Hiring Organization:
Queens College, CUNY; Barnard College, Columbia University
Date Posted:
2011-06-13
Position Description:
We are looking for two or more volunteer field assistants to help with long-term monitoring of social and feeding behavior in wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) on the Cape Peninsula of South Africa. Preferred start date is late July/early August 2011.
Primary responsibilities will be the day-to-day collection of standardized behavioral and demographic data from three study troops, and communicating with the PIs through regular email contact. In 2012, additional components of this research will include the assessment of stress hormones and parasite infections in fecal samples, which assistants will be trained to collect and process as required.
This is an ideal position for someone who wants to gain further field experience in preparation for a graduate program in anthropology, animal behavior, or ecology. The position will provide extensive training in field methods of behavioral ecology and endocrinology, particularly for individuals who can commit for a period of 6-12 months.
For more information about the baboon research at the field site, see http://www.baboonsonline.org/bru/
Qualifications/Experience:
Given substantial responsibilities and a great degree of independence, candidates must be highly reliable and motivated individuals who will be able to work independently without supervision in a foreign country, and be able to provide some documentation attesting to these qualities.
Other minimum qualifications:
- good physical condition (daily work involves long hikes following baboons troops, and may include steep mountain slopes and otherwise difficult terrain),
- comfortable with living far away from family and friends,
- excellent attention to detail,
- excellent social and communication skills (you will be required to live with another volunteer under the same roof for an extended period),
- ability to maintain a positive attitude toward hard and tiring work.
Preferred qualifications:
- undergraduate or graduate courses in anthropology, primatology, or animal behavior
- prior experience with systematic data collection in the field
- prior experience with behavioral observations on wild animals (preferably primates or other mammals)
- prior experience with living and working abroad
Candidates must be willing/able to cover their own airfare and living expenses; no funding is currently available (see below). Costs of accommodation are still being worked out, but will likely range between US$300-400 per month in a shared cottage near the field site. Additional costs of living will depend on personal preferences, but costs of food are likely to be $200 per month and above.
Salary/funding:
None at present. Although we are applying for grants that will provide a modest salary for long-term assistants, decisions on these grants will not be available until approximately January 2012. Pending future availability of funds, we will hire one or more long-term field assistants in January 2012 (commitment of 1 year or more required); previous and current volunteers will be preferred for any such position, and previous working period will be considered in fulfilling the one-year requirement.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Field assistants will live in a shared cottage or guest house adjacent to the Tokai forest, situated a few minutes driving time from Cape Town. Accommodation offers a wide range of amenities including internet and TV, and is comparable to Western living standards. More information can be provided upon request.
Term of Appointment:
August 1 - December 31 (or longer)
Application Deadline:
Until all positions are filled
Comments:
To apply, please send an email to the address below, stating clearly in the body of the email why you are interested in this position, your primary qualifications, and your availability. Please attach a current CV, and have two letters of recommendation mailed directly to the same email address, by people who can attest to the qualifications most relevant to this position.
Contact Information:
Steffen Foerster
New York, NY 10027
USA
Website:
http://www.baboonsonline.org/bru/
E-mail Address:
sf2041@columbia.edu