ORNITHOLOGIST BIRD GUIDES needed for Costa Rica's premier birding lodge, Rancho Naturalista. Two full-time positions begin Dec 2005 or early Jan 2006 and conclude in Apr 2006. Part-time positions are available during the remainder of the year, with the term negotiable but a minimum of two months. One part-time guide will be resident during each part of the slow season, beginning Jul 2005. Rancho Naturalista is at 900m (3000ft.) on Costa Rica's Caribbean slope. Over 400 bird species have been recorded on the property and adjacent sites. The lodge's property is largely pre-montane Caribbean rainforest with a good network of trails.
Other habitats include wooded pastures and regenerating plantations.
Fruit feeders, hummingbird feeders, and natural hummingbird bathing pools attract many species to the lodge area. Rancho Naturalista is famous for outstanding food and hospitality. Responsibilities:
Ornithologist Bird Guides lead visiting guests, showing them the birds and interpreting their behavior and ecology from an ornithological perspective. Includes leading day trips to other birding sites. Limited hosting duties.
Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with both ornithological and birding backgrounds. Must be able to learn the local birds quickly, including identification by sight and sound, behaviors, and habitat distribution. Good people skills desirable. Must be able to hike steep trails and guide for 12-hour days if needed.
Full-time positions require weeks of field birding without days off, but the part-time positions during the slow season usually have many days without guests. Thus graduate students could use Rancho Naturalista as a field site for research conducted on the days with no guests to guide.
Spanish is helpful but not needed. Compensation: $1000 per month (full-time
positions) or $40 per day of guiding (part-time positions), full room and board, and transfers to Costa Rica's international airport. Tips are received from many guests and vary with guide's performance. To apply, contact KATHLEEN H. ERB by e-mail (EM:
ranchonat@racsa.co.cr ,PH: 011-506-554-8101).
MARINE ECOLOGIST AND DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNICIAN, Ecosystem Studies Program, Protected Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, La Jolla, California.
http://swfsc.nmfs.noaa.gov/PRD/PROGRAMS/ecology/default.htm. Position
description: The Ecosystem Studies Program at Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, is seeking a technician to assume data management and processing/analysis responsibilities. This person will work under the supervision of a senior-level Data Manager and will assist senior scientists with research involving mid and top trophic-level marine organisms (including seabirds). The person filling this position must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and have strong interpersonal skills. While the primary focus of this position is to support senior scientists, this position offers the potential for growth in data management and/or scientific analyses of mid and top trophic-level marine organisms. Field work is not required but is possible, pending interests of successful applicant. Specific responsibilities include: - design and maintain Microsoft Access databases - prepare technical memoranda documenting data collection protocols and preliminary results following annual research cruises - help to fulfill data requests and track users of Ecosystem Studies Program datasets - work with program members to obtain copies of all previously collected data sets - assist the Data Manager in developing a data management system - enter all Ecosystem Studies data sets into ERSI's ArcGIS - serve as a GIS consultant for senior scientists, developing maps as needed - process and analyze data relating to mid and top trophic-level marine organism Required skills and expertise: - Extensive experience in the design and construction of Microsoft Access databases, queries, and reports
- Programming expertise in one or more languages (e.g., Visual Basic or
Perl) - Experience with ESRI's ArcGIS - Strong writing skills Preferred skills and expertise: - Experience with SQL and HTML - Experience in developing metadata - Familiarity with (no fear of) working with large data sets Additional Information: Salary:
Starting salary between $41,000 and $45,000, depending upon qualifications. Potential for salary increase, subject to performance.
Benefits: Health benefits package included. Term of employment: 12-month contract with potential for conversion to a Permanent Position with the Federal Government. Application deadline: 20 Jun 2005 Start date: 11 Jul 2005 To apply, please send a cover letter describing your qualifications, a resume, and list of three references (phone numbers and e-mail contacts) to: DR. JESSICA REDFERN (EM:
Jessica.Redfern@noaa.gov) or SWFSC, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. For questions and inquiries, please contact: Dr.
