Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) is a scientific nonprofit dedicated to environmental research that supports the protection of biodiversity and ecological health. BRI’s mission is to assess emerging threats to wildlife and ecosystems through collaborative research, and to use scientific findings to advance environmental awareness and inform decision makers. Since 1993, BRI’s Loon Program, as part of BRI’s Center for Waterbird Studies, has assisted state, federal, and regional conservation agencies through standardized monitoring, tracking, and health assessments, particularly for Common Loons. Much of our 30+ year work revolves around long-standing capture, marking, and sampling methodologies to meet these objectives, which have resulted in the longest continuous running research program of a color-marked breeding population in North America. 

The Maine Loon Project Field Research Lead is responsible for conducting and assisting on-going investigations of demographics, behavior, contaminants (e.g., mercury, lead, PFAS), and genetics under the direction of the Loon Program Director. BRI’s loon field work begins in April and continues into October, so this will require a substantial commitment to field-based research in western Maine and elsewhere as need arises. Currently this is a seasonal position but could develop into a full-time, year-round position provisional on work performance, funding, and other organizational needs. The intent is to train the right candidate to lead fields crews to meet the needs of a variety of long-term research opportunities. There will also be opportunities to collaborate with other BRI biologists to capture raptors, waterfowl, and fish, potentially including travel across North America and elsewhere to assist with research on loons and other wildlife.

Key Responsibilities

The Maine Loon Project Lead collects, records, and reports data on loon demographic and nesting ecology, including marking and resighting color-banded individuals as part of a long-term study assessing the impacts of environmental mercury on loons. Management tasks include deploying, maintaining, and removing artificial nest rafts; assisting with capture, banding, and sampling of loons; sampling fish for dietary and contaminants studies; and collecting other samples such as abandoned eggs, eggshells, and loon carcasses.  

This is a field-intensive position requiring a wide diversity of field-related skills, including competency in a variety of data collection techniques, field hardiness, and a love of the outdoors. Loon populations are monitored on large reservoirs (e.g., Aziscohos, Mooselookmeguntic, Flagstaff, and Richardson Lakes) using motorboats and on small lakes using kayaks and canoes. These sites often lack cell service and biologists must rely on other means for navigation and communication (e.g., satellite communicators, GPS, and maps). As such, proficiency in boat safety and navigation on larger waters and being comfortable in remote regions is essential. 

Unexpected challenges inevitably arise in field settings, so problem-solving ability and creativity are required skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are key to oversee field operations and collaborate with other BRI staff and multiple state, federal, and industry partners.  Successful candidates must be detail-oriented and able to work independently, in small groups, and have a valid driver’s license. A strong work ethic, professionalism, and sense of humor are a must. 

Responsibilities

Field Needs

• Participate in the collection, recording, and reporting of data to ensure quality and methodology;
• Conduct and oversee survey efforts to document occupancy, reproduction, and survival of loons;
• Resight banded individuals as part of long-term demographic and contaminant studies;
• Deploy, maintain, and remove artificial nest rafts; Participate in the live capture of loons, including banding and taking samples according to the scope of work and approved protocols;
• Collect abandoned eggs, eggshells and loon carcasses;
• Submit weekly updates and regularly enter collected data into BRI’s database;
• Coordinate, communicate, and collaborate with state, federal, industry, and private partners as needed to ensure project goals;
• Maintain and track all essential field equipment: vehicles, motors, trailers, boats, etc.; and
• Uphold the legal requirements of permits.

Data and Sample Needs

• Maintain all data and sample QA/QC procedures and reporting duties as assigned by the Loon Program Director and Database Team Lead;
• Catalog and process all loon samples including blood, feather, and eggs;
• Ensure that all banding information, sample data, and results are digitized and updated in the Loon Database (e.g., the Reproductive, Individual Performance, Mercury, Recovery, and Re-observation databases);
• Report all loon banding information to the Permit Coordinator as required by permits, and;
• Work with the loon data team to development and continually update methods for improved data collection and storage of loon related data.

Reporting and End-of-Season Needs

• Help ensure that rented field cabins are maintained and closed according to the specifications of the property owners;
• Ensure samples are transported and stored at BRI’s office freezer or lab in Portland; 
• Transfer boats from storage locations to field locations prior to the field season and vice versa post-season;
• Participate in data summaries, analysis, reports, and presenting results at meetings as needed; 
• All other duties as directed or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Applicants should have:

• At least a B.S. degree in a relevant field (Master’s degree is preferred) with a demonstrated interest in wildlife management and/or biology through coursework, previous employment, or volunteering;
• Three or more years prior experience with avian field monitoring, data collection and management, or other relevant wildlife/ecology experience;
• Initiative, motivation, and self-direction necessary to productively work unsupervised, both independently and in a team;
• Demonstrated experience utilizing sound judgment in field-based wildlife research and management projects; demonstrated strong attention to detail;
• Experience with motorboats, canoes, and kayaks and confidence in safely operating and maintaining equipment while in remote locations, including outboard motors, trucks (4WD) and towing boat trailers;
• Ability to work long and irregular hours outside (including through the night for the night-time capture of loons) in all weather conditions and be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs across varied terrain; and
• Interest in gaining new and diverse field skills. 

Work Schedule and Physical Demands: This is a lead seasonal position located in the Rangeley Lakes Region of western Maine, with field work occurring from April to October. Field research often requires long days (regularly >8 hours daily) and irregular hours (e.g., night-time) may vary greatly according to weather and other factors. A flexible approach to work is necessary as is a willingness to work weekends and holidays as needed.