Field assistant -Frugivores of Osa_
Hiring Organization:
Proyecto Carey
Date Posted:
2007-05-31
Position Description:
We are seeking for field assistants to collect field data on:
- Large vertebrates diet data collection (feeding bout and focal tree observations).Our focal species includes; spider monkey, white faced monkeys, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, mealy parrots, toucans, peccaries, guans, agoutis, etc.
- Surveying transects for fruit production.
- Setting and monitoring seed fate experiments.
- Monitoring camera-traps under fruiting trees.
- Monitoring seed trap under fruiting trees.
- Monitoring seedling plots.
This project is taking place at Drake bay, Peninsula de Osa, Costa Rica. Our study site is located at the Rio Claro Wildlife Refuge. The study site is isolated, wet, and lacks electricity. The nearest village with electricity is either at 10 min boat ride or 1 hour walk. However, we have access to cell phones. The most common way to get there is by boat from Sierpe town.
Training and equipment will be provided. Volunteer work is going to be organized by the project coordinator. Field assistants will work individually or will lead a team of volunteers to help on data collection. In general, you need to be able to walk in uneven terrains. The field work requires at least 8 hours of daily work. Although all the activities in this project involve hiking in the forest, the levels of physical activity are quite variable. Surveying the trail for feeding frugivores includes hikes from 3 to 4 hours; however, volunteers are expected to hike at a slow pace (less than 1 km/hr). Volunteers with asthma working in this project have not had any problems before; but it is important to carry your medication always. This volunteer work is a hands-on experience and excellent opportunity to introduce you to tropical ecology and research. Additionally, this project will introduce you to one of the most diverse places in earth. As volunteers are going to be living with a costarican family is a good chance to learn Spanish and cultural exchange. Based on project performance, field assistants will be invited to participated as co-author on research papers.
Qualifications/Experience:
Qualifications/Experience:
- Academic background in biology, zoology, botany, ecology or related degrees.
- Experience, but not necessary (2 letter of recommendation from former teachers, which state your qualifications).
- Physical fitness.
- Love for hiking in outdoors, patience, respectful for nature.
- Willing to travel and leaving in tropical areas.
- Motivated to work, flexible, good ethics and responsible.
- Capacity to work independent.
Salary/funding:
Salary/funding:
At the moment we do not have funding to cover expenses, thus this position is open to self-funded assistants. Field assistants are therefore responsible for all expenses to travel to Costa Rica and to the research site and any additional expenses including insurance, visas, food and accommodation. Accommodations are going to be with a local family who is supporting this project by lodging volunteers at $15 a day, which includes room and board.
Term of Appointment:
These positions are open all year around, minimum time commitment two and a half months
Comments:
Please e-mail your resume, a brief statement of interest, and the names & contact information for 2 references with letter of recommendations, preferably from previous field positions, if apply.
Contact
Information:
Pablo Riba
Peninsula de Osa
Puntarenas 10672-1000
Costa Rica
Telephone Number:
(506) 3743999
E-mail Address:
proyectocarey@yahoo.com.mx
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