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 August 2018 to 15 March 2019 with one of the two positions extending to 1 April 2019. 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 04/01/2019. Please send all materials as one PDF file with your last name_ACWOFALL2018app.pdf as the name of the file.
Deadline: 06/20/2018 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
