Hiring Organization:
University of California
Date Posted:
2013-03-03
Position Description:
Position:
Field manager for long-term field research project on the ecology of gibbon and leaf monkey populations in Gunung Palung National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Project and study site:
The gibbon and leaf monkey population ecology research project examines how various aspects of the ecology of tropical forests affect the vertebrate populations that inhabit them, with special attention paid to the two target primate taxa. Since 2007, the project team has been monitoring more than 6,000 plant stems and populations of all large vertebrates across a natural gradient of seven distinct tropical forest types and applying these data to a range of theoretical and applied questions in tropical ecology and conservation biology. The project is run by Dr. Andy Marshall, a professor at the University of California, Davis, USA.
The Cabang Panti Research Station is located in Gunung Palung National Park. The station is quite remote, reached by a walk of 4–6 hours through the forest or a 12+ hour boat ride. The research camp is located in pristine, lowland Dipterocarp rainforest; the camp buildings are rustic and living conditions are simple but comfortable.
Primary responsibilities:
1. Overseeing and participating in collection of long-term data. Data collection includes monitoring plant phenology in botanical plots, surveying vertebrates along established census routes, and gathering behavioral data on gibbons and leaf monkeys
2. Ensuring that data are accurately entered into the project database in an efficient and timely manner
3. Managing a team of three to four experienced local assistants
4. Responsibly dispersing and accounting for project funds
5. Maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with relevant government officials, university counterparts, and the Gunung Palung National Park Bureau
6. Serving as an effective conduit of information between the PI and the field staff
Nationality:
Open, although candidate must speak fluent English or Indonesian to permit communication with the project PI. Ideally, candidates will have proficiency in both languages, although this is not a pre-requisite.
Qualifications/Experience:
Applicants should have relevant university coursework and at least a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field. Master’s or post-doctoral candidates are also welcome to apply.
Applicants must have aptitude and strong interest in biology, ecology, botany, anthropology, or a related field; be mature, independent, responsible, and culturally sensitive; be of sufficient physical, mental, and emotional condition to live and work in a remote tropical rainforest; be able to work well with others in close proximity; and be comfortable both following instructions and using personal initiative. In addition, the ideal candidate would have previous field research experience (preferably in the tropics); experience with management; proficiency with computer programming and databases; and speak Indonesian. Applicants who are enthusiastic about the position but do not fulfill all of these ideal requirements are nevertheless encouraged to apply.
Salary/funding:
The main compensation is the opportunity to live and work in a beautiful, diverse tropical forest and gain valuable experience in field ecology research. Opportunities also exist for collaboration on scientific publications with the project leader or to conduct independent research projects. In addition, the field manager will have all direct costs associated with the project covered by the PI (e.g., round trip airfare, lodging, ground transportation, research permit and visa fees, research station fees). Additional compensation may be possible possible, based on the candidate’s experience and education level and the availability of funds– such compensation could range from a modest monthly stipend to a competitive post-doctoral salary. Individuals will be responsible for their own basic field equipment, health care, and medical expenses.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
See above.
Term of Appointment:
A minimum of 12 months, starting in July 2013, with the option for extension for multiple years.
Application Deadline:
Applications will be accepted until position is filled, but all materials should be submitted by April 5th to receive full consideration. Skype or phone interviews with top candidates will be conducted in April and a final decision will be made before the end of May.
Comments:
Please submit to Dr. Marshall via email: a CV and a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining your relevant experience and qualifications and your reasons for applying for the position. In addition, please have two recommenders capable of evaluating your suitability for this position submit letters of recommendation directly to Dr. Marshall.
Please submit all application materials and any questions to Prof. Andrew Marshall: ajmarshall@ucdavis.edu.
Contact Information:
Department of Anrthopology, University of California, One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
USA
Fax Number:
(530) 754-9699
Website:
E-mail Address: