vendredi 15 février 2008

Field Assistant, White-throated Capuchin Monkeys, Costa Rica

Hiring Organization: Geoff Gallice, University of Georgia Costa Rica

Position Description:
We are looking for several field assistants to help with a study examining habitat usage, foraging behavior, and social behavior of white-faced capuchin monkeys in San Luis, Costa Rica. San Luis is located in the Tilaran mountain range in northwestern Costa Rica, very close to Monteverde.

Field assistant tasks may include, but are not limited to:
-Recording of social interactions
-Monitoring and recording of habitat usage and movement
-Recording of foraging behavior
-Tree and plant specimen collection
-GPS
-Data entry

A typical day in the field will consist of 6 hours of a combination of behavioral point-time samples and habitat-use data collection. Assistants will be trained in all the methodologies needed for the
study, including how to conduct point-time samples and how to map using GPS. Part of the project will also involve collecting plant specimens and identifying them. Assistants will be given training in local plant identification, processing, and storing. This position is well-suited to those who wish to gain field experience in the areas of primatology, ecology, and wildlife biology. The assistant will gain practical experience that will help with admission to graduate schools.

Researchers and field assistants will be based at either the University of Georgia’s Research Station in San Luis, or within the San Luis community, depending on availability of accommodations. Homestays with local Costa Rican families can also be arranged.

Qualifications/Experience:
Prior experience conducting research in the fields of primatology, ecology, or wildlife sciences preferred, but not necessary. Knowledge of Spanish also a plus, but also not needed. Above all, field assistants must be motivated and able to work for long hours, often alone, and in a demanding environment. The forest in which the monkeys live can be somewhat cold in the early mornings and evenings, hot during the day, and often very wet.

Applicants must also:
-Be very mature and able to be in a secluded environment. There are internet, phone, and laundry services at the UGA station, but the station itself is somewhat isolated.
-Be very patient and detail-oriented.
-Be able to put up with insects and other critters. While San Luis is not too riddled with insects, they can sometimes be annoying.
-Be comfortable working and living in a different country, often without the luxuries of the United States.

Salary/funding:
No funding is currently available. Accommodations at the research station will be about US$17 per day, including lodging and all meals. However, prices for accommodations within the San Luis community will be lower, depending upon availability, and all meals will also be included. Internet is available at the UGA station. All transportation within Costa Rica relating to the project will be covered, including transportation to and from the field site.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
All project-related transportation will be provided. Lodging and meal costs are listed above.

Term of Appointment:
The project will run from approximately mid-May to mid-September. Applicants must be available for at least two months within this time frame, but priority will be given to those who are able to stay the entire duration.

Application Deadline:
Until all positions are filled.

Comments:
Email is the preferred method of communication.

Contact Information:
Geoff Gallice
Apartado 108-5655
Santa Elena de Monteverde, Puntarenas
Costa Rica
Telephone Number: (506) 645 8049
Website: http://www.uga.edu/costarica/
E-mail Address: geoff.gallice@gmail.com