SONORAN DESERT SEASONAL STAFF AND INTERNSHIP POSITIONS with PRBO- PRBO
Conservation Science is seeking 3-5 motivated xerophiles to assist with
all-species breeding and migratory landbird surveys throughout Sonoran
Desert Thorn Woodland habitats of the Lower Colorado River Valley. This
is a long-term study of a California Audubon Important Bird Area, with a
challenging array of Sonoran Desert residents and western Neotropical
migrants to master. Primary field duties will include point counting,
nest-searching and monitoring, and vegetation assessments. Prior bird
surveying experience a plus, and applicants must be willing to work long
hours/camp in the field. 4WD or AWD vehicle also a plus (lots of sandy
washes to survey). Housing is provided. Point counting positions begin 1
Mar 2007, extend through 15 May 2007, and earn $1050/month. Nest
searching positions begin 1 Feb 2007, extend through 31 May 2007, and
earn $800-$1600/month, depending on experience. To apply, e-mail a
one-page maximum cover letter briefly detailing your past experiences
and future goals to CHRIS McCREEDY (EM: cmccreedy AT prbo.org).

VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANT POSITIONS (2-3) available 5 Mar to 15 May 2007
for an ongoing behavioral study of cooperation and mate choice in
lance-tailed manakins (Chiroxiphia lanceolata) in Panama. Males of this
small passerine species court females in cooperative pairs, and perform
spectacular leaping displays on dispersed display territories.
Assistants' responsibilities include conducting many hour-long
behavioral observations at display sites, nest-searching through dense
secondary-growth forest, and mistnetting birds for banding and blood
sampling, as well as data entry and organizational tasks. Experience in
one or more of these areas is strongly preferred. Applicants should have
a very strong interest in birds, animal behavior, and field biology.
This position is particularly suitable for people interested in graduate
studies in behavioral ecology, and motivated assistants have the
opportunity to develop independent side projects. The field crew will
live and work on a remote island off of Panama's Pacific coast and share
one-room housing, so experience working in isolated field settings
and/or living in close quarters is highly desirable. Applicants should
be enthusiastic and physically fit: the terrain is steep, the weather is
hot and humid, and there's an abundance of biting insects and a healthy
population of snakes. Expect to work long days (7am-6pm six days a
week), be woken at 4 am by howler monkeys on a regular basis, and see
some amazing bird behavior. Round-trip airfare to Panama (max of $1000),
food, housing, and required transportation within Panama will be
provided. For more information on the research, see
http://www.orn.mpg.de/mitarbeiter/duval2.html. To apply, send: 1)
coverletter explaining your motivation to work on this project, 2)
resume, 3) email and phone numbers of three references to: EMILY DuVAL
(EM: ehduval AT orn.mpg.de), Max Planck Institut fuer Ornithologie,
Postfach 1564, HausNr. 5, D-82319 Seewiesen, Germany. Review of
applications will continue until positions are filled. Please note that
because assistants receive extensive on-site training, only applications
for the entire field season can be considered.


VOLUNTEER SEABIRD RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (4-6) needed for spring/summer
2007 on Southeast Farallon Island, 28 miles west of San Francisco,
California. Become part of the longest continuous study of seabird
ecology in the Northern Hemisphere. Our studies examine upper trophic
marine predators as bio-indicators of natural and anthropogenic
variation in the marine ecosystem. RA duties include censusing and
monitoring seabird and marine mammal populations, conducting demographic
investigations on cormorants, gulls, and alcids, conducting feeding
ecology studies on alcids. RAs also contribute to the upkeep and
maintenance of the research station. RAs will work full-time, 7 days a
week, with a variable schedule that includes long days and night work.
Long term RAs will receive some break time off the island. Some field
work requires rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and
climbing. Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high
level of responsibility in field work 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 and prior
ecological research experience. Enthusiasm for field work in windy, cold
conditions is essential. The ability to coexist on a small, isolated
island with aggressive gulls and overworked humans is important.
Positions are available 10 Mar through 1 Sep with a minimum 8-week
commitment. We provide great food and island housing. Transportation to
boat in San Francisco not provided. More information can be found at
http://www.prbo.org. Please send a cover letter explaining interests and
dates of availability, resume, and names, email addresses, and phone
numbers of 3 references to RUSSELL BRADLEY (EM: rbradley AT prbo.org),
Farallon Biologist, PRBO Conservation Science, 3820 Cypress Drive #11,
Petaluma, CA, 94954. Email applications are fine. Applications accepted
until 31 Jan 2007 but early applications will be evaluated when they are
received and positions may be filled long before the deadline.