FIELD RESEARCH ASSISTANT (2)

needed for projects on the population dynamics of Florida scrub-jays (FSJs) and red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCWs) at the Avon Park Air Force Range, in south-central Florida. The positions require independent work in both longleaf pine and oak scrub habitats, often in remote areas of a 100,000-acre military reserve. One position will focus primarily on FSJs and the other on RCWs, although duties will overlap. Duties include nest-searching, monitoring reproductive success, accurately reading color bands during regular censuses, climbing trees using sectional ladders, assisting in trapping and banding adults and nestlings, assisting in bleeding jay adults and nestlings, limited data entry, GPS data collection, using an ATV to conduct habitat surveys and conducting maintenance on natural and artificial cavity trees.

Applicants should be able to read color bands and feel comfortable with heights. A keen interest in birds is the most important prerequisite, but experience in reading color bands, capturing, handling and banding birds, tolerance for a vast array of snakes and biting insects, and working under hot-humid field conditions will be helpful, though not essential. Salary is $1200 per month plus free housing (no pets).
FSJ position: 1 Mar through Jul 2005. RCW position: 1 Mar through Aug 2005. Please indicate if you have a preference. Only individuals who are US or Canadian citizens, or have a current US work Visa need apply. Applicants should send a letter of interest and resume with names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references via email to mdent@archbold-station.org or via snail mail to Archbold Biological Station Office, Avon Park Air Force Range, 475 Easy Street, Avon Park, FL 33825. E-mail applications preferred (please indicate ‘field assistant application’ in the subject heading). Questions may be directed to MICHELLE DENT or LAUREN GILSON at the same e-mail address or call (863-452-4182).,(email preferred). Applications must be submitted by 1 Dec; early application is encouraged.