Voluntariado con aves en Costa Rica y Nicaragua

VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANTS: PhD Student in need of 1-2 field
assistant(s) for research investigating the mechanisms and consequences
of avian insectivore declines in Central America between April-October
2008. I am seeking highly motivated, reliable, and flexible
assistant(s) to work with me at Refugio Bartola (Nicaragua), Tirimbina
Rainforest Reserve (Costa Rica) and La Selva Biological Station (Costa
Rica). I am investigating the potential roles of several alternative
mechanisms (in 2008 I will be focusing on 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. I am also
investigating the community-wide consequences of the loss of avian
insectivores for herbivorous arthropods and plants.

The field work will be varied, including foraging observations, some
mist-netting, nest-searching and observation, and arthropod sampling,
but the majority of the work will involve habitat structure data
collection and daily monitoring of bird and bat exclosures. Assistants
will be responsible for helping with all aspects of the study, including
bird location and observation, arthropod sampling (using pitfall traps,
flight intercept traps, visual observations, and sweep-netting), canopy
height estimation (using a rangefinder), taking hemispherical
photographs, establishing, checking and maintaining exclosures, and
general data collection and recording. 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 is
preferable but not necessary, but 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 English is essential
and 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.

At this point, I can only commit to covering half of the station fees
plus all transportation between field sites. I have applied for grants,
and if I receive sufficient funds I may be able to cover more, but I
will not know until March, at the earliest. Thus assistants are
responsible for transportation to San Jose, Costa Rica, and half of
station fees ($5-$15/night, depending on location; includes on-site
lodging, food, and access to all facilities - laundry, high-speed
internet access at all sites except Bartola). Assistants must obtain
necessary vaccinations to work at these sites: typhoid, tetanus, and
hepatitis A are required, anti-malarials are optional). Visas are not
required for US citizens; citizens of other countries are responsible
for obtaining any necessary visas.

Ideally, I would like one assistant for the Costa Rica portion of the
study (April 1 - early July) and another for the Nicaragua portion
(mid-July - early October). However, I will accept applicants who can
commit to at least 2 months. Exceptional applicants may be considered
for shorter periods.

Please send a resume, letter of interest (describing background,
experience, available dates, and future goals), and the names and email
addresses of 3 references to: Nicole Michel by email attachment to
nmichel@tulane.edu (preferred) or via snail mail to Dept. of Ecology &
Evolutionary Biology, 400 Boggs, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
70118. Please feel free to contact me at the above email address for
further information. Applications will be reviewed and applicants
contacted as they are received.


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Nicole Michel
Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
400 Boggs

Tulane University
New Orleans, LA 70118
Fax: 504-862-8706
Cell: 360-606-5631
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