COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY TROPICAL FOREST RESEARCH EXPERIENCE – GUANICA FOREST Oct 1st through December 15th, 2014 Complete applications must be submitted by August 1, 2014 RESEARCH DESCRIPTION: The Dept. of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology at Columbia University, is seeking to carry out tree measurements in a 4-hectare plot in Guánica State Forest in Puerto Rico, a site designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. For this project we need four volunteer interns to collect tree census data. Data will then be entered using database software. Volunteers will work together in teams under the supervision of one field technicians, spending long hours in the field (8am until 4 pm, Mon-Fri, with weekends free), often in hot conditions. While in Puerto Rico volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about diverse aspects of tropical ecology from scientists involved in ecological research throughout Puerto Rico.
PERIOD: October 1st through December 15th, 2014. STIPEND: $600 per month to cover food and general living expenses. ACCOMMODATION: Free accommodation in Puerto Rico. Housing is communal using shared resources. The field site is relatively isolated and transportation is available on a limited basis. TRAVEL: Refund of up to $750 towards a round-trip plane ticket from mainland USA, if not already living in Puerto Rico. NOTE: We are unable to provide any medical insurance. REQUIREMENTS: Rising college juniors and seniors or college graduates with background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, preferably with field-work experience, knowledge of plant identification, and excellent organizational skills. Tropical experience useful, but is not required. We are currently only considering US citizens and permanent US residents for these opportunities. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested applicants must submit the following materials via email to Dr. Maria Uriarte at [email protected]: 1) A letter of interest indicating why you wish to work in the tropical forest and describing your relevant experience. Include a statement that you understand your application is for a volunteer position; 2) Full resume; 3) University transcripts (scanned unofficial transcripts are fine); 4) Names and contact information (email preferred) for three references. All email attachments must include the name of the applicant as part of the file name. Please email further inquiries to Maria Uriarte at [email protected] Following phone interviews, we will inform successful applicants in early September, 2014.
