Hiring Organization:
University of Calgary
Date Posted:
2012-09-29
Position Description:
A
collaborative project between researchers at the Henry Doorly Zoo and
Aquarium Center for Conservation and Research and the University of
Calgary seeks two qualified and highly motivated research assistants.
The project involves following social groups of critically endangered
black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) in the
Kianjavato-Vatovavy landscape in southeastern Madagascar.
The primary responsibilities of the volunteers include: 1) collect
behavioral, feeding, and ranging data on two social groups 5 days/week,
up to 9 hours/day; 2) download weather station data every two weeks; and
3) enter and transmit data to the principal investigators via internet
every two weeks. Volunteers also have to the option to participate in
phenological data collection every two weeks. Most of these tasks are
carried out with the assistance of research technicians, and there is
some flexibility in scheduling. Volunteers are also encouraged to
participate in a variety of conservation and education activities (e.g.,
tree planting) organized by the field station.
Volunteers will be trained by the current field team. Volunteers also
will work with an experienced and very helpful local team of assistants
for all activities. Some English is spoken by the team, but French
language skills will be useful; it should also be possible for
volunteers to learn to communicate in Malagasy during their stay. The
terrain is very steep and the weather is typically very warm and humid,
particularly December-April. Adequate physical fitness to follow
animals in these conditions is required. There are no dangerous
animals, except the rare spider or scorpion. However, precautions
should be made to avoid tropical diseases (e.g., malaria) – volunteers
should ensure that they have the proper vaccinations and malaria
prophylaxis. There are nine total lemur species present, and a rich
variety of other endemics (birds, chameleons, tenrecs, etc.).
Research is based at the newly-established Kianjavato Ahmanson Field
Station (KAFS). Infrastructure upgrades are ongoing, however conditions
are currently relatively rustic. Volunteers will sleep in their own
tents under a fixed shelter, and meals are basic camp fare (be prepared
to eat rice at each meal). Tent size is limited to two-person to allow
sufficient space on shared tent platforms. There is generally good
cellular phone reception at the station and in some parts of the forest.
Volunteers will need to obtain their own phones and will have to pay
for their own calls (international rates are reasonable). A generator
is present to power laptops, recharge batteries, etc. on a restricted
basis. Internet will only be available during twice monthly trips to
larger towns; one trip to town per month for each volunteer will be
funded by the project.
Qualifications/Experience:
As
indicated, adequate physical fitness is required. We prefer volunteers
with at least a BA or BSc in the biological or environmental sciences
(including biological anthropology). Some independent research
experience will be an advantage, as will work or travel experience in
tropical countries. A willingness to work in isolated conditions, the
ability to solve problems independently, and dedication to a positive
and respectful working environment are required.
Salary/funding:
No salary is offered
Support
provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
In-country permits, food, and necessary transportation at the site will be provided.
Term of Appointment:
A
six-month commitment is required (November 2012-May 2012). Volunteers
are welcome to stay longer; please indicate this in your letter of
interest.
Application Deadline:
Immediately; the positions will be filled by the first qualified applicants.
Comments:
Applicants
should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact
information for two references to Steig Johnson
(steig.johnson@ucalgary.ca). Please also CC the following email
addresses when sending application materials: Sheila Holmes
(holmess@ucalgary.ca), Ed Louis (edlo@omahazoo.com), OHDZA CCR Genetics
Dept. (genetics@omahazoo.com).
Contact
Information:
Department of Anthropology, 2500 University Dr NW, University of Calgary
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Canada
Telephone Number:
+1 (403) 220-6070
Fax Number:
+1 (403) 284-5467
Website:
E-mail Address: