DIARIO NATURA ANIMAL

Title: Rehabilitation Intern
Agency: The Wildlife Center

Job Description: Openings for 3 summer interns to be upervised by Wildlife Care Director and Rehabilitation Staff. Will assist the Rehab staff with all aspects of care with the rehabilitation of mammals, song birds and raptors. Will be required to perform veterinary and husbandry skills by the end of the internship period, which will include but not be limited to: diet preparation, daily care and feeding, capture and restraint and basic medical procedures. An independent research project associated with intern's interests is to be completed by the end of the internship period.
Internship time-frame is June 11th-August 11th; 35-40 hours/week; (There is an opportunity to extend an additional 1-2 weeks with no additional pay to assist with the release of mammals).
Qualifications: Some animal care, veterinary, or rehabilitation experience preferred but not required. Must have the ability to work both independently as well as part of a team. Completion of sophomore college level or above. Prophylactic Rabies and Tetanus Vaccines required (at interns expense) prior to employment. Please submit cover letter, application (including job and schooling experience and 3 references) to: Katherine@thewildlifecenter.org.

Application deadline: March 25th, 2012.

Phone interviews will be conducted prior to hire.
Salary: $1,000 for 2 months and on-site housing
Last Date to apply: March 25, 2012
Website: http://www.thewildlifecenter.org
Contact: Katherine Eagleson- Exec. Director
E-mail: Katherine@thewildlifecenter.org(Preferred)
Phone: 505-753-9505

The Turtle Conservation Fund makes grants to organizations and individuals worldwide for conservation and research of endangered and critically endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles. Most grants are US$2 thousand to US$5 thousand per project.

Application deadlines are 01 May and 01 November each year

More information: http://www.turtleconservationfund.org/grants/

Amphibian Ark offers the AArk Seed Grant of US$5 thousand in support of ex situ conservation of globally endangered amphibian species. The grant is intended for start-up rescue projects that need seed money in order to attract larger funding. Projects should work with species in their range countries, involve range-country biologists, conform to biosecurity standards, and observe other guidelines explained on the website.

Applications are due 01 May 2012

More information: http://www.amphibianark.org/about-us/aark-activities/aark-seed-grant/

OTS seeks an instructor for a 3-week course in scientific writing as part of the Tropical Biology on a Changing Planet Undergraduate Study Abroad Program. A small group of undergraduate biology students will learn the skills related to evaluating, structuring, and writing scientific articles and/or grants during this 60 contact hour course. Students will receive course credit from Duke University. Lessons will be based in the area of San Pedro in Costa Rica; travel and lodging expenses will not be included in instructor compensation. Lessons will be given between Monday and Friday. Course schedule will be decided upon by the instructor and may include some hours with lessons given via internet (e.g. Skype). Sample syllabi are available for the instructor to use in the curriculum design of their own course.

Qualifications:

•Ph.D. or M.Sc. in biology, ecology, conservation biology or a related field.
•Professional experience in teaching undergraduates.
•Professional experience in writing scientific articles and grants.
•Excellent communication skills.
•Bilingual (Spanish/English) desirable, English required.
The position is a 3-week contract with an anticipated start date of March 7, 2012, and an anticipated end date of March 24, 2012. If you have any questions about the position, please contact the Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs at jennifer.stynoski@ots.ac.cr.

Application deadline: February 15, 2012

The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) is currently seeking applicants for one Co-Coordinator position in the Short Course: Tropical Field Biology in Costa Rica. This 2-week course is an introduction to tropical biology and field research that visits 2 OTS field stations (La Selva and Las Cruces) as well as Santa Rosa National Park in Costa Rica. This NSF-funded short course is targeted at students from LSAMP institutions and will provide students with novel exposure to tropical ecosystems. Students will attend classroom lectures and participate in field/laboratory activities on tropical biology and scientific research. Successful applicants will work closely with the Course Coordinator (Dr. Ann Russell), the Coordinator of the Undergraduate Programs, and other OTS staff in the design and implementation of the course. The Tropical Biology Coordinator and Co-Coordinator will be responsible for on-site supervision and coordination of program activities as well as curriculum development and teaching. This is a full-time appointment beginning May 14, 2012 with some expected participation in course planning in the months before the course.

