VOLUNTEER ELEPHANT SEAL RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (3-4) needed for winter 2024/2025 on Southeast Farallon Island (30 miles west of San Francisco). This volunteer opportunity is designed to allow early career ecologists to gain valuable hands-on field research and remote living experience while contributing to long-term research on northern elephant seal reproductive ecology. Volunteer Research Assistants (RA) will learn how to census and monitor breeding elephant seals, apply flipper tags animals, resighting tagged California and Steller's Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and Northern Fur Seals, and surveying for salamanders, crickets, songbirds, seabirds, gulls, burrowing owls, and whales. Additionally, RAs learn how to enter, proof, and manage data, contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the research station, and take turns cooking. RAs generally participate in field research 7 days a week, with a variable schedule that includes long days and night work. Long term RAs may receive some break time off the island (needs to be agreed upon prior to season) and/or occasional days off while on the island. Some fieldwork requires rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and climbing. Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of responsibility in fieldwork and data entry as well as working frequently with a partner or team. Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in biology or related field, and prior ecological research experience with pinnipeds or other large mammals. Enthusiasm for intense fieldwork on a small, isolated island and the ability to get along well with others is essential. Positions are available 7 December 2024 through 29 March 2025 with a minimum 8-week commitment. This is a volunteer position with no financial compensation, though we do provide great food and island housing.

VOLUNTEER ELEPHANT SEAL RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (3-4) needed for winter 2024/2025 on Southeast Farallon Island (30 miles west of San Francisco). This volunteer opportunity is designed to allow early career ecologists to gain valuable hands-on field research and remote living experience while contributing to long-term research on the ecology of northern elephant seals and other pinnipeds.

Volunteer RAs will:

• Learn how to census and monitor breeding elephant seals and other pinnipeds including applying flipper tags and resighting previously tagged or marked animals.
• Learn how to survey salamanders, crickets, songbirds, seabirds, gulls, burrowing owls, and whales that visit the island and surrounding waters. 
• Learn how to enter, proof, and manage data, contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the research station, and take turns cooking. 
• Participate in field research 7 days a week, with a variable schedule that includes long days and night work. Long term RAs may receive some break time off the island (needs to be agreed upon prior to season) and/or occasional days off while on the island. Some fieldwork requires rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and climbing.
• Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of responsibility in fieldwork and data entry as well as working frequently with a partner or team.
• Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in biology or related field and prior ecological research experience with pinnipeds or other large mammals.
• Enthusiasm for intense fieldwork on a small, isolated island and the ability to get along well with others is essential.

Positions are available 7 December 2024 through 29 March 2025 with a minimum 8-week commitment. This is a volunteer position with no financial compensation, though we do provide great food and island housing. More information can be found at https://www.pointblue.org/internships/volunteer-research-assistant-southeast-farallon-island/.