Hiring Organization:
Valerie Schoof, Graduate student, Tulane University
Date Posted:
2009-06-08
Position Description:
I am looking for an enthusiastic, independent and capable volunteer field assistant to participate in a study of male reproductive strategies in white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus). The field site is located in the dry tropical lowland forest of Santa Rosa National Park in northwestern Costa Rica.
While in the field, assistants will collect full-day behavioral observations (focal animal follows), fecal samples for hormone analysis, fecal samples for parasite analysis, GPS ranging data, and once monthly phenology data. Other responsibilities include (but are not limited to) data entry, field processing of fecal samples, and trail cutting and maintenance.
This position is ideal for someone interested in gaining field experience in preparation for graduate school. You will learn various field methods relevant for the study of animal behavior, behavioral ecology, and socioendocrinology.
Qualifications/Experience:
• Preference will be given to applicants who hold an undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Animal Behavior, Physical Anthropology, or other related fields.
• Experience working with primates is not necessary, though experience with animals, camping and/or working outdoors is strongly preferred.
• The ideal applicant should have prior experience with living or working in a foreign country, with special preference for developing countries.
• Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not necessary; however, a willingness to learn is expected.
• Applicants must:
o Be in good physical and mental condition;
o Be comfortable away from family and friends;
o Be emotionally mature, energetic, dedicated, very patient and have very good social skills, especially in small groups;
o Be willing to put up with insects, scorpions, snakes and other pests; being alone in the forest;
o Be able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards challenging, tiring, and sometimes frustrating work;
o Have a strong interest in primate behavior and want to have fun learning and working with them!
Salary/funding:
I will reimburse round-trip airfare to Costa Rica (up to $1000US) upon completion of the arranged duration of the assistantship. I will also pay for the room fees for part of your room fees at the end of your stay (exact amount will depend on the contract length), and the internet fees.
Assistants are responsible for room fees for the first part of the field stay (US$10/day), food, any expenses related to time off, health and travel insurance, immunizations, personal field clothes, boots, and binoculars.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
See above.
Term of Appointment:
ASAP to end of November 2009
Application Deadline:
Until filled
Comments:
Serious applicants please contact me at vschoof@tulane.edu to receive a field guide. Applicants still interested in applying after initial contact should submit the following (via email):
1. Brief Curriculum Vitae including relevant coursework, previous field/outdoor/sports/travel experience, and where/how you can be contacted;
2. Letter of interest (please include dates you are available);
3. Contact information for at least two persons willing to act as referees (preferably professors or research supervisors with whom you've worked closely).
Contact Information:
Valerie Schoof
7041 Freret Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
USA
E-mail Address:
vschoof@tulane.edu