[ECOLOG-L] Field assistant needed - Puerto Rico

[Toms, Judith Deanne (MU-Student)]

FIELD ASSISTANT needed for study in Puerto Rico, ~early October 2008
through April 2009 for a study of potential competition between American
Redstarts, Adelaide's Warblers and anole lizards.  Assistance needed
with all aspects of study, particularly observation of foraging
behaviors, bird banding, lizard capture and resource monitoring.
Experience in behavioral observation of small passerines, either in
field job or through extensive birding, is essential.  Experience
observing color-banded birds is particularly desirable, but not
necessary.  Expect pre-dawn starts most days, with occasional dawn to
dusk days when banding.  The weather is typically hot, and mosquitoes
and chiggers are abundant in some months.  Most of the island's endemic
birds can be seen in or near the study area and many of Puerto Rico's
tourist attractions and natural areas are within a few hours drive of
the study area.  This is also an excellent opportunity to learn Spanish,
experience a different culture, and get tropical experience.  Basic
(shared) accommodation will be provided, in addition to a modest salary
(dependent on experience).  Applicants available for the entire period
preferred, but applicants available for partial duration will be
considered.  Please email a cover letter summarizing relevant field and
birding experience, CV, names of three references (with contact
information) and dates of availability to JUDITH TOMS (EM: jdtoms AT
mizzou.edu).  Alternatively, mail the information to Judith Toms,
Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO,
65211.  Applications will be evaluated as received until position is
filled.