Qualifications:

•Ph.D. or M.Sc. in biology, ecology, conservation biology or a related fiel.
•Professional experience in teaching field biology.
•Professional experience in supervising undergraduate field research.
•Excellent communication and organizational skills.
•Bilingual (Spanish/English) desirable, English required.
•Beneficial to have prior familiarity with course sites.
The position is a 4-week contract with an anticipated start date of May 14, 2012, and an anticipated end date of June 8, 2012. The position includes course travel at various sites in Costa Rica from May 21, 2012 through June 3, 2012. If you have any questions about the position, please contact the Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs at jennifer.stynoski@ots.ac.cr

Application deadline: February 12, 2012

Funciones: Prestar los servicios profesionales para apoyar a las Áreas Protegidas de la Dirección Territorial Pacifico (DTPA) en el desarrollo de sus análisis vulnerabilidad y adaptación al cambio y la variabilidad climática dentro de los procesos de revisión y actualización de los planes de manejo.

Recepción de hojas de vida hasta el 20 de enero 2012

Descargar información completa en pdf: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/tdrprofesional_cc_direccion_territorial_pacifico__04_01_2012_.pdf

El Programa Biología de la Conservación y Uso de la Biodiversidad esta interesado en recibir hojas de vida de biólogos y ecologos con formación profesional y experiencia laboral en los siguientes temas:

•Recursos hidrobiológicos y pesqueros continentales
•Especies introducidas e invasoras (en ambientes continentales e insulares, terrestres y dulceacuícolas)
•Orinoquia y áreas protegidas

Los interesados que cumplan con el perfil, por favor enviar hoja de vida al Coordinador del Programa, Carlos A. Lasso (classo@humboldt.org.co) antes del 25 de enero de 2012.

Title: Orangutan Research Volunteer
Agency: Orangutan Health Project
Location: Leuser Ecosystem, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Job Description: Principal Investigator: MVDr Ivona Foitova PhD

Qualifications: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, PhD study of Diseases of Wild Animals and Animals in Zoological Gardens from Veterinary and Pharmaceutical University of Brno, Czech Republic, Europe.

Affiliations: UMI - Saving of Pongidae Foundation.

Research Site: Leuser Ecosystem, North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Rendezvous site: Polonia International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Cost: US$1,289 (excluding flights, insurance and tourist visa) / US$990 for students (excluding flights, insurance and tourist visa).

Team size: Minimum 2, maximum 8.

Your participation fee is used to cover all the day-to-day expenses of running the project, including food and accommodations for volunteers and staff, operation of the project base, lab equipment and supplies, and helps provide the funds necessary to transport faecal, plant, and soil samples abroad for important analysis work. We also pay the full cost of national park permits, at tourist rates. Any "leftovers" are invested in the future expansion of the project, including the building of an ambitious new research station in an area of forest previously unstudied. This area is home to a significant population of wild orangutans and the new station will go a long way to protecting their habitat while simultaneously providing a site for conservation education, an international summer school and an expansion of research.

The project is proud to be able to provide important work for the local community and employs only local guides for trekking in the forest.

A SAMPLE VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE MAY GO AS FOLLOWS:

Day 1: Arrive in Medan, travel to project, orientation to location, rest and recuperate.

Day 2: Orientation to project and tasks. Start work in the office.

Day 3: Visit the orangutan feeding platform and practice trek in the forest. Second visit to feeding or free-time (swimming/tubing, etc.)

Day 4: Volunteer tasks at base (see below).

Days 5-10: Fieldwork/trekking with overnight stays in the forest carrying out tasks necessary to the project's research (see below). Three meals per day and water are provided. Alternatively, several one-day treks in the jungle to carry out tasks necessary to the project's research (no overnight camping)

Day 11: Field work data processing.

Day 12: Free day. (Re-visit feeding platform/swimming/tubing/opportunity for cultural outings.) Volunteer BBQ.

Day 13: Travel to Medan (AM) for afternoon flights.

IMPORTANT: The above is only an example of a possible schedule of activities. It is always subject to change based on the needs of the project. Staying overnight in the forest is not guaranteed and will be based on considerations such as weather, staff availability, number of volunteers, and most importantly, physical fitness of the volunteers.

POSSIBLE RESEARCH TASKS AT BASE:
Entering behavioural data collected by Field Assistants

Organising samples of orangutan foodstuffs and preparing for our herbarium

Organising faecal samples collected by Field Assistants

Preparing equipment for Field Assistants to go to the forest

Preparing behavioural data sheets

Preparing sample bottles for Field Assistants

Shopping for project supplies in town or at the local market

Brainstorming ideas to help the project's promotion

Keeping temperature, weather and humidity data records updated

Cleaning project office and accommodation


POSSIBLE RESEARCH TASKS IN THE FOREST:

Locating areas with a significant wild orangutan population

Finding and following orangutans to collect behavioural data and faecal and plant samples

Nest counting to provide seasonally varying estimates of the orangutan population

Fruit trail transects to record the range of foodstuffs available to orangutans in an area

Volunteers on every team will get proper instruction and information about the following matters:

The project and your role/responsibilities within it
- Safe behaviour in tropical countries, potential health risks and precautions

- Proper sample collecting techniques and data entry protocols

- Advice about the best clothing and equipment for work in the forest

- Local flora and fauna and especially about the orangutans

- Indonesian culture, basic language, and appropriate behaviour in Sumatra

Qualifications: Team dates start the 1st Monday of each month.