Jessica Redfern, (EM: Jessica.Redfern@noaa.gov).
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS IN SOUTH AFRICA (3) for projects run by the Percy FitzPatrick Institute (University of Cape Town) examining co-operative breeding and nesting ecology of several bird species in Koeberg Nature Reserve, on the west coast north of Cape Town. Responsibilities will include nest-searching and monitoring, mist-netting and colour-ringing birds, re-sighting and monitoring post-fledging survival, and a variety of experimental manipulations. Positions available from early Aug through 31 Oct 2005. Accommodation will be provided in a rented house in a coastal village close to the study site. We are not permitted to pay a stipend, but all your subsistence (food) costs will be covered. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and e-mail addresses for three referees to PENN LLOYD
(EM: plloyd@botzoo.uct.ac.za). See http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/coe/docs/koeberg.html for background on the research program.
*********************************
ANNOUNCEMENT FOR RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS ON MARINE MAMMAL CENSUS
INTRODUCTION
The Cetacean Research Group of the Universities of Thessaly and Athens, and the University Napoli II have organized and will carry out a marine mammal census in the Greek seas during September, October and November 2005.=20 Our project aim is to collect skin samples of cetaceans encountered during the survey that will be used for population genetic studies. In addition to that we will study and record distribution of cetaceans and especially Sperm whales (Physyter macrocephalus) using visual and acoustic techniques.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The research will be performed onboard a sailing catamaran with accommodation for 10 people equipped with all the necessary safety equipment (safety category A, life jackets, life raft for 10 persons, GMDSS VHF) and skippered by at least two qualified crew at all times.=20 The presence of the animals will be assessed visually and acoustically using a stereophonic towed hydrophone array. GPS units will be employed for vessel tracking and navigation software to record the track and process the results. In addition photo-identification data will be collected using a digital camera and examined on notebooks onboard.
DUTIES OF THE PARTICIPANTS
The duties of the participants require involvement to all the activities onboard including:
=95 Research (visual scan, use of the hydrophone, filling in forms,
preliminary analysis of effort/distribution and Photo-id data, maintenance of equipment, handling of skin samples).=20
=95 Navigation and sailing (taking shifts with the trained crew and
acquiring experience).=20
=95 Support activities (maintenance and cleaning of the vessel, cooking
etc).
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
The volunteers will be required to participate at least for one week. Sailing or research experience is not required but it will be considered as an advantage. The volunteers must be active, flexible and have a team spirit. The participants will have to contribute to the running expenses and make their own travel arrangements. The cost of participation for one week leg is 350 euro which covers accommodation, equipment, vessel and permanent crew expenses. The participants will be insured for incidents and accidents taking place onboard but they are strongly advised to also have their own travel insurance that would cover their luggage and possible missed/delayed flights etc.
For more information contact:
Vasilis Podiadis or
Fabio Siniscalchi (FAS) or
Vanessa Karpouzli
and send your C.V. at:
delphinus_survey@yahoo.com
*********************************************
FIELD RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (4) - needed from mid Sep 2005 to Jan 2006 to help with a graduate research in the HIGHLANDS OF CENTRAL COSTA RICA.
Research is focused on plumage evolution of the volcano hummingbird.
Work will take place at several high elevation sites including Braullio Carrillo National Park, Irazu Volcano National Park, and Tapanti-Mecizo De la Muerte National Park all known for extraordinary wildlife viewing and breathtaking vistas. Duties will include mist netting, behavioral observations, vegetation surveys, and data collection. Experience with any of these skills is a plus. Enthusiasm, strong physical health and ability to work in adverse field conditions are a requirement. Expect early, long hours (on site before dawn) and difficult weather conditions (all sites are 2300 meters and above on exposed mountain tops). Average daily temperature is around 50oF with strong winds and high chance of cloud cover. Housing conditions will vary from site to site and applicants must be willing to rough it. All expenses while on site will be covered but no travel costs or stipend will be offered. To apply, email letter of interest, resume, and 3 personal references to BRANDAIS ROUMASSET (EM: bcroumas@syr.edu). Please put FIELD ASST. APPLICANT in the subject line of email.
