Overwintering Seabird Field Researcher (2 positions)

About the role

The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is seeking two qualified researchers to spend the overwintering period on sub‑Antarctic Marion Island collecting vital data on surface‑nesting seabirds such as albatrosses and giant petrels. The role involves intensive field work in harsh, cold, wet and windy conditions, with a focus on both behavioural observation and physiological sampling of nestlings.

Key responsibilities

• Collect field data on surface‑nesting seabirds for conservation and academic research.
• Handle nestlings, perform blood sampling and isotope analyses.
• Record behavioural observations and monitor nestling survival, especially of Wandering Albatrosses.
• Deploy, maintain and retrieve camera traps and temperature dataloggers.
• Manage large electronic datasets and equipment, including satellite relay data loggers.
• Undertake remote field work with minimal supervision, covering 4,000–6,000 km of walking in gumboots.

Required profile

• Ability to work safely in extreme cold, wet and windy conditions for the majority of the time.
• Meticulous observation, note‑taking and record‑keeping skills.
• Experience handling wildlife, particularly seabird nestlings, and conducting physiological sampling.
• Strong teamwork attitude and willingness to be a supportive member of the Marion Island base crew.

Required skills

• Satellite relay data logger operation and maintenance.
• Camera trap deployment and data retrieval.
• Temperature datalogger handling.
• Blood sampling techniques for avian nestlings.
• Isotope analysis procedures.