University
of Groningen_Field Assistant Position_Ruff
Hiring Organization:
University of Groningen, The Netherlands
Position
Description:
Volunteers are needed from 10 March to 15 May 2012 for an
ongoing capture-recapture program on the Ruffs, Philomachus pugnax, supervised
by Prof. Dr. Theunis Piersma of the University of Groningen. Our current
research aims to contribute to better understand demographic and ecological
processes playing a role in the ongoing
decline of the population Ruffs using the Netherlands during migratory
stopover. The fieldwork consists in the monitoring of colour-banded birds in
Southwest Friesland, a characteristic Dutch meadow area in the north of The
Netherlands. We collect data on the timing of migration, habitat use, phenotype
characteristics, feeding and reproductive behaviour of the birds; but you will
also assist with the banding of the birds, blood sampling, and data entry.
Volunteers and students involved will live together in
our field station in a small village along the shore of Lake IJsselmeer.
Qualifications/Experience:
We are looking for happy and motivated applicants!
Days in the field can be long thus we need easy going people able to maintain a
professional attitude at all time. Autonomy, good team working and
precision during the work are as well primordial. Good observation skills,
previous experience with handling birds and colour-ring reading will be
definitely a plus but beginners are welcome to apply. Command of Dutch or
Frisian is not necessary ;-) Applicants willing to improve their spoken English
are encouraged to apply (this is an excellent opportunity to improve!). But
note that a good understanding is needed.
Salary/funding:
None. This is a volunteer position. However, we provide housing and field equipment. We’ll pay the traveling cost.
Volunteers must pay food expenses (we cook all together which allow good and
cheap meal – count 3-4 Euros per day).
Term of Appointment:
From 10 March 2011 to 15 May 2013. Commitment for the all period is required.
Application Deadline:
We will begin reviewing applications from 1th
January 2013 and continue until position is filled.
To apply:
Please send a resume/CV (keep it to relevant details),
a cover letter (interests, career goals, relevant experience for the position
and availability, not too long please ;-) ) and one or two references if
possible to:
Lucie SCHMALTZ [l.schmaltz@rug.nl] – PhD candidate, Animal Ecology Group, University of Groningen. Centre for Life
Sciences, Nijenborgh 7 - 9747 AG GRONINGEN
For more information on the position or our research, you can have a
look at the following website or just contact me!