Other habitats include wooded pastures and regenerating plantations.
Fruit feeders, hummingbird feeders, and natural hummingbird bathing pools attract many species to the lodge area. Rancho Naturalista is famous for outstanding food and hospitality. Responsibilities:
Ornithologist Bird Guides lead visiting guests, showing them the birds and interpreting their behavior and ecology from an ornithological perspective. Includes leading day trips to other birding sites. Limited hosting duties.
Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with both ornithological and birding backgrounds. Must be able to learn the local birds quickly, including identification by sight and sound, behaviors, and habitat distribution. Good people skills desirable. Must be able to hike steep trails and guide for 12-hour days if needed.
Full-time positions require weeks of field birding without days off, but the part-time positions during the slow season usually have many days without guests. Thus graduate students could use Rancho Naturalista as a field site for research conducted on the days with no guests to guide.
Spanish is helpful but not needed. Compensation: $1000 per month (full-time
positions) or $40 per day of guiding (part-time positions), full room and board, and transfers to Costa Rica's international airport. Tips are received from many guests and vary with guide's performance. To apply, contact KATHLEEN H. ERB by e-mail (EM:
ranchonat@racsa.co.cr ,PH: 011-506-554-8101).
MARINE ECOLOGIST AND DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNICIAN, Ecosystem Studies Program, Protected Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, La Jolla, California.
http://swfsc.nmfs.noaa.gov/PRD/PROGRAMS/ecology/default.htm. Position
description: The Ecosystem Studies Program at Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, is seeking a technician to assume data management and processing/analysis responsibilities. This person will work under the supervision of a senior-level Data Manager and will assist senior scientists with research involving mid and top trophic-level marine organisms (including seabirds). The person filling this position must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and have strong interpersonal skills. While the primary focus of this position is to support senior scientists, this position offers the potential for growth in data management and/or scientific analyses of mid and top trophic-level marine organisms. Field work is not required but is possible, pending interests of successful applicant. Specific responsibilities include: - design and maintain Microsoft Access databases - prepare technical memoranda documenting data collection protocols and preliminary results following annual research cruises - help to fulfill data requests and track users of Ecosystem Studies Program datasets - work with program members to obtain copies of all previously collected data sets - assist the Data Manager in developing a data management system - enter all Ecosystem Studies data sets into ERSI's ArcGIS - serve as a GIS consultant for senior scientists, developing maps as needed - process and analyze data relating to mid and top trophic-level marine organism Required skills and expertise: - Extensive experience in the design and construction of Microsoft Access databases, queries, and reports
- Programming expertise in one or more languages (e.g., Visual Basic or
Perl) - Experience with ESRI's ArcGIS - Strong writing skills Preferred skills and expertise: - Experience with SQL and HTML - Experience in developing metadata - Familiarity with (no fear of) working with large data sets Additional Information: Salary:
Starting salary between $41,000 and $45,000, depending upon qualifications. Potential for salary increase, subject to performance.
Benefits: Health benefits package included. Term of employment: 12-month contract with potential for conversion to a Permanent Position with the Federal Government. Application deadline: 20 Jun 2005 Start date: 11 Jul 2005 To apply, please send a cover letter describing your qualifications, a resume, and list of three references (phone numbers and e-mail contacts) to: DR. JESSICA REDFERN (EM:
Jessica.Redfern@noaa.gov) or SWFSC, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. For questions and inquiries, please contact: Dr.
Jessica Redfern, (EM: Jessica.Redfern@noaa.gov).