Ideal Volunteers:
- Ability to live under basic conditions with limited amenities

- Openness to, and acceptance of, non-Western ideas and cultures

- Fluency in the English language

Salary: N/A
Last Date to apply: January 7, 2013
Website: http://www.orangutan-health.org
Contact: OHP Project Assistant
E-mail: orangutanhealth@nusa.net.id(Preferred)
Phone: +6281362146476

Job Description: Three month summer internship rehabilitating rescued wildlife at the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, a wildlife hospital and rehab center located in Boyce, VA.

Interns will:
1.Assist with care and feeding of injured and orphaned native wildlife.
2.Learn captive diets, husbandry, and handling techniques for a variety of native mammals, birds, and reptiles.
3.Learn threats to native wildlife in developed areas including those posed by humans, their pets, environmental toxins, and wildlife disease.
4. Keep records on all patients and enter data.
5. Assist with wildlife rescue and release.

Qualifications: College student or graduate with an interest in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, human-wildlife conflict, and animal husbandry.

Must be physically fit and enthusiastic about hands-on experience working with wildlife.

Salary: none, housing available

Last Date to apply: March 15, 2012

Website: http://www.blueridgewildlife.org
Contact: Heather Sparks
E-mail: info@blueridgewildlife.org(Preferred)
Phone: 540-837-9000

This position is open within the framework of a Convention, signed in May 2011 between the four following partners: ACCOBAMS (Agreement for the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black and Mediterranean Seas), the Agency for Marine Protected Areas (France), the Regional Activity centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA, UNEP-MAP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Unit: Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation
Location: Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, Malaga, Spain
Reporting to: Marine Conservation Programme Manager
Expected start date: 01 January 2012
Type of contract: Fixed-term (until 31 December 2013)
Closing date: 25 December 2011


More detail: https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=301&lang=en

La Unidad de Gestión del Agua de la Oficina para Mesoamérica y la Iniciativa Caribe (ORMA-IC) de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza – UICN tiene como propósito promover la gestión integrada de cuencas hidrográficas, a través de la generación de capacidades y conocimientos, y motivando la implementación de buenas prácticas que mejoren la calidad de los ecosistemas e insten a la gobernanza del agua.

De esta forma, la Unidad ejecuta proyectos que buscan un equilibrio entre la conservación y el uso sostenible de los ecosistemas, tomando en cuenta las necesidades de las poblaciones y sus medios de vida. Uno de sus principales intereses es el de crear las condiciones sociales, políticas, institucionales y ambientales necesarias para que se garantice en la región el acceso justo y equitativo al recurso hídrico entre los diversos usuarios del agua; busca el empoderamiento de actores locales y motiven la conformación de plataformas de participación para la gestión integrada de las cuencas. En el tema de cambio climático se enfoca en el posicionamiento de la gestión integrada del agua como eje estratégico para la adaptación al cambio climático, resaltando las oportunidades de las soluciones basadas en los ecosistemas.

La unidad de Gestión del Agua implementa varias iniciativas concretas que le permiten avanzar en el cumplimiento de sus propósitos en relación al tema de gobernanza:
• Gobernanza del agua para la adaptación al cambio climático, financiado por la Iniciativa Internacional del Clima (ICI) del Ministerio de Ambiente y Seguridad Nuclear de Alemania (BMU)
• Hidrodiplomacia y gobernanza de aguas compartidas, financiado por la Agencia Suiza de Cooperación al Desarrollo (SDC)

Actualmente la Unidad de Gestión del Agua de ORMA-CI busca una persona para cubrir el puesto de Oficial Técnico para integrar su trabajo en la región mesoamericana y el Caribe y apoyar particularmente la implementación de los proyectos mencionados.


