Hiring Organization:
Lisa Corewyn, Ph.D. Candidate, UTSA
Date Posted:
2010-03-30
Position Description:
I am seeking a volunteer field assistant to join my PhD project investigating social strategies of male mantled howlers at La Pacifica, Costa Rica. The work involves full-days (10-12 hours) in the forest using focal animal and scan sampling to collect behavioral data on coresident adult males in two study groups, as well as regular collection of fecal samples for later DNA analyses. The rotational work schedule will generally consist of 4 full days working in the forest, and then one day off. Periodic clearing of trails may also be required. The position may also require participation in a 3-week survey planned for August to determine population demographics. Study monkeys at this site are marked with colored tags for individual identification, and this may require field assistant participation in the capture and marking program conducted in July. This would be an ideal opportunity to gain field experience for someone planning to pursue a graduate degree in anthropology, biology, animal behavior, or ecology.
Field conditions are rather nice and consist of accommodation in a rented house with full amenities, including refrigerator, hot showers, electricity, telephone, and dialup internet. The forest at the field site consists of fragments of dry tropical forest within a 3300 hectare working cattle ranch. The forest is mostly flat, and experiences a distinctive dry season from January-July, and a wet season from July-December. Temperatures are generally hot and conditions tropical. Thus, the successful applicant must be able to work in a variety of demanding field conditions, including extreme heat and heavy rain.
Qualifications/Experience:
Previous field experience collecting behavioral data is preferred, but is not essential. A working knowledge of Spanish is also very helpful. Ideally, the successful applicant should have the following qualifications:
1) a strong interest in field primatology
2) some experience in the outdoors, and/or working with animals
3) the ability to work for long hours without supervision
4) not be afraid of mosquitoes, bugs, snakes, or scorpions
5) be comfortable spending extended periods of time away from family and friends
6) be in reasonably good physical condition
7) maturity, reliability, flexibility, and good humor are a must
Salary/funding:
No salary is available at this time, but accommodation, utilities, and visa fees will be provided. The successful applicant will be responsible for their airfare to/from Liberia, Costa Rica (variable), for the cost of food and other living expenses (expected to cost $200-300 per month), travel/medical insurance, required vaccinations, and other personal expenses.
Term of Appointment:
Early May 2010 through early December 2010
Application Deadline:
Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Comments:
Please send a C.V., at least 2 academic or professional references, and a statement outlining your interest in this position to the email address listed.
Contact Information:
Lisa Corewyn
Department of Anthropology, One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78240
USA
Telephone Number:
830-714-4207 (in Texas) or (country code 506) 2669-6093 (in Costa Rica)
E-mail Address:
lisa.corewyn@utsa.edu