Field Assistant – Snowy Plover Monitor
Portland State University (State) | https://inr.oregonstate.edu/oregon-biodiversity-information-center
Details
Application Deadline:
03/15/2026
Published:
01/16/2026
Starting Date:
between 4/1/2026 and 4/6/2026
Ending Date:
after 8/30/2026
Hours per Week:
30 - 40
Salary:
$22 to $26 per hour
Education Required:
Some Undergraduate
Experience Required:
at least 1 year
Location:
Central Oregon Coast (Florence, Oregon)
Tags:
Graduate Opportunities
Undergraduate Opportunities
Description
The Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, part of the Institute for Natural Resources at Portland State University, is conducting ongoing research on the western snowy plover along the Oregon coast. Work involves locating nests, conducting surveys, following broods, and periodic assistance to staff at cooperating agencies for signing, roping and monitoring during habitat restoration work. Field assistants are also responsible for timely and accurate data entry, and assist with equipment maintenance as needed. Work requires long hours under a variety of weather conditions. Field crews typically work 6 6-hour days.
Required Qualifications:
- progress towards undergraduate degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or Natural Resources,
- field experience in avian research, including experience using binoculars, spotting scopes, and reading color bands,
- experience in methods commonly used to locate and observe shorebirds,
- strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail,
- experience recording detailed observations accurately and completely using digital technologies,
- experience safely driving 4WD vehicles, on and off roads
- ability to communicate well under a variety of situations, including one on one, in small group settings, and with partner agencies,
- willingness and enthusiasm to work under a variety of weather conditions,
- ability to hike 5-8 miles in soft sand per day, while carrying equipment,
- willingness to work alone and as part of a team in the field,
- valid driver’s license and clean driving record,
- a demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Preferred qualifications
Studies have shown that women and minorities often don’t apply for positions where they don’t meet all of the preferred skills and experience. We recognize that there are many different paths, experiences, and less traditional backgrounds that add value to one’s work, and encourage applicants to apply even if they do not have all of the preferred skills.
- an undergraduate degree in one of the above disciplines,
- excellent shorebird identification skills,
- experience locating cryptic nests,
- experience working on the open beach during inclement weather
- experience safely operating all-terrain vehicles,
- experience using Microsoft Access and Excel
To apply, send a single, combined pdf document with a cover letter, resume, unofficial university transcripts, and contact information for three professional references. Send documents to ELEANOR GAINES, eleanor.gaines@pdx.edu by 2/20/2026. Include “Snowy Plover Monitor – Your last name” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we expect to begin interviewing candidates in late-February. Review will continue until positions are filled. PSU is an AA/EOE.
Contact
Eleanor Gaines
eleanor.gaines@pdx.edu (preferred contact method)