Not looking forward to cold weather, 6 hours of light, and watching the bird feeder? We have the answer. Be a field assistant on research studying American Redstarts and Yellow Warblers in Jamaica. Project begins approximately January 10th and continues until mid-May. Assistants can expect long hours in the field, six days per week, walking in mangrove forests sometimes inhabited by crocodiles and maneuvering through dense and thorny second growth scrub. Being flexible with working conditions, schedule, and living situation is absolutely key to success at this position. Competitive applicants will be very self-motivated, have the ability to re-sight and follow small (6g) color-banded birds, and extract songbirds quickly and safely from mist nets. Experience collecting foraging behavioral data on small songbirds and banding and bleeding experience are all preferred, but not required. The majority of field work will involve mapping warbler territories, but will also include some mist net extraction, vegetation measurements, and data entry.
This is an all-expenses paid volunteer position (i.e. no salary, but travel to and from Jamaica as well as home-cooked Jamaican food and comfortable seaside lodging are provided). Our funding agency has encouraged us to promote "broadening participation in biology", so we encourage applicants from underrepresented groups (particularly Jamaican or Caribbean) to apply. Non-U.S. citizens may apply but we can only cover airfare from the U.S. (and possibly Canada) to Jamaica, or for Caribbean applicants, travel within the Caribbean. We are also considering hiring a crew leader who would receive a monthly stipend; if you feel you are particularly well qualified, please note your interest in the crew leader position.
Contact Information:
Send an email with the subject “Jamaican Field Assistant” or "Jamaican Crew Leader", a one page cover letter, resume/CV, and contact info for 3 references to Luke L. Powell (SetophagaPetechia@gmail.com) by October 4th, 2013. -