VOLUNTEER SONGBIRD RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (4-6) needed for fall 2026 on Southeast Farallon Island (30 miles west of San Francisco). This volunteer opportunity is designed to allow early career ecologists to gain valuable hands-on field research and remote living experience while contributing to long-term research on songbird migration.

Volunteer RAs will:

• Learn how to monitor the arrival and stop-over ecology of migrant birds by conducting area searches, mist-netting, and banding. 
• Learn how to survey for migrant seabirds, gulls, white sharks, and whales which also visit the area around the Farallones during the Fall season, as well as occasional surveys for pinnipeds, crickets, and salamanders. 
• Learn how to enter, proof, and manage data, contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the research station, and take turns cooking. 
• Participate in field research 7 days a week, with a variable schedule that includes long days and night work. Fieldwork requires rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and climbing.
• Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of responsibility in fieldwork and data entry as well as working frequently with a partner or team.
• Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in biology or related field, a proficiency in identifying North American birds, and experience with mist-netting and banding.
• Enthusiasm for intense fieldwork on a small, isolated island and the ability to get along well with others is essential.

Positions are available from 15 August through 5 December 2026 with a minimum 8-week commitment. This is a volunteer position with no financial compensation, though we do provide great food and island housing. 

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.