Research Assistant Bioacoustics at Whitman College

Whitman College; Oregon; On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitman College invites applications for a Research Assistant – Blue Mountains Monitoring Program to assist in wildlife soundscape monitoring on nearby National Forest lands. The role contributes to a collaborative project using acoustic data to monitor wildlife populations and supports hands-on learning in ecological field methods.

The student will gain experience with acoustic monitoring, species identification by sound, data management, and quantitative analysis while working with

Qualifications

• Demonstrate attention to detail and organizational ability.
• Interest in wildlife, ecology or environmental science.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Willingness to learn wildlife identification by sound and acoustic monitoring.
• Basic quantitative and data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Learn to recognize wildlife species by sound and review detections from acoustic classifier.
• Collaborate with USFS PNW Research Station and USFS Wallowa-Whitman National Forest staff.
• Learn wildlife monitoring sampling designs and modern monitoring approaches.
• Develop and apply quantitative techniques to analyze wildlife monitoring data.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Team collaboration

Acoustic monitoring

Data analysis basics

Job description

JOB TITLE:

Research Assistant – Blue Mountains Monitoring Program

PAY RANGE:

$17.13/hour to $17.13/hour

START DATE:

TBD

JOB PURPOSE

The Research Assistant will contribute to the Blue Mountains Monitoring Program, a collaborative research project that uses soundscapes to monitor wildlife on nearby National Forest lands.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Learn to recognize wildlife species by sound and review species detections generated by an automated acoustic classifier
• Work collaboratively with wildlife practitioners at the USFS PNW Research Station and the USFS Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
• Learn about wildlife monitoring sampling designs and modern approaches to monitoring wildlife populations
• Develop and apply quantitative techniques used to analyze wildlife monitoring data

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Individuals must be able to explain and demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Interest in wildlife, ecology, environmental science, or related fields
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team
• Willingness to learn wildlife identification by sound and use acoustic monitoring technology
• Basic quantitative and data analysis skills or willingness to develop these skills

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED BY STUDENTS IN THIS JOB:

The student in this role will gain hands‑on experience with modern wildlife monitoring methods, acoustic ecology, species identification, research data management, and quantitative analysis. The position will also provide opportunities to work with professional wildlife practitioners and develop practical research skills relevant to careers in wildlife biology, ecology, conservation, and environmental science.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest in wildlife monitoring, ecology, conservation, or a related field.
• Ability and willingness to learn new research methods and technologies.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ben Vernasco, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Brain, Behavior and Cognition

SUPERVISOR EMAIL: [e-mail]

DATE POSTED: September 21, 2026