Infortmación detallada para la aplicación: https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=304&lang=sp

Job Description:
We are seeking highly motivated and qualified individuals for participating in a study on visual and acoustic signals and social status in the Neotropical hummingbird long-billed hermit (Phaethornis longirostris). This species forms leks (courtship assemblies) of 9-20 males, in which individuals interact using a variety of acoustic signals and visual displays (ww.youtube.com/watch?v=VeuzTytGwG8). The position will involve at least a 8 week period of full-time work during the spring-summer of 2012 (from Feb-Aug) at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. Food and lodging but NO SALARY will be provided.
Field assistant will be responsible for their own travel costs. The assistant will work with mistnetting, song recording, playback experiments and behavioral observations, gaining hands-on experience working with birds. This position represents a good opportunity to improve knowledge and research skills for undergraduate students interested in tropical avian ecology and behavior research. Applicant must be self-motivated, responsible, adventurous, in good physical condition, like working in teams and independently, and be comfortable working in high temperature, mosquito clouds, and snake-inhabited dense vegetation areas. Interested students should submit 1) curriculum vitae, 2) contact information of two references and 3) a cover letter to Marcelo Araya-Salas: maraya AT nmsu.edu. The cover letter must describe any previous research and contain a brief statement explaining your interest in obtaining research experience in these areas.

Salary: NO SALARY

Last Date to apply: January 7, 2012

Contact: Marcelo Araya
E-mail: marceloa27@gmail.com(Preferred)
Phone: 5753121327

Title: FIELD ASSISTANT (Troupial behavior study in Puerto Rico)
Agency: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Location: Puerto Rico


Job Description: Seeking an enthusiastic field technician to aid in graduate research in PUERTO RICO on Troupial (Icterus icterus) duets and vocal behavior. Research will take place in CABO ROJO NATIONAL PARK in the dry forests of southwestern Puerto Rico. The position will begin mid to late FEBRUARY and last until mid to late APRIL, 2012. Main duties will involve helping mist-net and band Troupials, conducting observations and helping with playback experiments, manually recording Troupial vocalizations, and setting up and maintaining automated audio recorders. Dedication to long periods of research in the field and early hours is expected. Room and board provided by the project. Applicants are expected to pay their own airfare to San Juan, Puerto Rico (usually ~$300).

Qualifications: The successful applicant must have a passion for outdoor research and wildlife, even in hot or buggy conditions. Good physical condition is important for potentially long periods of hiking and following birds. Previous research banding birds, substantial use of binoculars, and experience reading color bands preferable. Fluency in Spanish also beneficial.

Interested to get away from the cold and snow and live on a tropical island for the winter? EMAIL Karan Odom kodom1@umbc.edu with a COVERLETTER and CV (include last name at the beginning of the file name).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 9, 2012, but applications may be reviewed and a decision made prior to this date.

Title: Junior Field Scientist, Costa Rica
Agency: Global Vision International
Location: Tortuguero Conservation Area, Costa Rica

Job Description: We are looking for a dependable, responsible and detail oriented individual to help plan and execute ecological monitoring projects on the east coast of Costa Rica; working with sea turtles, jaguars and aquatic birds.

Manage our participants on the ground, train volunteers, and enforce our health and safety regulations and project protocols.

This role will also have the opportunity to act as a liaison between our field operations and our local partners.

This is an amazing opportunity for someone who is looking to launch their career as a biologist, or conservationist to get REAL on the ground EXPERIENCE.

This position reports directly to the Base Manager at the Biological Research Station in Jalova, Costa Rica.

Responsibilities:
Assist managing our volunteers on the program
- Enforce our health and safety regulations

- Assist with conservation and field survey techniques training

- Biological data management and report writing.

- Liaise with local partners as well as local, national and international collaborators.

- Provide administrative support to the Field Coordinator

- Translate, interpret and facilitate communication in Spanish and English.

- Be part of the staff boat driving team

We are looking for someone who believes in what we do.

Please send a cover letter describing specifically WHY you want to work fir GVI in 150 words or less... and include a CV/Resume via email to costarica@gviworld.com and christina.harnois@gviworld.com

Applicants must be fit and in good health, have normal dietary requirements, enthusiastic, flexible and hard-working, with excellent management, personnel and leadership skills.

Global Vision International is an Equal Opportunity Employer, offering a supportive and friendly, yet fast-paced environment. This is a full-time position.

Be sure to include the title of the position in your correspondence.


Qualifications Required:
Fluent English and good working knowledge of Spanish
- University degree in a natural science

- Experience managing and working with people

- Boat handling and boat driving license (equivalent of RYA Powerboat level 2) highly desirable

- Demonstrated field study experience (tropical rainforest experience is preferred).

- International volunteer experience / experience working with native English-speakers.

- Current First Aid and CPR qualification.

- Ability to work as part of a team and with minimal supervision.

- Willingness to accept basic communal living and very long hours of work in hot & humid/wet conditions.

