Spatially Connected

FIELD RESEARCHER(S)
Ecotrust, Portland, Oregon (work to be done on the Oregon coast)
Closes: Open Until Filled

Ecotrust (www.ecotrust.org) is a conservation based development organization whose mission is to inspire fresh thinking that creates economic, social and environmental well-being. We work to strengthen communities and the environment from Alaska to California and is committed to the notion that every transaction should enrich people and place. Ecotrust works with native peoples and in the fisheries, forestry and farming sectors to build a regional economy that is based on social and ecological opportunities.

Reports to: Marine Planning Project Manager
Location: All ports in the Oregon Coast
Start Date: Mid-November 2009
Salary: $2,500/month

We are currently looking to hire 2 field staff members to conduct interviews with commercial, charter, and sport fishermen on the Oregon coast. This work is in support of the Marine Fisheries Uses and Values project. This project is a unique opportunity to bring fishermen's knowledge directly to bear on marine planning processes... The goal is to compile a comprehensive map of the commercial and recreational fishing use patterns along the Oregon coast from Brookings to Astoria using the expert knowledge of fishermen...

After introductory meetings have been conducted with representatives of the fishing community, and a survey designed, field staff will begin contacting fishermen to set up interviews. Interviews will be conducted using one-on-one or small group formats. Field staff will use Open OceanMap (Desktop GIS application) to collect shapes representing participants' fishing grounds and other non-spatial attributes, including demographics, basic operations (gear types, crew size/composition, operating costs and revenues), and other descriptive characteristics. Field staff will be trained in field methods, data preparation, quality control, and some analysis.

Field staff members are expected to live full time on the Oregon Coast; moving from port-to-port during the entire field season (approximately ending in April/May 2010). Housing, travel, and meal expenses will be reimbursed. Teams of two are encouraged to apply together as the field staff will be working as a team for the entire field season.

Spanish, Vietnamese, or other language skills a plus.

A complete job description and application forms can be downloaded at: www.ecotrust.org/about/jobs.html

Please, no phone calls.