Field Ecology Research Internship Position Guam & the Mariana Islands
Description of project: This project examines the effect of bird loss on forest systems, primarily through changes in seed dispersal and changes in the food web. The intern will aid in studies comparing forests on Guam, where there are no forest birds remaining due to the brown treesnake, to forests on Saipan, Tinian and Rota, where native avifauna are intact. Duties of the interns: The intern will work with field crews (consisting of 3-5 interns, field technicians and project leaders) that travel between Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota to set up and maintain a variety of experiments on each island. Specific duties include: making seed traps, checking seed traps, sorting through bags of leaves and seeds, identifying trees (including seedlings), caring for plants in a greenhouse setting, planting seedlings, collecting seeds from fruiting trees, building bird exclosures, observing bird behavior using binoculars and videotape, collecting and identifying insects, and surveying spiders. There will be an opportunity for individual side projects if time allows. Field crews work 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. Requirements: The successful applicant must be able to pay attention to detail, work in high heat and humidity, walk over rough terrain, tolerate the tedious and at times monotonous work necessary for all scientific endeavors (e.g. sorting through leaves and seeds), and learn how to identify trees (including seedlings) quickly and accurately. A current driver’s license is required. If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high. Relevant field experience is desired, but not required. Payment and benefits: Transportation from Seattle to Guam (or from another major airport in the US), housing, and transportation to and from field sites will be provided. Interns will be paid a stipend of $500 a month, and may also receive research credit towards an undergraduate degree. Interns will receive valuable research experience in the field of conservation biology and field ecology – a great way to both determine whether graduate school in the life sciences is for you and to gain the necessary experience for a competitive application to graduate school. Duration: August 2009 – December 2009 (flexibility on dates, but 4 months required) To apply: Candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to [email protected]. Applications must be received by June 22nd (2009). Please contact Janneke Hille Ris Lambers ([email protected]) if you have any questions related to the internship. ------------------------- Janneke Hille Ris Lambers Assistant Professor Biology Department University of Washington Seattle, WA, 98195-1800 USA
