DIARIO NATURA ANIMAL

Agency: New Mexico State University

Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Salary: $2,000 per month plus housing support

Start Date: 08/13/2012

Description: Intern will work as part of a research team investigating how animal biodiversity is responding to large-scale restoration efforts in the Chihuahuan Desert aimed at restoring grassland habitat for wildlife (“Restore New Mexico” project). Intern will develop a semi-independent research project related to how mesocarnivores and lagomorphs are responding to efforts to control invasive shrubs. The research will include use of camera-traps to determine site occupancy of medium-size mammals on treatment-reference pairs. The position is funded by the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at NSF in association with the Jornada LTER site. The intern will be employed by New Mexico State University. This is a great opportunity for a motivated student to gain valuable research experience in the Land of Enchantment. 

Application procedures: (1) Cover letter, (2) Resume, and (3) Names and contact information for two professional references should be sent via email to Dr. Robert Schooley at the University of Illinois (schooley@illinois.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately. 

Qualifications:  Because of the timing (fieldwork into fall), we are recruiting spring 2012 graduates from B.S./B.A. programs in the biological sciences or natural resources management. Genuine interest in applied ecology and biodiversity restoration required. Previous research experience in field ecology helpful. Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.

Contact Person: Dr. Robert L. Schooley

Contact Phone: Skype 217-244-2729

Contact eMail: schooley@illinois.edu

Agency: University of California, Los Angeles

Location: Puerto Rico

website: http://kennychapin.com/pdfs/announcement.pdf

Salary: Volunteer, housing and on-site transportation

Start Date:  08/01/2012

Last Date to Apply: 08/01/2012

 Description:  We are seeking volunteers to assist in field research on whip spiders (Arachnida: Amblypygi) in rainforests and caves. The exploratory project integrates behavior, ecology, and genetics to answer questions regarding the evolution of group-living. The field expedition will take place at a semi-remote field station in Puerto Rico during the month of August 2012. In addition to gaining experience and training, field station housing and a shared vehicle will be provided. 

Duties: Volunteers will assist in mark-recapture surveys, collection and preservation of whole specimens and tissue samples, in situ and ex situ behavioral observations, and data collection and entry. Field sites include subtropical moist forest and karst caves. 

Required qualifications: Successful applicants should be students or recent graduates fluent in English with high attention to detail, good organization skills, a willingness to learn, and a good sense of humor. Top applicants will have some experience with field research, data collection, and scientific methodology. Training will be provided for the specific skills required for this position. Past experience or technical skills in caving are not required. Lastly, successful applicants should be enthused by the challenging field conditions explained below. 

Field conditions: Applicants should be comfortable performing physically demanding work under adverse conditions, often late at night, and with limited or no supervision. Assistants should be comfortable with tight spaces, high humidity/heat/rain, “creepy crawlies”, dissection, and navigating forests at night. Applicants should expect to work late at night for parts of the project, as the study organism is nocturnal. Other preferred qualifications: Fluency in Spanish; previous experience in field studies relating to arachnology, entomology, behavioral ecology, genetics, geographic information systems, geology, or tropical ecology; experience in the outdoors, including wilderness survival training, first responder training, and the ability to navigate with a map and compass; experience with GPS and other surveying equipment, photography and video, specimen preservation and labeling, invertebrate dissection, and working with arachnids or nocturnal animals. 

How to apply: Please send a cover letter, CV/resume, and up to three references or letters of recommendation to Kenny Chapin via email (chapinkj@gmail.com) along with any questions you may have. The subject heading of the e-mail should read “Behavioral Ecology Field Assistant”. The cover letter should express your (1) interest in this type of research, (2) long term goals relative to this position, and (3) credentials and qualifications that make you the best applicant. There is no official application deadline, but applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP to ensure their application gets reviewed. Contact: Kenneth J. Chapin Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of California, Los Angeles www.kennychapin.com chapinkj@gmail.com

Contact Person: Kenneth J. Chapin

Contact eMail: chapinkj@gmail.com

Hiring Organization:
Azafady


Position Description:
Location of Post: Based in Sainte Luce 40km north of Fort Dauphin and working throughout bordering communes in Anosy Region

Supervisor: Head of Research and Project Co-ordinator

Background of the Post in the Azafady Conservation Programme

The Azafady Conservation Programme (ACP) accepts international volunteers to help conduct research on the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar’s last remaining fragments of littoral forest. Our monitoring programme focuses on the endemic/endangered herpetofauna and lemur populations of Sainte Luce. Current projects include compiling information on species density and distribution and behavioural studies to build up a comprehensive understanding of their life histories and ecology. A botanical monitoring programme is also being carried out to collate species inventories for each forest fragment, with a particular emphasis on endangered palm species and how the local community use them. The ACP also implements community conservation initiatives such as environmental education in the village school, conservation through English lessons, fuel-efficient stove building and World Environment Day festivities, as well as supporting the Environment Department’s reforestation projects.

