Field research assistants play a crucial role on the project. After a training period, assistants conduct vital research for the project, which includes monitoring of breeding behavior, plotting of nests with GPS units, identifying of intruders and taking note of all vocalizations and social interactions.

Assistants also help to collect data related to ongoing experiments (such as those with decoys) and participate in capture, marking, measuring and release of loons. Many assistants have a chance to return for a second or third year of research on the project and may carve out research projects of their own that complement the aims of the study.