Zoological Field Assistants will be recruited to carry out fieldwork on seabirds and seals on a sub-Antarctic Island. Bird Island is small (5 km in length) and forms part of the South Georgia archipelago where it is buffeted by both prevailing westerlies and cold winds from Antarctica. It has a high annual rainfall and variable snow cover during winter and is home to thousands of Antarctic fur seals and seabirds including wandering albatross and macaroni penguins.

The successful applicants will work and live on Bird Island continuously for the duration of the contract. Field assistants will be required to undertake a range of scientific activities to continue the long-term ecological monitoring programme on Bird Island, comprising of roles to specifically monitor albatross and penguins, and petrels. It is expected that all staff will contribute to and help with all aspects of the research programme. The scientific roles on Bird Island all require successful candidates to undertake animal handling. This requires a minimum of a British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) ringing license (Minimum Restricted C Seabirds).

Fieldwork at Bird Island is intensive, with long hours of fieldwork and data preparation, requiring high levels of organisation. Data are collated using databases and by submitting reports, observing deadlines at frequent intervals. The long-term monitoring programme collects data on the demography, reproductive success, diet, and behaviour of multiple species of seabird on Bird Island. This vital information is used to explore regional and global change, as well as being used to make management decisions for the conservation of wider Antarctic environment.

The position of Zoological Field Assistant offers a unique opportunity for highly motivated and disciplined individuals with relevant fieldwork skills and a keen interest in wildlife, who will adapt well to small island living in a challenging sub-Antarctic environment.

This advertisement is for the two positions working with seabirds on Bird Island, one position will be responsible for the albatross monitoring with the other responsible for the monitoring of penguins and petrels. Although distinct roles, it is expected that zoological field assistants will help with monitoring of other species, including seals. You will also assist with other elements of the research programme as required.

During winter months, Bird Island has reduced numbers of staff on station. As a result, some extra responsibilities will be shared amongst the staff. We will require one member to additionally take on the role of Winter Station Leader. This role involves managing the station in a safe and efficient manner, and maintaining effective communication with the Stations Operations Manager, Facilities Engineer, and other BAS staff. If you would be interested in this position, please include this in your application.

Within the role, there will be an opportunity to develop a wide range of research skills that are used frequently throughout the research work environment. Skills are also highly transferable and will allow zoological field assistants to pursue careers however they wish following a deployment.

Duties

• Keeping the research station running (including cooking and cleaning), as well as providing IT, communications, and medical cover.

Field Assistant 1, Responsible for work on albatrosses:

• Monitor and collate data from four species of albatross including demography, breeding success, population size, chick growth, and diet.
• Assist with seal and penguin monitoring.
• Collect project data for BAS scientists and visiting researchers (e.g. deploy transmitters and loggers to measure aspects of foraging and chick provisioning strategy).

Field Assistant 2, Responsible for work on penguins and giant petrels:

• Monitor and collate data from penguins and giant petrels including demography, population size, chick growth, and diet.
• Assist with seal and albatross monitoring.
• Collect project data for BAS scientists and visiting researchers (e.g. deploy transmitters and loggers to measure aspects of foraging and chick provisioning strategy).

Skills, Qualifications & Experience 

Essential:

• An undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences/Ecology/Zoology or similar to have been awarded by the interview date
• Wild bird/animal handling experience in the field
• BTO Bird ringing license (Minimum – Restricted C)
• Handled wild seabirds
• Proficient in the use of IT equipment, word processing, spreadsheet and email software
• Self-motivated and can work unsupervised
• Fluent in written and spoken English Language
• Experience of scientific report writing
• Worked in a small team in remote locations
• You will need to pass a medical to demonstrate that you are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions

Desirable:

• Laboratory management experience
• Attached devices to animals
• Knowledge of GIS software
• Knowledge of wilderness survival techniques and first aid

Although this job is not UK based, the successful candidate will be required to attend training in the UK which will require a right to work.