FIELD ASSISTANT POSITION AVAILABLE IN COSTA RICA(1) for a project studying the degree of specialization in mutualistic networks between understory plants and hummingbird pollinators at different altitudes in Costa Rica, in order to understand the susceptibility of plant-pollinator relationships to global warming. The study is part of a PhD research at the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre BiK-F at Senckenberg and Goethe University. Duties include: mist-nesting, assisting in trapping, banding, and pollen loads collection of hummingbirds, data entry, using of video cameras for pollinator observations, pollination experiments and hummingbird exclusion. The position requires a willingness to work independently in harsh field conditions, sometimes in remote areas. Applicants must have a good work ethic, a good sense of direction, should be highly motivated, detail-oriented and observant. A keen interest in birds is the most important prerequisite, but also need experience in capturing, handling and banding birds. Working knowledge of Spanish, tolerance for biting insects, and working under hot or cold humid field conditions will be helpful, but not essential. The position is available from 5 Mar to 5 Sep 2011. There may be opportunities to assist with the same projects in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve in 2012. A stipend of about $500 per month plus free housing in field stations is available.
Applicants should send a letter of interest and a resume or CV that includes bird banding experience and e-mail addresses of three references via email to MARÍA ALEJANDRA MAGLIANESI (EM: mmaglianesi@uned.ac.cr). Please indicate 'field assistant application' in the subject heading. Applications must be submitted by 31 Jan 2011; early application is encouraged.