2026 Volunteer Seabird Research Assistants, Southeast Farallon Island, CA (USA)

Point Blue Conservation Science is seeking Volunteer Seabird Research Assistants (5-7) for the spring and summer season on Southeast Farallon Island, California. Located 27 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, the Farallon Islands host the largest seabird breeding colony in the contiguous United States, serve as a key resting and breeding site for pinnipeds, lie within important feeding areas for migratory whales and white sharks, and provide refuge for thousands of migrant and vagrant landbirds each year. From March through September, our research focuses on upper trophic marine predators, primarily seabirds, as bio-indicators of natural and anthropogenic variation in the marine environment. Research Assistants (RAs) play a vital role in the collection of population, reproductive performance, phenology, and diet across most breeding seabird species on the Farallones. All volunteer RAs will receive comprehensive training in wildlife behavioral observation, safe bird handling and banding, prey identification, data management, and field operational logistics. This position provides an exciting opportunity to work in close proximity to thousands of seabirds on a remote island, situated in one of the most productive coastal upwelling systems in the world!

Primary duties of Seabird Research Assistants include:

• Searching for banded common murres, western gulls, and Brandt's cormorants and following reproductive status
• Checking nest boxes and natural crevices of Cassin's auklets, rhinoceros auklets, and pigeon guillemots
• Handling, measuring, and banding seabird adults and chicks
• Collecting diet samples and conducting diet watches
• Documenting attendance of tufted puffins at natural breeding sites
• Mist netting ashy storm-petrels at night for our mark-recapture study
• Resighting tagged seals and sea lions
• Surveying for migrating and feeding cetaceans from the lighthouse
• Collecting daily weather observations and sea-surface temperature readings
• Assisting with additional research priorities (e.g., social attraction, tag deployments, physiological sampling) as opportunities arise
• Participating in safe landing operations for resupplies of personnel and food

Work on Southeast Farallon Island can be both extremely strenuous and sedentary at times, requiring sound physical and mental endurance, especially in a rugged, loud, cold, and windy environment. Eligible candidates must be self-motivated, organized, personable, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. The position also requires a willingness to work long and sometimes irregular hours, including frequent night work during peak chick-provisioning periods. Additionally, all island residents are expected to assist in maintenance of the research station, including chores and cooking duties on a regular basis.

Positions are available 14 March through 12 September 2026, with a minimum commitment of eight weeks. While research assistant positions on Southeast Farallon Island are volunteer, excellent food and housing will be provided during your stay on the island. Transportation to the Bay Area and to Petaluma, where our main office is located, is not provided.

Qualifications:

• Passion for seabirds and conservation work
• Strong interpersonal skills, including effective communication and active listening
• Strong work-ethic and self-motivation, adaptable to a dynamic work schedule
• Enthusiasm for intense field work in unfavorable conditions
• Comfortable working independently and as a compassionate teammate
• Sense of curiosity and eagerness to learn
• Attention to detail and awareness of surroundings
• Considerate of ethical and safety considerations involving wildlife and people
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Ability to walk and scramble over uneven, steep, and rocky terrain
• Ability to sit, bend, and kneel for extended periods of time
• Desired: a degree in biology or a related field and prior ecological research experience

Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.