling and isotope work
• Collecting behaviour observations on nestlings of surface-nesting albatrosses and giant petrels
• Monitoring nestling survival in Wandering Albatrosses
• Deploying and maintaining camera traps and temperature dataloggers
• Assisting with monitoring of long-term study populations of petrels and albatrosses when necessary
• Remote field work without direct supervision Field work will encompass 75% of the time, with a lot of walking (4000 26000km) in gumboots during the contract time frame.
• Data capturing, analysis, and reporting
• Rigorous outdoor activity in harsh conditions (low temperatures, gusty winds and rain)
• Management of equipment (Asset management)
• A valuable and friendly member of the team at Marion Island Base

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

• A relevant BSc Degree in Natural and Biological science or equivalent qualification.
• A BSc (Hons) Degree or higher will be advantageous.

Experience:

• A minimum of one-year work experience on seabirds
• Experience in field surveys, research administration, data collection and management, report writing and recording.
• Previous experience in handling birds including ringing and blood sampling will be a distinct advantage.
• Experience in data management, report writing. Well versed in MS Office (or related) software programmes.
• Relevant field experience (previous bird work, research, familiarity).
• Evidenced ability to work independently and in difficult field conditions
• High fitness levels, ability to carry heavy backpacks and walk long distances in gumboots

Knowledge:

• Must have good attention to detail and be meticulous in data collection and demonstrate experience to conduct scientific monitoring relating to birds to a high standard.