Hiring Organization:
Para La Tierra
Date Posted:
2011-09-12
Position Description:
Para la Tierra has recently launched a new long term study on the Paraguayan tufted capuchin (Cebus apella paraguayanus). Located within the Atlantic forest at the Laguna Blanca wildlife reserve these populations are poorly studied and understood. The project aims to establish long term research into the behaviour, ecology, and genetics of this species.
Para la Tierra seeks volunteers to assist in the preliminary stages of the project. Presently the capuchins are not fully habituated or radio collared. Volunteers will be expected to assist in all parts of the project. Duties will include trail cutting, trail marking, GPS work, map making, daily searches for the monkeys, and collection of basic data. Volunteers will be expected to work 5-6 days per week and between 6-10 hours per day. This position will provide an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in living and working at a field research site as well as in the study of wild primates. Successful volunteers in these primary stages of the project will be prioritised when fully funded behavioural assistantships become available later in the year.
Qualifications/Experience:
Essential requirements
1. Interest in natural habitats and animal behaviour
2. Hard working
3. High level of enthusiasm, commitment, and motivation
4. Above average level of physical fitness
5. Ability to work both independently and within a team of local and European/US researchers
Desired but not essential
1. Experience in working on a field research project
2. Some level of foreign travel or living/work experience within a developing country and ideally the tropics
3. A university level qualification in animal behaviour, zoology, anthropology or other relevant discipline
4. Prepared to make a minimum commitment of 2 months
5. Competent in Spanish (verbal)
Additionally volunteers must have a tolerance towards local customs and beliefs and be comfortable with other conditions and risks that are simply part of tropical fieldwork, such as limited healthcare and rare confrontations with potentially dangerous plants or animals.
Salary/funding:
This is a volunteer position and as such no wage or stipend is currently available. The volunteer is responsible for their return flight to Paraguay, visas, which will need extending after 3 months for an additional 3 months, comprehensive travel and medical insurance, field site fees ($850 per month), and all field clothing.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Comfortable accommodation (shared rooms and bathrooms, hot showers), 3 meals per day, laundry, wireless internet, free access to leisure activities within the reserve (horse riding, kayaking), transportation from local town to field site.
Term of Appointment:
Open but preference will be given to candidates who can commit for a minimum of 2 months
Application Deadline:
Rolling applications
Comments:
Candidates should send a cover letter, CV, and contact details for 2 references. Applicants who are successful in the first round will be invited for a telephone conversation.
For a more detailed account of this project, please contact Luke Ward at: lukeward007@hotmail.com
Contact Information:
Karina Atkinson
Santa Rosa
Paraguay
Telephone Number:
+59585260074
Website:
http://www.paralatierra.org
E-mail Address:
paralatierra@ymail.com