VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANTS: PhD Student in need of 1-2 field

assistant(s) for research investigating the mechanisms and consequences

of avian insectivore declines in Central America between Feb-Aug 2008. I

am seeking highly motivated, reliable, and flexible assistant(s) to work

with me at Refugio Bartola (Nicaragua), Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve and

La Selva Biological Station (Costa Rica), and Barro Colorado Island

(Panama). I am investigating the potential roles of several alternative

mechanisms (food-limitation, microhabitat selection, and nest predation)

in the declines of rainforest understory insectivorous birds, including

ruddy-tailed flycatcher (Terenotriccus erythrurus), golden-crowned

spadebill (Platyrinchus coronatus), and several antwren species, in

rainforest reserves. The field work will be varied, including foraging

observations, some mist-netting, nest-searching and observation, and

arthropod sampling, but the majority of the work will involve habitat

structure data collection. Assistants will be responsible for helping

with all aspects of the study, including bird location and observation,

arthropod sampling (using pitfall traps, flight intercept traps, visual

observations, and sweep-netting), canopy height estimation (using a

rangefinder), taking hemispherical photographs, and general data

collection and recording. Field work is intensive, involving fairly long

days, long hikes and/or bicycle rides on often hilly and slippery

terrain with backpacks full of water and field gear. Applicants should

have significant progress towards a BS/BA (or higher degree) in Biology,

Ecology, or a related field. Previous experience with birds, arthropods,

vegetation surveys, or other field work is preferable but not necessary,

but a strong interest in fieldwork and the flexibility, durability, and

tolerance to deal with occasionally difficult conditions (heat,

humidity, biting and stinging insects, snakes, steep terrain) is

essential. Knowledge of English is essential and Spanish is helpful but

not necessary, as we will mostly be at field stations with other

English-speaking researchers; though a willingness to learn will greatly

improve your experience. The assistant must be detail-oriented and

meticulous in data collection; experience with collecting systematic

data in a scientific context is preferred. In general, applicants should

be in good physical and mental condition, and able to maintain a

positive and humorous attitude towards challenging and tiring work. In

exchange for this, applicants will obtain a variety of valuable research

skills, and will work in gorgeous locations with excellent birding

opportunities. I will be able to cover half of the station fees plus all

transportation between field sites. Thus assistants are responsible for

transportation to San Jose, Costa Rica, and half of station fees

($5-$15/night, depending on location; includes on-site lodging, food,

and access to all facilities – laundry, high-speed internet access at

all sites except Bartola). Assistants must obtain necessary vaccinations

to work at these sites: typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis A are required,

anti-malarials are optional). Visas are not required for US citizens;

citizens of other countries are responsible for obtaining any necessary

visas. Ideally, I would like to find applicants who can stay the entire

6-month period. However, I will accept applicants who can commit to at

least 2 months. Exceptional applicants may be considered for shorter

periods. Please send a resume, letter of interest (describing

background, experience, available dates, and future goals), and the

names and email addresses of 3 references to: NICOLE MICHEL by email

attachment (preferred – EM: nmichel@...) or via snail mail to

Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 400 Boggs, Tulane University,

New Orleans, LA 70118. Please feel free to contact me at the above email

address for further information. Applications must be received by 1 Dec

2007.

FIELD BIOLOGISTS (3) needed from 15 Feb through 7 Jul for a monitoring

study of the endemic threatened San Clemente Sage Sparrow population on

San Clemente Island, California, the southernmost California Channel

Island operated by the U.S. Navy. Duties include nest searching and

monitoring, territory mapping, passive and target mist-netting and

banding nestlings and adults, color-band re-sight surveys, ACCESS data

entry, and GIS mapping. This position requires patience and sharp

observation skills using spotting scopes and binoculars. Qualifications:

Applicants must have a B.S. in a biology-related field, have a valid

driver’s license, be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and have an

easy-going positive attitude with enthusiasm for bird work. Preference

will be given to those with relevant field experience nest-searching in

scrub or grassland habitat, bird banding, and bird observation.

