Please pass this announcement on to anyone who may be interested. Thanks! - Nicole Michel
VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANTS: PhD Student in need of 1-2 field assistant(s) for research investigating the mechanisms and consequences of avian insectivore declines in Central America between August-December 2008. I am seeking highly motivated, reliable, and flexible assistant(s) to work with me at Refugio Bartola (Nicaragua) and several lowland rainforest sites within Costa Rica, including Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve and La Selva Biological Station. I am investigating the potential roles of two alternative mechanisms (food-limitation and microhabitat selection) in the declines of rainforest understory insectivorous birds, including ruddy-tailed flycatcher (Terenotriccus erythrurus), golden-crowned spadebill (Platyrinchus coronatus), and several antwren species, in rainforest reserves. I am also investigating the community-wide consequences of the loss of avian insectivores for herbivorous arthropods and plants. The field work will be varied, including foraging observations, mist-netting of birds and bats, nest-searching and observation, and arthropod sampling, but the majority of the work will involve habitat structure data collection (August-December) and daily monitoring of bird and bat exclosures (August - mid-September only). Assistants will be responsible for helping with all aspects of the study, including bird location and observation, arthropod sampling (using pitfall traps, flight intercept traps, visual observations, and sweep-netting), canopy height estimation (using a rangefinder), taking hemispherical photographs, establishing, checking and maintaining exclosures, and general data collection and recording. Field work is intensive, involving fairly long days, long hikes and/or bicycle rides on often hilly and slippery terrain with backpacks full of water and field gear. Applicants should have significant progress towards a BS/BA (or higher degree) in Biology, Ecology, or a related field. Previous experience with birds, arthropods, vegetation surveys, or other field work is preferable but not necessary, but a strong interest in fieldwork and the flexibility, durability, and tolerance to deal with occasionally difficult conditions (heat, humidity, biting and stinging insects, snakes, steep terrain) is essential. Knowledge of English is essential and Spanish is helpful but not necessary, as we will mostly be at field stations with other English-speaking researchers; though a willingness to learn will greatly improve your experience. The assistant must be detail-oriented and meticulous in data collection; experience with collecting systematic data in a scientific context is preferred. In general, applicants should be in good physical and mental condition, and able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards challenging and tiring work. In exchange for this, applicants will obtain a variety of valuable research skills, and will work in gorgeous locations with excellent birding opportunities. Room and board and all travel within Central America will be covered, but no stipend will be provided. Airfare is negotiable, depending on experience level, length of stay, and funding availability. Assistants must obtain necessary vaccinations to work at these sites: typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis A are required, anti-malarials are optional). Visas are not required for US citizens; citizens of other countries are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. I am looking for applicants who can commit to at least 2 months, though assistants who can stay for the full 4 month period are preferred. Exceptional applicants may be considered for shorter periods. Please send a resume, letter of interest (describing background, experience, available dates, and future goals), and the names and email addresses of 3 references by email attachment to Nicole Michel at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please feel free to contact me for further information. Applications will be reviewed and applicants contacted as they are received. ************************************************** Nicole Michel Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 400 Boggs Tulane University New Orleans, LA 70118 Fax: 504-862-8706 Cell: 360-606-5631 **************************************************
