Research Technician for Tutakoke River Eider Project,

Colorado State University; Chevak (AK); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a field technician for a May–July project on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, studying predator-prey dynamics in Pacific eiders and Arctic Foxes. You will search nests, read bands, mist net eiders, capture and band females, collect data, and help run a remote field camp with challenging conditions.

Expect irregular hours due to weather and tides. Prior experience in bird monitoring and remote camps is preferred; ability to lift heavy loads and work in harsh

Qualifications

• Detail orientation and ability to work independently or with others.
• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program.

Responsibilities

• Search for and monitor nests of eiders and other waterfowl.
• Mist net adult eiders in early spring and band females later.
• Enter field data and assist with remote field camp operations.
• Assist with setting hair snares and camera traps for Arctic Foxes.

Skills

Detail oriented

Lift 75 pounds

Education

Bachelor's degree candidate or enrolled

Job description

Job Description Position Summary:

We are seeking 1 technician for a study led by a graduate student on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta of Alaska that focuses on predator-prey dynamics and physiology of Pacific eider species and Arctic Foxes. There is one position that will start in early May and finish at the end of July. Primary duties include searching for and monitoring nests of Spectacled and Common eiders, Black Brant and other waterfowl, reading color-character tarsal bands of marked brant and eiders, mist netting adult eiders in early spring and capturing and banding female eiders late in the season, data entry, and assisting with remote field camp operations. The technician will also assist with setting and monitoring hair snares and camera traps for Arctic Foxes. Working hours can be irregular and are often influenced by weather and tides. The field site is on the coast of the Bering Sea and technicians will frequently be working in adverse conditions (e.g., high winds, freezing temperatures, precipitation) and walking long distances on mud flats and coastal vegetation while wearing waders. The project is based out of a remote field camp with limited amenities (e.g., no running water, cellular service, or internet).

Work Unit Description:

Department of 'Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology'

Application Deadline:

December 1, 2026

Essential Job Duties:

• Search for and monitor nests of Spectacled and Common eiders, Black Brant, and other waterfowl, and read color-character tarsal bands on marked brant and eiders.
• Mist net adult eiders in early spring and capture and band female eiders late in the season.
• Enter field data and assist with remote field camp operations.

Conditions of Employment:

N/A

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants must be detail oriented, and able to work both independently and cooperatively with others, Able to lift and carry >75 pounds.
• Applicants must have attained or be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to applicants with experience monitoring bird nests, capturing, marking, and resighting large numbers of birds, working in remote field camps, operating snow machines or ATVs, and fixing small engines.
• Preference for the long-term position will be given to applicants with experience operating boats with tiller motors.

Salary Range:

$20 - $20

Employee Benefits:

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

Background Check Policy Statement:

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO:

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land‑grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

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