Volunteer - research on amphibians and reptiles in Costa Rica

Project description: I am looking for volunteers to assist with data collection for my dissertation research on community composition of amphibians and reptiles over the course of tropical secondary forest succession in Costa Rica. This experience will be beneficial to any students interested in research in ecology, herpetology, and the tropics. Costa Rica has a rich diversity of amphibians and reptiles (and other animals and plants) and there are lots of opportunities to see amazing wildlife while helping out on this study.

Location: Sarapiquí, Costa Rica (and potentially the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica)

Duties:
Assist in data collection on amphibian and reptiles during diurnal and nocturnal transect surveys and help collect basic habitat data. Applicants should be interested in biology/ecology/nature, be willing to learn, HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, be in good physical and mental health, and be ready to participate in fieldwork that consists of long days/nights (8+ hours) in the field, where getting muddy and bit by insects is part of the job. Participants must be willing to work 4-5 days (or nights) a week.

Benefits include:
(1) Identification and knowledge of the biology of amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica
(2) Learning standard survey techniques
(3) Fieldwork experience in the tropics

This is a volunteer position and assistants will be responsible for paying their own travel costs to and from Costa Rica. I can provide lodging in the house I rent (a very small 2-bedroom house) as well as some basic food staples. Alternatively, you can find your own lodging or pay to stay at the field station where some of my field sites are located (La Selva Biological Station).

Time Period:
I am seeking volunteers any time during the duration of the project, November 2014 – November 2016. Preference will be given to people who can commit at least 3 weeks.


Contact Information:
Interested applicants should send me (Michelle) an email (mthom163 “at” fiu.edu) with subject header “CR field assistant” with the following information: (1) your CV, (2) cover letter stating why you are interested in volunteering and your dates available (1 page max), and (3) contact information for 2 references.