Acorn Woodpecker Field Assistant
Employer: Old Dominion University
Location: Carmel Valley, California
Description: Two (2) field assistants are needed for ongoing long-term studies
of the
behavioral ecology of the cooperatively breeding Acorn Woodpecker at the
Hastings Reserve
in upper Carmel Valley, California. Hastings is run by the Museum of Vertebrate
Zoology, UC
Berkeley. We have studied the behavioral ecology of color-banded Acorn
Woodpeckers for
over 44 years at this site. The research focuses on both ecological and
evolutionary factors
involved in the evolution of cooperative breeding, and includes using automated
radio-
telemetry techniques to track cryptic movement.
Assistants will participate in monitoring group composition via color-band
resighting,
documenting feeding (for any nests) and roosting behavior, and assist in
woodpecker capture
and experimental manipulations. Some portions of field work may require the
ability to drive a
mule (All terrain vehicle) or a truck. The experience is designed to be one of
total immersion,
six days per week, and provides the necessary training needed for those
interested in applying
to graduate school.
Compensation: $600/month and on-site housing.
Duration: 15 March 2018 to 15 July 2018 with one of the two positions extending
to 1
September 2018.
Qualifications: This job requires frequent strenuous physical activity;
applicants must be avid
hikers who are comfortable hiking up and down hills with equipment such as
scopes and
blinds. Prior experience with birds (especially the ability to read color
bands) is desirable but
not required. Self-motivation, enthusiasm for the research questions, a
willingness to sit in a
blind for up to 3 hours per session (in hot weather with lots of annoying face
flies), and an
ability to tackle the rigors of field work are a must. We especially encourage
those applicants
that wish to attend graduate school in the near future and who are interested
in conducting an
independent study during their tenure at Hastings. The reserve is remote (about
an hour from
the nearest town), and therefore a good attitude towards field housing
situations is necessary,
and having a vehicle is highly desirable.
Interested applicants should submit a CV and the contact details of three
references with an
appropriate cover letter as one PDF file to sahasba...@gmail.com. Please
indicate in your
cover letter if you are available to work through to 09/01/2018.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to visa constraints, field assistant positions are only
available to U.S. &
Canadian citizens / permanent residents.
Contact: Sahas Barve, Postdoctoral Associate, Old Dominion University.
Email:sahasba...@gmail.com
