Hola ECOLOG'ers, Apologies for cross-posting, and please circulate to other individuals or lists as appropriate. Gracias!
VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANT: PhD Student in need of a field assistant for research investigating the mechanisms and consequences of avian insectivore declines in Central America between 1 June - August 2009. I am seeking a highly motivated, reliable, and flexible assistant to work with me at several field sites in northeastern Costa Rica, including La Selva Biological Station and Tirimbina Rainforest Center. 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. The field work will be varied, including bird foraging observations and arthropod sampling, but the majority of the work will involve habitat structure data collection. 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 especially tropical fieldwork - is preferable but not necessary. 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 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. I will cover at least half of the travel expenses to Costa Rica, with the remainder possible, depending on funding. Please send a resume, letter of interest (describing background, experience, available dates, and future goals), and the names and email addresses of 2-3 references by email attachment to Nicole Michel at nmic...@tulane.edu. Please feel free to contact me for further information; see also my website at http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~nmichel for more 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 US Fax: 504-862-8706 US Cell: 360-606-5631 La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica, January - August Costa Rica Fax: 506-2766-6535 Costa Rica Phone: 506-2766-6565 x178 http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~nmichel *********************************************************