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS IN SOUTH AFRICA (3) for projects run by the Percy FitzPatrick Institute (University of Cape Town) examining co-operative breeding and nesting ecology of several bird species in Koeberg Nature Reserve, on the west coast north of Cape Town. Responsibilities will include nest-searching and monitoring, mist-netting and colour-ringing birds, re-sighting and monitoring post-fledging survival, and a variety of experimental manipulations. Positions available from early Aug through 31 Oct 2005. Accommodation will be provided in a rented house in a coastal village close to the study site. We are not permitted to pay a stipend, but all your subsistence (food) costs will be covered. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and e-mail addresses for three referees to PENN LLOYD
(EM: plloyd@botzoo.uct.ac.za). See http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/coe/docs/koeberg.html for background on the research program.
*********************************
ANNOUNCEMENT FOR RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS ON MARINE MAMMAL CENSUS
INTRODUCTION
The Cetacean Research Group of the Universities of Thessaly and Athens, and the University Napoli II have organized and will carry out a marine mammal census in the Greek seas during September, October and November 2005.=20 Our project aim is to collect skin samples of cetaceans encountered during the survey that will be used for population genetic studies. In addition to that we will study and record distribution of cetaceans and especially Sperm whales (Physyter macrocephalus) using visual and acoustic techniques.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The research will be performed onboard a sailing catamaran with accommodation for 10 people equipped with all the necessary safety equipment (safety category A, life jackets, life raft for 10 persons, GMDSS VHF) and skippered by at least two qualified crew at all times.=20 The presence of the animals will be assessed visually and acoustically using a stereophonic towed hydrophone array. GPS units will be employed for vessel tracking and navigation software to record the track and process the results. In addition photo-identification data will be collected using a digital camera and examined on notebooks onboard.
DUTIES OF THE PARTICIPANTS
The duties of the participants require involvement to all the activities onboard including:
=95 Research (visual scan, use of the hydrophone, filling in forms,
preliminary analysis of effort/distribution and Photo-id data, maintenance of equipment, handling of skin samples).=20
=95 Navigation and sailing (taking shifts with the trained crew and
acquiring experience).=20
=95 Support activities (maintenance and cleaning of the vessel, cooking
etc).
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
The volunteers will be required to participate at least for one week. Sailing or research experience is not required but it will be considered as an advantage. The volunteers must be active, flexible and have a team spirit. The participants will have to contribute to the running expenses and make their own travel arrangements. The cost of participation for one week leg is 350 euro which covers accommodation, equipment, vessel and permanent crew expenses. The participants will be insured for incidents and accidents taking place onboard but they are strongly advised to also have their own travel insurance that would cover their luggage and possible missed/delayed flights etc.
For more information contact:
Vasilis Podiadis or
Fabio Siniscalchi (FAS) or
Vanessa Karpouzli
and send your C.V. at:
delphinus_survey@yahoo.com
*********************************************
FIELD RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (4) - needed from mid Sep 2005 to Jan 2006 to help with a graduate research in the HIGHLANDS OF CENTRAL COSTA RICA.
Research is focused on plumage evolution of the volcano hummingbird.
Work will take place at several high elevation sites including Braullio Carrillo National Park, Irazu Volcano National Park, and Tapanti-Mecizo De la Muerte National Park all known for extraordinary wildlife viewing and breathtaking vistas. Duties will include mist netting, behavioral observations, vegetation surveys, and data collection. Experience with any of these skills is a plus. Enthusiasm, strong physical health and ability to work in adverse field conditions are a requirement. Expect early, long hours (on site before dawn) and difficult weather conditions (all sites are 2300 meters and above on exposed mountain tops). Average daily temperature is around 50oF with strong winds and high chance of cloud cover. Housing conditions will vary from site to site and applicants must be willing to rough it. All expenses while on site will be covered but no travel costs or stipend will be offered. To apply, email letter of interest, resume, and 3 personal references to BRANDAIS ROUMASSET (EM: bcroumas@syr.edu). Please put FIELD ASST. APPLICANT in the subject line of email.
