INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES in Mexico

Employer: Rocky Mountain Bird
Observatory Fort Collins, Colorado. Position: International Program
Intern (4 positions available). Location: Janos, Mexico (Chihuahua
State). Start Date: 4 Jan 2010. End Date: 28 Feb 2010. Duration: 8
weeks. Overview: This is a great opportunity to acquire a variety of
field skills, contribute to an important avian conservation project, and
spend the winter in one of the most scenic and biologically rich desert
grasslands in Mexico. Grassland birds have exhibited steeper, broader,
and more consistent declines than any other group of North American
Birds. The Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory's (RMBO) International
Program is researching survivorship and home range use of grassland
birds on their wintering grounds. This study will take place on the
18,000 ha Reserva Ecológica "El Uno", owned by The Nature Conservancy
(TNC), as well as on surrounding private properties in the majestic
grasslands of northern Chihuahua.Essential Job Functions: Interns will
work alongside Mexican and American biologists to capture and band
grassland birds, attach radio-transmitters to sparrows, relocate
transmitter-birds twice daily using radio telemetry, and conduct bird
abundance (line transects) and habitat surveys. Surveys will be
conducted during various times of day, requiring work in early mornings
as well as after dark on some nights. Communication with team members
during training and field work will occur primarily in Spanish. On site
housing will be provided as well as a small stipend to assist with other
costs of living. Transportation on and around study areas will be
provided, however interns are responsible for their own transportation
to either El Paso, Texas or Janos, Chihuahua, Mexico. Qualifications: -a
bachelor's of science degree in ecology, wildlife biology, biology,
environmental science, or other related field (or be working towards
such a degree); - ability to write legibly and record data accurately in
the field, as well as enter data accurately into computer spreadsheets;
- ability to follow instructions and protocols; - previous field work
experience; - ability to use binoculars to track moving wildlife; -
excellent hearing and sight; - strong working (intermediate to advanced)
knowledge of Spanish; - ability to communicate effectively with crew
leaders and team mates; - ability to work well independently and in
teams; - comfortable working outdoors in rugged terrain in a remote area
with abundant wildlife; - a strong interest in birds and international
conservation; - must be respectful & comfortable in communal co-ed
living situations; - MUST have a tolerance of adverse weather
(temperatures range from 15-75?F), long hours, early mornings, and night
work.; - MUST have sensitivity to and comfort with the current security
issues in Northern Mexico Preferred skills and abilities:; - strong
aural and visual bird identification skills; - experience with handling
birds, mist-netting/banding, line-transect or point-count surveys,
vegetation surveys; - at least conversational Spanish speaking skills.
Closing date: 30 Nov 2009. However, positions will be filled as suitable
applicants are found. To apply, send a cover letter describing your
interest and qualifications, CV, and names and contact information for
at least three references to LONI BEYER (EM: loni.beyer AT RMBO.org).
You may also send application materials by mail to: Rocky Mountain Bird
Observatory, Attn: LONI BEYER, 230 Cherry St, suite 150, Fort Collins,
CO 80521. For questions email Loni or call (PH: 970-482-1707 ext 15).