Applicants should be comfortable hiking in rocky and cactus-covered

terrain and maneuvering steep slopes. All employment offers are

contingent on the insurability of the applicant by IWS so applicants

will be asked to provide information to verify their clean driving

record. If hired, applicants will need to submit a banding resume to be

included on our threatened species and banding permits. There are

several other research groups on island, so applicants should enjoy

living as part of a small research community Compensation will be

approximately $1800/month. Work schedule will be 10 days on-island and 4

days off. Housing, food and transportation while on island, and

transportation to and from SCI on a Navy plane flying out of the

Coronado Base in San Diego. No off-island housing is provided on your

days off. To apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, and contact

information (phone and email) for three references to: SARA KAISER,

Institute for Wildlife Studies (EM: kaiser@...). Please indicate

‘Sage Sparrow Biologist Application’ in the subject heading to ensure

that your application is received. Applications will be reviewed as they

are received and positions will be filled by the end of Dec.

FIELD SUPERVISOR (1) needed from 1 Feb through 7 Jul for a monitoring

study of the endemic threatened San Clemente Sage Sparrow population on

San Clemente Island, California, the southernmost California Channel

Island operated by the U.S. Navy. The primary job responsibilities are

the supervision and field training of the seasonal field crew including

nest searching and monitoring, territory mapping, passive and target

mist-netting and banding nestlings and adults, and color-band resight

surveys according to established field protocols. This position also

requires demonstrated ability using database management in ACCESS and

GIS mapping in ArcView. The field supervisor will also be asked to

assist in the generation of monthly reports to the Navy, will manage the

scheduling and flight manifests of the field crew, assist in the monthly

inspection of our field trucks, and will regularly need to communicate

with military personnel to request access to restricted areas. This

position requires patience and sharp observation skills using spotting

scopes and binoculars. Qualifications: Applicants must have a B.S. in a

biology-related field but an M.S. is preferred in the absence of 2 – 4

years of professional field experience, have a valid driver’s license,

be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and have an easy-going

positive attitude with enthusiasm for bird work. Preference will be

given to someone with relevant field experience nest-searching in scrub

or grassland habitat, bird banding, and bird observation. Applicants

should be comfortable hiking in rocky and cactus-covered terrain and

maneuvering steep slopes. All employment offers are contingent on the

insurability of the applicant by IWS so applicants will be asked to

provide information to verify their clean driving record. If hired,

applicants will need to submit a banding resume to be included on our

threatened species and banding permits. There are several other research

groups on island, so applicants should enjoy living as part of a small

research community. Additional information regarding IWS research on SCI

and photos of the island are available at : http://www.iws.org.

Compensation will be approximately $2350/month. Work schedule will be 10

days on-island and 4 days off. Housing, food, and transportation while

on island, and transportation to and from SCI on a Navy plane flying out

of the Coronado Base in San Diego. No off-island housing is provided. To

apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information

(phone and email) for two references to: SARA KAISER, Institute for

Wildlife Studies (EM: kaiser@...). Please indicate ‘Sage Sparrow

Supervisor Application’ in the subject heading to ensure that your

application is received. Applications will be reviewed as they are

received and this position will be filled by the end of Dec.

SNOWY PLOVER FIELD INTERNSHIP (Mar - Aug 2008), 1-2 full-time assistants

for six months, dates may be flexible. Field assistant needed to assist

biologists in studies of nesting threatened Western Snowy Plovers in the

San Francisco Bay. Intern will have the opportunity to learn survey and

nest monitoring techniques, bird identification, and data management.

Responsibilities: survey plover nesting areas, track nesting success,

and conduct avian predator surveys, clean up equipment and enter data.

Must be able to record data accurately and quickly to minimize

disturbance. General qualifications: Applicants should have a strong

work ethic and appreciation for scientific research; must be

responsible, able to work independently and keep organized and detailed

records; able to conduct reliable work in the field under harsh

conditions, for long periods of time, interested in learning to identify

California birds; not afraid of mud and sun, in good physical condition

and prone to humor under duress; able to start work early and work for

6-8 hours; have good communication skills. Position involves driving on

dirt levees in remote areas with one other person. Preference will be

given to local applicants with field experience, and students pursuing

wildlife biology, environmental science, or related degrees. Students

can receive school credit for internships. Full-time, temporary, no

benefits, pay $8-9/hour DOE. Valid driver’s license and vehicle

required. Position contingent on funding. For more information see

http://www.sfbbo.org/plover.htm. TO APPLY: Send cover letter, resume,

and three references (name, e-mail, and daytime phone number) to:

DANIELLE LE FER, (EM: dlefer AT sfbbo.org). We will begin reviewing

applications in late Nov.