Field position: Full time field assistants for tracking pit vipers in Hong Kong Location: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China Dates: 2 field assistants from June-August 2013 (90 days) 1 field assistant from September-November 2013 (90 days) Application deadline: April 1st 2013 or until filled
I am a graduate student at University of Rhode Island and I am looking for volunteer field assistants in 2013 to help with full-time field work in Hong Kong. I am studying the effects of long-distance relocation on bamboo pit vipers (Cryptelytrops [Trimeresurus] albolabris) in Hong Kong, where these vipers along with many other 'nuisance' snakes are relocated on a large scale. I will be radio tracking bamboo pit vipers in forests, shrublands and grasslands. This is an exciting opportunity if you are looking for field experience in the tropics, experience with venomous snakes and other herpetofauna of tropical East Asia, are interested in making connections in the region, and want to pursue a career in field biology. Hong Kong is home to more than 50 snakes, 10 turtles, 20 lizards and 20 amphibians, with high diversity in other taxa as well. 40% of the land area is a set aside as protected country park and the mountainous landscape and rugged coastlines outside of the famous cityscape are stunningly beautiful. It is not too difficult to get around Hong Kong with only English, and it is a modern, cosmopolitan and culturally rich region with a lot to offer: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/hong-kong http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/hkbiodiversity/speciesgroup/sp Details: Field work consists of night visual encounter surveys to obtain snakes (40% of the time), and mostly day-time radio tracking to locate and observe the snakes (60% of the time). Night work will ease off and day work will increase as more snakes are tagged. Field assistants will be expected to work about 40 hours a week. Skills used/learned will include capture and handling of arboreal vipers, introduction to the herpetofauna of Hong Kong, radio telemetry, navigation and some laboratory techniques. Basic skills covered include fieldwork fundamentals and handling of data, using and taking care of field equipment. Field assistants will be expected to learn how to handle vipers safely with proper tools, although contact will be kept to a minimum. I will prefer to hire somebody interested in travel and who will take advantage of being situated in a place like this. There will be 1-2 days off per week to rest and explore Hong Kong. Field set-up: We will be living in a house in the middle of a country park, 20 mins drive from the main town of Sai Kung, and a 1 hour drive from downtown Hong Kong. Most meals will be cooked at home, and most lunches will be eaten in the field. 2 field assistants will share one room. I will be present for all field work and you will not be expected to work alone outdoors. Training provided for all techniques. Field work will be carried out mostly in Ma On Shan country park and Sai Kung East & West country parks: http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_cou/cou_vis_cou.html Prerequisites-those with asterisks** particularly important - **Compliant to safety rules when handling animals - **Physically and mentally hardy and able to deal with uncomfortable situations (prolonged dampness, bad weather and heat, wet shoes, biting insects, thorny vegetation). - **Medical/travel insurance covering your stay in Hong Kong once you confirm the position - **Enthusiastic and with a good attitude - **Applicants must not be afraid to handle venomous snakes although no prior experience necessary; training provided. - Graduate or senior with a biology/ecology or related background - Field experience, preferably in a country different from residence and/or in remote areas - Reasonably fit and strong and able to hike up to 20 km a day (including uphill) - Detail-oriented and reliable with a sound work ethic - Ability to deal with erratic sleeping schedules - Adaptable with an interest in travel and learning about new cultures - No known allergies to wasps/bees as these are very common during the summer - An interest in field and wildlife biology is a must - Basic cooking skills Preferred (but not necessary) skills - Knowledge of Cantonese/Mandarin - Experience with snakes - Forest bushwhacking, machete-wielding, climbing, tire-changing skills - Valid drivers license (automatic transmission is fine) - Some telemetry experience Support: Room and board provided. I will cover all accommodation and food expenses. There will be weekly or more grocery shopping trips and meals will be cooked in turns. Any dietary restrictions and food preferences are fine. There will also be plenty of opportunities to eat local food. You will need to fund your flight to and from Hong Kong International Airport. You will also need to cover your own personal expenses (field clothes and shoes, basic daily items, spending/shopping, public transport for recreation). If you are shortlisted, I am more than happy to provide you with contacts from previous field assistants who will give you a better idea of how it is to work on this project. Application: Please send your CV and a cover letter and any questions you have to Anne at adsfieldw...@gmail.com. Include a paragraph describing yourself and your interests, and why you are keen to work on a project in Hong Kong, and how you are qualified for the position. Please provide 3 references whom I can contact and ask specific questions about your field and work experience. You may go to this link for photographs from previous field seasons: http://www.flickr.com/photos/song-devan/collections/72157629636016567/ Anne Devan-Song Department of Natural Resources Science College of the Environment and Life Sciences University of Rhode Island adsfieldw...@gmail.com
