Hiring Organization:
UCLA
Date Posted:
2013-07-03
Position Description:
I am a graduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) conducting dissertation fieldwork in conjunction with the Lomas Barbudal Monkey Project. I will be monitoring one or two habituated groups of wild white-faced capuchin monkeys for a period of 4 months (Nov-Feb) - taking behavioral, genetic, and hormonal data as part of a project on female reproductive strategies.
I am looking for two field assistants to assist with data collection. My field assistants will be responsible for taking GPS data, collecting fecal samples opportunistically, filling out monkey census sheets, and helping with fecal sample processing. Field assistants will also be trained on monkey IDs, vocalization recognition, and behavioral data collection.
Before applying, make sure to take a close look at the field guide for the Lomas Barbudal Capuchin Project to get a sense of the terrain and typical work schedule of field assistants. The guide can be found as a PDF in the "How do I apply for a fieldwork internship in Costa RIca?” section on the following website: http://capuchinfoundation.org/support/internships.html
APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED UNLESS THEY HAVE READ THE FIELD GUIDE.
My assistants and I will be staying either at the Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve field station or on neighboring private property (potentially in tents). The cost of living at the Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve field station or neighboring private land will be covered for assistants.
Field days are long (typically 12 to 14 hours) and physically demanding. It is usually hot and we must walk long distances to keep up with the monkeys. Most of our time will be spent off-trail and on the move. Please contact me via email for any additional information and to express interest.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
In order to be considered, an application packet must contain the following materials:
1. Letter of interest: Describe your career goals, why you are interested, and your suitability for this project. Also, include a time frame during which you are available to work
2. CV/resume: detailing relevant experience and coursework
3. Transcript: of college courses taken (unofficial copy OK) (for institutions outside of the US, please include a summary of coursework and grades)
4. References: Please send the contact information (including email addresses) for 3 or more people who would be willing to write letters of support. We prefer that this list include
a. one academic reference in a relevant field (e.g. primate behavior, animal behavior),
b. one person who has supervised the applicant’s research or work in the past, and
c. one person who has lived with the applicant in a cooperative living situation, preferably in the field.
IMPORTANT: The assembled materials should be sent via email with the subject heading “application for field assistant position” to: godoy@ucla.edu
If you do not hear back within a week’s time acknowledging receipt of your application, please resend it to alert me that it may have gone to junk mail. Applications are not reviewed until they are complete. If the application looks promising, a Skype or phone interview will be conducted.
Qualifications/Experience:
You must be able to carry a heavy backpack (3-6 liters of water, project equipment, etc.), positive attitude, high tolerance for stress, not afraid to crash off of trails, Spanish language skills preferred but not required. Previous field experience is a plus.
Salary/funding:
$100 stipend given at the end of each field month.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Upon completion of a 4-month contract (Nov-Feb), and ONLY upon completion, I will be able to refund up to $750 in plane fare. Assistants must provide their own medical insurance and arrange for their own vaccinations.
Term of Appointment:
A 4-month commitment (November 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014) is necessary. Field assistants must also be available twice weekly during October 2013 for Skype meetings to go over project protocols and to begin training on codes.
Application Deadline:
I will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue on a rolling basis until all the assistant slots are filled.
Comments:
This is a great opportunity to get primatology field experience. It is a short-term commitment primarily during the dry season, when visibility is high.
Contact Information:
Deptartment of Anthropology, Box 951553
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1553
USA
Telephone Number:
+506-2671-2250
Website:
E-mail Address: