Field assistant – Amphibian Ecology in Thailand
Position: Full time, temporary field assistants
Duration: Roughly June 25th – Oct 10th, 2012 (exact dates to be determined)
Location: Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, Northern Thailand
Application deadline: until Feb 15th or until filled
Job Description:
2-3 field assistant positions are available as a part of behavioral and reproductive ecology research on amphibians in the tropical evergreen forests in Thailand. The project focuses on the parental care behavior of treefrogs and interactions between various pond-breeding species.
Assistants will be based at the Sakaerat Station for the duration of the field season, which is located within the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve. Access to society outside of the station will be minimal, though there will be weekly grocery trips into town and occasional trips to the city. The station will have electricity, running water (usually cold water only), and internet access depending on the weather. Meals will be cooked in turns by the researchers and assistants. During the season, days-off will be limited and field assistants must be flexible with schedules as the nature of the work depends on the animals.
This is a good opportunity for someone looking to get experience in field work and exploring Southeast Asia, with the chance to make connections with researchers in tropical ecology and herpetology. The position is best suited for a recent college graduate who has had considerable field experience and considering advanced study or professional work in ecological studies.
Qualifications:
Good physical condition and able to work long hours in humid weather and pond habitats; ability to work late nights and earlier mornings, to sleeping at odd and sometimes fragmented hours, to nap during the day, and to switch sleep schedules easily; ability to work and live cooperatively with others; willingness and flexibility to work for consecutive days with little time or days-off in between and limited access to the outside; desire to live in a foreign country under different customs for extended periods. Previous experience in field work required. In addition, experience living at isolated field sites and/or experience living abroad is preferred.
Compensation:
Room and board and local transportation within Thailand will be provided.
Field assistants are responsible for all other expenses, including flights to/from Thailand, vaccinations, and visa costs.
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter briefly detailing relevant interest and experience, CV, unofficial transcript, and a list of 3 references to sheilapoo@gmail.com. Please write explicitly to confirm ability to cover own expenses to/from Bangkok and availability from June 25th to Oct 10th. Hiring will begin immediately and positions will remain open until filled. (For more information, see https://sites.google.com/site/sheilapoo/)
Thank you!