*Position*: Avian Crew Leader & Intern (1-2) – Seed Dispersal by Native Birds on Saipan, Mariana Islands
*Location*: Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands *Appointment*: Approximately February through October 2016 *Description (Crew Leader)*: This position is part of a larger collaborative project between J. Savidge (Colorado State University), H. Rogers (Iowa State University) and J. Tewksbury (WWF International, University of Washington) aimed at restoring ecosystem function (specifically seed dispersal) to Guam’s forests. Virtually all native seed dispersers have been extirpated from Guam, largely due to predation by the invasive Brown Treesnake. We aim to determine the impact of seed disperser loss and the potential for different dispersers to restore function to Guam’s forests. The position will be based in Saipan, 120 miles north of Guam, and will support research on diets and habitat use of 4 native avian frugivores (White-throated Ground-Dove, Mariana Fruit-Dove, Bridled White-eye, and Micronesian Starling). These species are extirpated or nearly extirpated from Guam but still common on Saipan. The avian crew leader will track radio-collared birds, operate mist-nets, collect fecal samples from netted birds and identify seeds in the samples, help in trail maintenance and enter data collected. The crew leader will directly supervise an Avian Field Technician and Interns. The crew leader will also work with colleagues from a sister project focusing on vegetation aspects to oversea logistical issues of the project such as housing, vehicle maintenance and project coordination. On occasion, the crew leader may be needed to help with other aspects of the larger project. In addition to field work, the crew leader, in collaboration with a postdoc stationed on Saipan, will help: i) schedule tasks for crew members to meet monthly goals; ii) train new crew members; iii) communicate regularly with the postdoc; and iv) help manage project data including data quality. *Description (Intern)* The avian crew intern will track radio-tagged birds, operate mist-nets, collect fecal samples from netted birds and identify seeds in the samples, help in trail maintenance and enter data collected. On occasion, the intern may be needed to help with other aspects of the larger project. *Qualifications (Crew Leader)*: We seek exceptionally motivated applicants with strong interest in avian ecology and conservation. We seek applicants with extensive wildlife field research experience, prior supervisory experience or demonstrated potential, and strong organizational skills including attention to detail. The crew leader will be a member of the field team. Applicants must have experience in radiotelemetry, mist-netting and banding birds. Previous experience in tropical island ecosystems is desirable. The crew leader will be supervised by a project postdoc that will participate in field aspects as needed. A B.S. degree or higher in a related field is required. The ability to work as a team and independently is required. We are seeking applicants with previous experience in field research and a willingness to learn new techniques. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to work in the U.S. Experience with GPS and orienteering is highly desirable. Applicants should be comfortable working long hours in high temperatures and humidity, be willing to have a flexible schedule (night tracking to identify roosting locations and early morning netting, any day of the week including weekends), and be willing to tolerate at times tedious work (sorting fecal samples for seeds). This position is extremely physically demanding so individuals should be physically fit and able to walk over rough limestone terrain carrying awkward loads (telemetry and netting equipment). The crew leader must also demonstrate the ability to live in a large field house with up to 9-10 additional researchers. In return, you will experience living and working on a beautiful Pacific island and being part of an exciting conservation effort! *Qualifications (Intern)*: We seek exceptionally motivated applicants with strong interest in avian ecology and conservation. The intern will be supervised by a project postdoc and avian crew leader. A B.S. degree or higher in a related field is desired, although experienced undergraduates that can take an extended leave from studies will be considered for the intern position. The ability to work as a team and independently is required. We are seeking applicants with previous experience in field research and a willingness to learn new techniques. Experience with radiotelemetry and mist-netting is preferred but not required. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to work in the U.S. Experience with GPS and orienteering is highly desirable. Applicants should be comfortable working long hours in high temperatures and humidity, be willing to have a flexible schedule (night tracking to identify roosting locations and early morning netting, any day of the week including weekends), and be willing to tolerate at times tedious work (sorting fecal samples for seeds). This position is extremely physically demanding so Individuals should be physically fit and able to walk over rough limestone terrain carrying awkward loads (telemetry and netting equipment). The intern must also demonstrate the ability to live in a large field house with up to 9-10 additional researchers. In return, you will experience living and working on a beautiful Pacific island and being part of an exciting conservation effort. *Payment*: Crew leader ($13.50/hr) A round-trip ticket from the candidate’s current place of residence to Saipan, shared housing, and access to transportation (shared vehicle) will be provided. Intern ($800/mo). A round-trip ticket from the candidate’s current place of residence to Saipan, shared housing, and access to transportation (shared vehicle) will be provided. *Start Date: *February 22, 2016 or soon thereafter. This is a 7-8 month position (depending on start date). *Application Procedure*: To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Evan Rehm, evan.r...@colostate.edu <emr...@colostate.edu>. The cover letter should highlight your previous relevant experience, your dates of availability, and an explanation of why you would be a good fit for this position. The subject line of your email should indicate which position you are applyong for and your name. E.G. “Avian Crew Leader YOUR NAME”. These materials should be in a single pdf document. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications should be submitted by 13 November 2015. For more information visit: www.evanrehm.weebly.com, Facebook at Marianas Avian Research at CSUhttp://www.facebook.com/CSUbirdcrew, or http://ecologyofbirdloss.blogspot.com/. -- Evan Rehm Post-Doctoral Fellow Colorado State University *evanrehm.weebly.com <http://evanrehm.weebly.com>*
