Hiring Organization:
Barnard College, Columbia University; Queens College, CUNY
Date Posted:
2012-10-12
Position Description:
We are looking for several volunteer field assistants to help with long-term monitoring of social behavior, feeding ecology and stress responses in wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) on the Cape Peninsula of South Africa.
New volunteers are accepted on a rolling basis at any time of year. A commitment of 6 months or more is preferred, but we will consider shorter stays on a case by case basis.
Primary responsibilities will be the collection of behavioral and demographic data, monitoring of group movements and human-baboon interactions, the collection of fecal and urine samples for hormonal analyses, sample processing, and data entry.
This is an ideal position for someone who wants to gain 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.
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 away from family and friends,
- excellent attention to detail,
- excellent social and communication skills (you will be required to live and work with another volunteers 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. Costs of living are slightly less than in the US, but variable ($300-500 for a room or flat, plus food). Sharing options available as well.
Salary/funding:
None at present. Possibilities for long-term hires in 2013.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Field assistants will live in cottages or rooms in private houses adjacent to the Tokai forest, situated a few minutes driving time from Cape Town. Accommodations offer a wide range of amenities including internet and TV, and are comparable to Western living standards. More information can be provided upon request.
Term of Appointment:
6 months preferred
Application Deadline:
Applications accepted at any time.
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 mention earliest possible start date, and duration). 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:
New York, NY 10027
USA
E-mail Address: