Field technicians needed from approximately mid-March to late June 2008 (dates somewhat flexible; total position duration about 16 weeks) to participate in a stress ecophysiology project on two federally endangered species, the Black-capped Vireo and the Golden-Cheeked Warbler. The research is a collaboration among investigators at Princeton University, Tufts University, and University of Illinois. The Princeton group uses heart rate telemetry to study the metabolic demands of stress induced by human and military activity. The Tufts group studies the hormonal response to short- and long-term exposure to disturbance. Work takes place at Fort Hood, a beautiful 88,000-ha military installation adjacent to the city of Killeen, Texas. And, yes! It is beautiful! The base is home to many endemic insects, and also to bobcats and mountain lions not to mention tons of birds. Primary tasks of crew members will be to locate adult birds on their territories, map territories, find nests, and assist in targeted mist-netting, transmitter mounting, blood sampling, nest monitoring, behavioral observations, and various other activities related to field experiments on birds. Crew members will be responsible for keeping extensive, detailed field notes. Pay is approximately $2,100/month and workers must provide their own housing and transportation to work (vehicle provided for field work). Applicants must be at least 21 years old by date of hire, have a valid drivers license, and a good driving record. Applicants must have good hearing, be able to see the full spectrum of colors, and be in sufficient physical condition to carry gear long-distances, cross-country, in hot and humid weather. Although Fort Hood offers a great wildlife experience, crews will start work before sunrise, walk many kilometers, and endure harsh field conditions including exposure to intense sun, heat, chiggers, fire ants, cactus, snakes, and abundant poison ivy. Preferred qualifications are: (1) a 4-year degree in a life science, or equivalent experience (2) field experience in finding nests, determining color band combinations from a distance, identifying birds by sight and sound, and mist-netting (experience with our study species not especially important) (3) self-motivation and ability to work independently and a willingness to learn new skills (4) flexibility to daily changes in activities and assignments as experiments progress (5) ability to navigate alone in the field using map, compass, and GPS (6) excellent attention to detail. To apply please send a letter of intent, CV, and the names of three referees to Isabelle Bisson at [EMAIL PROTECTED] with Fort Hood Crew in the subject line. E-mail applications are preferred but materials can also be sent to: Dr. Isabelle-Anne Bisson, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544.
