Field assistants needed in Graná

Expenses paid field assistant positions to study evolution of family
living and cooperative breeding in birds

For the upcoming breeding season (end of March-July 2011) we are looking
for 3 highly motivated field volunteers to join our field project
investigating evolution of family living and cooperative breeding in
birds. The study population is located near Guadix (Granada, Southern
Spain).

Our project researches the shift in parental investment patterns in
kin-group living and cooperative breeding birds. The project is based
at the University in Bern (Switzerland) (PI Michael Griesser, Emeline
Mourocq & Gretchen Wagner PhD students) and is a collaboration with
Prof. Manolo Soler (University of Granada).

The work of the volunteer will be to help in carrying out field
experiments, locating nests, assisting the PhD students in catching
and banding of birds, and data management. This work will give insight
into exciting experimental fieldwork and will be carried out in scenic
semi-arid habitats close to the Sierra Nevada. We will work 5-6 days per
week in the field depending on the work load. Observe that temperatures
at the beginning of the field season can be below zero degree, and later
on in the breeding season be easily above 35C.

Qualifications:
(1) BSc or MSc in Biology, Behavioural Ecology or similar qualification
(2) Previous field experience
(3) Ability to work in small teams and sociable personality
(4) Knowledge in observing & handling birds is a plus
(5) Driving licence would be helpful
(6) fluent in English
(7) Basic knowledge of Spanish would be helpful.

This is an expenses paid field assistant position, covering accommodation,
food and travel expenses of up to 300 Euro to and from the study site.

Applications - including a CV, a letter of motivation (1 page)
and the name of two referees - should be send to: Emeline
Mourocq: emeline.mourocq@iee.unibe.ch and Gretchen Wagner:
gretchen.wagner@iee.unibe.ch

Applications received until 20th January 2011 will be given full
consideration.

http://www.iee.unibe.ch/content/staff/griesser/index_eng.html
http://www.iee.unibe.ch/content/staff/mourocq

michael.griesser@iee.unibe.ch