La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica
We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and hard-working nest-searcher to work with lekking hermit hummingbirds in La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. The position is part of a broader study on the social function of visual and vocal displays in long-billed hermits (Phaethornis longirostris). The position entails at least three months of work during Apr-Jul 2013. The primary role of the nest-searcher will be to search for and monitor nests of long-billed hermits. In addition, nest-searcher will be expected to assist with behavioral observations of nesting females. Work will begin at 4:30 am and end between 3 and 5 pm, six days/week. Nest-searcher will work individually as well as part of a 4 person field crew and will live in a common house 5 min away from La Selva. We will provide airfare to Costa Rica. Stipend: $300–500 a month, depending on experience. Housing and food will also be provided. In addition, assistants will have the opportunity to participate in further stages of research. La Selva is found in the Tropical rain forest of the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. It is one of the most important research stations in the Neotropics.
To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and a reference via email to MARCELO ARAYA-SALAS (EM: maraya AT nmsu.edu). The cover letter must describe any previous research in hummingbirds and/or nest searching and contain a brief statement explaining your interest in the position. Applications will be continuously received until the position is filled.
Qualifications:
Hermit hummingbirds hide their nests extremely well, and so nest-searchers MUST have prior experience finding bird nests (ideally tropical hummingbird nests). Nest-searchers should also possess good record-keeping skills, a solid work ethic, good physical condition and work well individually or with others under difficult field conditions.