ONG Azafady is recruiting a motivated and dynamic individual to work as part of our expanding research team. The successful applicant will help conduct field research on the flora and fauna of Sainte Luce’s littoral forests. The individual will be expected to manage research projects by training volunteers in research methodologies, ensuring accurate collation of scientific data and assisting in the day-to-day management of the programme. An important aspect of this role will be to achieve a balance between collecting valuable scientific data and ensuring volunteers are happy and satisfied with the programme wherever possible. The applicant will also work with the research team to assist in writing and publishing scientific papers.


Duties and responsibilities

The research assistant will work in collaboration with Azafady Malagasy staff in the following activities;

• Assist in the development and implementation of the research programme for the littoral forest fragments in Sainte Luce
• Organise the logistics of the research projects including equipment and resource management
• Monitor data collection in the field
• Ensure the project targets are met
• Supervise volunteers during their time in the field
• Assist in training volunteers in field research techniques
• Ensure good communication and team relations between volunteers, Azafady staff and local staff
• Assist the Project coordinator in the organisation of research excursions
• Any other tasks the Director/ Project Coordinator deems necessary within the broad remit of this role
• Able to commit for a period of one year

Qualifications/Experience:
Personal specification;

• Demonstrate sound knowledge and keen interest in conservation issues
• A qualification in a related discipline
• Specialist knowledge of either primatology, herpetology, botany or environmental education is desirable
• Able to or willing to learn to safely handle and identify reptiles and amphibians
• Previous experience living or working in a developing country would be an asset
• Good IT skills
• Ability to grasp and carryout instruction in challenging environments and maintain a good sense of humour
• First aid certificate
• Working Knowledge of GPS and/or GIS is an advantage
• A good degree of initiative, motivation and commitment
• Excellent organisational and time management skills is a must
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and be flexible and accommodating
• Ability to work as part of a dynamic and multicultural team
• Good degree of fitness for working in difficult terrain under tropical conditions
• Ability to spend long periods of time in basic camping conditions

Salary/funding:
Unpaid

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Food and local transport will be provided whilst on projects. All other costs will need to be covered by the candidate, including accommodation when in town.

Application Deadline:
20 July 2012.

Comments:
Anyone interested in applying for this position should send a detailed CV and a cover letter explaining how their skills and experience match the requirements in the Job Description to Mark Jacobs, by email or by post.

Contact Information:
Mark Jacobs
Studio 7, 1a Beethoven Street
London W10 4LG
United Kingdom

Telephone Number:
+ 44 (0) 20 8960 6629

Fax Number:
+ 44 (0) 20 8962 0126

Website:
http://www.madagascar.co.uk

E-mail Address:
mark@azafady.org

Hiring Organization:
National Exotic Animal Sanctuary


Position Description:
Opportunity to gain experience with a wide range of species including exotics, wildlife and equines.

Morning status check of all animals at the Sanctuary.
Food prep, feeding, enrichment, cleaning, hygiene, maintenance and building new animal accommodation

Qualifications/Experience:
Experience with animals in general

Experience with exotics and horses an advantage

Flexible, practical and self-motivated personality. Willing to assist with any situation that arises and work outdoors in all weathers

Please fill out application on www.neas.ie
Email info@neas.ie

References required

Salary/funding:
Own funds required for living expenses: self catering, phone, internet (euro20 per month, etc.
No pocket money given

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Good mobile home accommodation, heating provided

Term of Appointment:
Position open from 1st August 2012 ongoing

Application Deadline:
Ongoing

Comments:
Suit person wanting to gain hands on experience and day-to-day knowledge of running a busy Sanctuary. Opportunity to learn about Irish wildlife and live in a tranquil but convenient rural setting (7 min drive to nearest village)

Contact Information:
Yvonne Smalley
Coolronan
Ballivor, none County Meath
Ireland

Telephone Number:
00353866077656

Fax Number:
n/a

Website:
http://www.neas.ie

E-mail Address:
info@neas.ie