Position Description:
A volunteer field assistant is needed to assist a PhD student with intensive data collection on spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) behavior and ecology. The study in which the volunteer will be integrated is about collective decision making in Spider monkeys, information transmission and the role of the information of the availability of food in this process, directed by the PhD Gabriel Ramos-Fernández.
The field site is located in the “Otoch Ma'ax Yetel Kooh” Natural Reserve, close to the Mayan village of Punta Laguna in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Task description:
* data collection on subgroup activity and fruit tree phenology;
* data entry into Excel files;
Qualifications/Experience:
* Background in Biology/ Animal behavior or related fields.
* Previous experience of fieldwork in tropical habitats.
* Be highly motivated, responsible and able to work both as a member of a team and independently.
• Basic knowledge of Spanish is desirable.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging): Lodging and food will be provided. If the successful applicant performs the tasks to a high standard, at the completion of the term of appointment a reimbursement of flight costs will be provided.
The living conditions are very basic. The research house is located in a small Mayan village and is a traditional house with stick walls and a thatched roof. There is a shared bedroom, everyone sleeps in hammocks or or tents (inside the room ) and there is a composting toilet. In spare time outdoor activities are possible (birdwatching, walking, swimming in the lagoon). The beach is located within one hour of the field site and provides a good respite from field conditions during some weekends. Please send the application (a letter explaining why you would like to participate in the project, CV and 2 reference contacts in a single file) to tamaparo@yahoo.com with “Volunteer application” as subject of the mail.