Hiring Organization:
German Primate Center
German Primate Center
Date Posted:
2011-02-23
2011-02-23
Position Description:
We are looking for volunteer field assistants for a project on the behavioral ecology of tufted capuchin monkeys in Iguazú National Park, Argentina to work beginning in mid-April or early May until September 1st, 2011. The current projects focus on aspects of mating and anti-predator behavior and vocalizations given in these contexts. The assistant will need to learn to recognize all individuals in at least one study group, collect behavioral data via focal, scan, and ad libitum sampling, aid in conducting field experiments (using vocalization playbacks, controlled provisioning, and predator models), and collect fecal samples for hormone analysis.
The assistant will work 25 days per month, spending at least 6 to 8 hours per day in the forest and an additional two hours or so per day in the lab entering data into spreadsheets. Time in the field can be quite uncomfortable – this portion of the project will be conducted during the Argentine winter, when days are sometimes quite cold and rainy, but hot and humid days can also be expected. Mosquitoes are usually very intense, and you may regularly encounter such dangers as venomous snakes, bees, and wasps. Encounters with pumas and jaguars are also possible.
We are looking for volunteer field assistants for a project on the behavioral ecology of tufted capuchin monkeys in Iguazú National Park, Argentina to work beginning in mid-April or early May until September 1st, 2011. The current projects focus on aspects of mating and anti-predator behavior and vocalizations given in these contexts. The assistant will need to learn to recognize all individuals in at least one study group, collect behavioral data via focal, scan, and ad libitum sampling, aid in conducting field experiments (using vocalization playbacks, controlled provisioning, and predator models), and collect fecal samples for hormone analysis.
The assistant will work 25 days per month, spending at least 6 to 8 hours per day in the forest and an additional two hours or so per day in the lab entering data into spreadsheets. Time in the field can be quite uncomfortable – this portion of the project will be conducted during the Argentine winter, when days are sometimes quite cold and rainy, but hot and humid days can also be expected. Mosquitoes are usually very intense, and you may regularly encounter such dangers as venomous snakes, bees, and wasps. Encounters with pumas and jaguars are also possible.
Qualifications/Experience:
Previous experience in animal behavior or a related field, traveling in less-developed countries, and an ability to speak Spanish are all preferred. Assistants will need to be prepared to live in close quarters with other participants in the project and with other researchers staying at the field station. Being cooperative, responsible, hard-working, mature, and willing to commit to work through the end of the field season are essential.
Previous experience in animal behavior or a related field, traveling in less-developed countries, and an ability to speak Spanish are all preferred. Assistants will need to be prepared to live in close quarters with other participants in the project and with other researchers staying at the field station. Being cooperative, responsible, hard-working, mature, and willing to commit to work through the end of the field season are essential.
Salary/funding:
The position does not pay a salary.
The position does not pay a salary.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
All food costs while working on the project will be covered. The assistant will have to cover his/her own field station fees, which run approximately $275 USD/month, although a portion of that ($500) will be refunded to the assistant contingent upon completion of the project in September. Transportation while at the field site will be covered, but the assistant will be responsible for all travel to and from the field site. Assistants will be required to have their own health insurance and should have all vaccinations up to date.
All food costs while working on the project will be covered. The assistant will have to cover his/her own field station fees, which run approximately $275 USD/month, although a portion of that ($500) will be refunded to the assistant contingent upon completion of the project in September. Transportation while at the field site will be covered, but the assistant will be responsible for all travel to and from the field site. Assistants will be required to have their own health insurance and should have all vaccinations up to date.
Term of Appointment:
About mid-April until September 1, 2011.
About mid-April until September 1, 2011.
Application Deadline:
March 15, 2011
March 15, 2011
Comments:
If interested, please email a cover letter indicating your previous experience and reason for applying, a CV, and the names and contact information for two academic references to the email address below, with the subject line “tufted capuchins”. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions.
If interested, please email a cover letter indicating your previous experience and reason for applying, a CV, and the names and contact information for two academic references to the email address below, with the subject line “tufted capuchins”. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions.
E-mail Address:
bcwheeler43@gmail.com
bcwheeler43@gmail.com