Behavioral Ecology and Conservation of the critically endangered brown spider monkeys (Ateles hybridus) in Colombia
Hiring Organization:
Proyecto Primates Colombia
Date Posted:
2008-06-09
Position Description:
We are looking for a long-term field assistant to study several aspects of the behavioural ecology and social behaviour of brown spider monkeys, one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world. Proyecto Primates Colombia has been studying these primates for 3 years and the data collected here will be part of a long-term project currently being developed at several sites in Colombia.
Field assistant will be trained in detailed data collection protocols that will continue to describe spider monkeys feeding ecology and ranging patterns. Based on known individuals we are also describing the fission-fusion societies of these primates specifically looking at their sub-grouping patterns and social behaviour. Also, field assistants will be trained on phenological data collection in order to continue estimating fruit availability at the study area.
The study site has a very broken terrain, although we have established a ca. 10 kms trail system that allows us to access most areas of our study group ranges. Thus, field work is physically demanding . You will be working with one or two Colombian students developing their thesis work with brown spider monkeys.
Qualifications/Experience:
We are ideally looking for assistants that have prior experience working in the field for long periods of time, especially with primates or at least experience living in foreign developing countries. We are looking for persons interested in developing their professional careers in areas like Conservation, Primatology, Ecology and Animal Behavior, with a background (BS/BA) in these areas.Basic skills on Spanish are required.
Applicants must be in good physical conditions (and mental conditions) and should be willing to spend long periods of time in remote areas with a small groups of colleagues and people. Commitment and patience are required to develop the work done in this project. Applicants should have a good attitude towards hard work and skills to overcome challenging situations by yourself and by working with colleagues and local people.
Field work is demanding as behavioural follows are conducted from dawn to dusk for ca. 25 days a month. Thus, we are looking for assistants that are willing to gain field experience and to learn as much as possible during their stay in the project.
Salary/funding:
Applicants must cover their round-trip airfare to Bogota, Colombia and local travel within the country (around US$ 80). We can cover your stay in Bogota. You should at least have yellow fever, tetanus and hepatitis vaccination. Daily fees are US$15 per day and include the three meals and accommodation at the station.
Term of Appointment:
A 5 to 8 month commitment is required, beginning August-September 2008. Andres Link will train and work with assistants during their first month of field work. All work will be done with at least one Colombian field assistant.
Application Deadline:
Until position is filled
Comments:
Applicants should submit an electronic copy of:
1. CV including relevant coursework, previous field/outdoor experience, and where/how you can be contacted
2. Letter of interest (please include dates you are available)
3. References from three persons (preferably professors or research supervisors with whom you’ve worked closely) in which they provide information about your experiences, skills, and training.
Please direct all initial inquiries and the required documents to Andres Link (al898@nyu.edu) and Gabriela de Luna (gabydeluna@hotmail.com).
Contact Information:
Andres Link
25 Waverly Place
New York, NY 10003
USA
Telephone Number:
057-1-6910509 (Bogota, Colombia)
E-mail Address:
al898@nyu.edu