- Willingness to work during the day and night (during turtle season).

- Must be passionate about wildlife and knowledgeable about current environmental issues.

- Full command of MS Office package.

Highly desired:
- Working knowledge of other animal groups including turtles, canal birds, primates and cats

- EFR instructor qualification

PLEASE EMAIL BOTH: costarica@gviworld.com and christina.harnois@gviwo
Salary: Starting salary is US$100 per week, 3 meals a day,
Last Date to apply: December 11, 2011
Website: http://www.gviusa.com/
Contact: Stephen Meyer
E-mail: costarica@gviworld.com(Preferred)

Position Description:
We’re looking for volunteer field assistants to help with ongoing research as part of the Primate & Predator Project based within the Soutpansberg Mountains of South Africa. Our study site has an abundance of all five species of South African primate: chacma baboon (Papio ursinus), vervet monkey (Cercopithcus aethiops), samango monkey (Cercopithecus mitis erythrarchcus), thick-tailed bushbaby (Otolemur crassicaudatus) and southern lesser bushbaby (Galago moholi). We are also fortunate that this montane environment supports one of the highest densities of leopard (Panthera pardus) recorded anywhere in Africa, and the leopard population, alongside other predators, is also an important focus of our research.
A major objective of our research is to examine the behavioural ecology of predator-prey interactions focussing on diurnal primates and their predators as a model system. Chacma baboons, vervet monkey and samango monkeys are all the focus on ongoing research at the site, with samango monkeys an important focus at present. However, volunteers may be involved with work on all three species. Volunteers will work alongside an experienced team of field biologists and will be involved in the following tasks:
1. Behavioural observations of habituated primates through full day follows and collection of standardized behavioural and demographic data from our study troops.
2. Experimental titrations of predation risk based on giving-up densities or predator detection experiments using predator models.
3. Habituation of new groups, sometimes tracking via VHF receivers to maintain contact.
4. Monitoring of primate groups via GPS collars. This will be a new element of our research in 2012 and volunteers may play an important role in setting and monitoring traps, tracking via VHF receivers, data download, and collar retrieval.
5. Phenological transects to estimate primate food availability.
6. General data entry and analysis and preparation of reports and papers for publication.
7. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to work on the predator element of the project and engage in camera trapping, GPS collar, or scat/dietary analysis.
The precise activities will vary depending on our recent requirements at the time. Please get in touch if you have specific interests in particular techniques or aspects of our research, since not all activities will be ongoing at all times.

Qualifications/Experience:
We are looking for volunteer research assistants with the following experience:
1. A background in biology/zoology/ecology or related field and an interest in the behaviour, ecology and conservation of primates and other mammals.
2. Physically fit, and capable of undertaking fieldwork in a mountainous environment, in hot temperatures at certain times of year. You should be able to comfortable cover 10-15km per day (often more) over rough and often steep terrain and capable of carrying a day pack these distances while collecting data.
3. Capable of working well as part of a team, under the authority of field research coordinators, and be a valuable team member.
4. Reliable, responsible and motivated when it comes to following research protocols and methodologies, and an ability to work at unsociable hours when necessary.
5. Relevant experience of the project’s field techniques and of working in southern Africa is desirable but not essential.

Salary/funding:
No salary is provided, although payment for contributing to certain elements of our research project may be possible on an ad hoc basis. At other times you will need to cover your own food and accommodation costs at the research station. All research equipment will be provided. Volunteer research assistants will also be responsible for their own airfare and travel to South Africa and medical/travel insurance.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Housing is available at the Lajuma Research Centre which is equipped with hot showers, flush toilets, a gas stove, fridge, tapped water, washing machine, gas, firewood and electricity (220V). Volunteers my join the town trip to Louis Trichardt (Makhado) once a week for shopping, visits to an internet café, landline phone calls, etc.

Term of Appointment:
Positions are available immediately. We are looking for volunteers who are able to commit for a minimum of 3 months, although positions may be held for up to 12 months or longer, depending on availability. Volunteers able to contribute for a minimum of 6 months may take responsibility for certain sub-projects, including data analysis and publication where appropriate.

Application Deadline:
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter to the project email address (primate.predator@durham.ac.uk) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant experience and duration and timing of your availability. There is no specific deadline and applications will be accepted until positions are filled.

Contact Information:
Dr Russell Hill
Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Science Site
Durham DH1 3LE
United Kingdom

Website:
http://www.dur.ac.uk/r.a.hill/primate_and_predator_project.htm

E-mail Address:
primate.predator@durham.ac.uk