Ornithology Internship Announcement: CLARK’S NUTCRACKER FIELD ASSISTANTS. Two (2) field assistants are needed to work on a Ph.D. research project on the population and behavioral ecology of Clark’s Nutcrackers in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The study site is located outside of Jackson, WY in Bridger-Teton National Forest, primarily between 7,500 and 10,000’. The research focuses on understanding how the decline of whitebark pine is impacting Clark’s Nutcracker demography and habitat use. In the process, we will also better determine the ecology and social system of this little known bird. Assistants will primarily be involved in radio tracking, carrying out behavioral watches to assess foraging ecology, and performing point counts and habitat surveys. Some time will also be spent trapping, color-banding, and radio tagging the birds, as well as climbing trees to reach nests. Assistants will maintain a field journal, do data entry and verification, and prepare equipment for field work. The position is for 1 February through 31 July, with the possibility of continuation into the fall. (There is some flexibility on the start and end dates.) A modest $800/month, plus free housing in the town of Jackson is provided. Assistants are expected to work long hours, five (5) days per week (six rarely, primarily when camping). These will be long, physically exhausting days, at high altitudes, often in snow and freezing temperatures. The first few months of work require snowshoeing and cross-country skiing into field sites, and sometimes waiting at mist nets for long hours in freezing temperatures while trapping birds. We will camp for several days at a stretch during the summer in order to access more remote habitat. Successful applicant must love winter sports and have experience spending time outside in the winter. Must be in great shape and must be willing and happy to work in cold conditions, and to regularly climb up and down steep mountains. Must be highly motivated, with a strong work ethic, a passion for field work, excellent communication skills, and patience with short-notice schedule changes. Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of responsibility in field work and data entry as well as working frequently with a partner. An ability to maintain a positive attitude while tackling the rigors of field work is essential. A lot of creativity and patience is often required to figure out how to handle daily field situations. Must take excellent, detailed field notes. Prior experience with birds (especially the ability to read color bands), navigation with GPS units and maps, vegetation sampling, and radio telemetry is desirable, but not required. A car is required for at least one of the two assistants. Must provide your own binoculars. There is avalanche danger in some areas, grizzly bears, and hazards associated with working in remote field sites. However, I will teach you how to work safely in the backcountry. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and the positions will remain open until filled. If interested, apply sooner rather than later. Please include the following in your application: a resumé (one page resumés are discouraged - please provide detailed descriptions of your academic, volunteer, and professional experiences); a cover letter describing why you should be considered for the position; the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least three academic / professional references (preferably ones familiar with your ability to conduct field work); and the dates you are available to work. Applications should be sent as attachments by email to Taza Schaming (tds55 AT cornell.edu).
-- Taza Schaming Cornell University Department of Natural Resources Fernow Hall Ithaca, NY 14853 Phone: 508-277-5084 Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology
