Field Assistants x2 – Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)

Requirements:

A relevant BSc Degree in Natural and Biological Science or equivalent qualification.

A BSc (Hons) or higher degree will be advantageous as there may be scope to collect data towards a further degree (e.g. MSc).

Experience in field surveys, research administration, data collection and management, birds’ identification & handling, report writing, and recording.

Applicants need to have a high level of computer literacy (R, Word, Excel) and have good writing and statistical skills.

Must have good attention to detail and be meticulous in data collection and demonstrate experience to conduct scientific monitoring relating to seabirds to a high standard.

Experience in handling seabirds is essential.

Must be self-motivated and able to work at a remote place away from family and friends with minimal supervision.

Duties:

Undertake biological research, fieldwork and monitoring according to a work plan as devised by the project managers.

Make day-to-day decisions about work priorities and fieldwork protocols.

Maintain accurate records of the work and the computer databases of the work.

Regularly report to and update the project manager on the progress of the project.

The applicants must have determination, physical fitness and the ability to work under harsh environmental conditions subject to extremes of weather; a desire to work with animals, including handling of seabird adults and chicks, which require empathy for the birds.

Successful applicants will spend a full year (April 2026 to May 2027) at Marion Island.

Note that there is no option to return before the end of the expedition, once you land at the island.

The well-equipped new base station has full e-mailsand satellite telephone facilities.