The Institute for Bird Populations seeks applicants for the following field biologist and intern positions. Please visit our website at http://www.birdpop.org/internships.htm for details and application materials.
TMAPS VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIPS: The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) seeks two bird banding interns from approximately February 15 to May 31, 2010 (possibly extending through October 2010) to operate constant effort mist-netting and banding stations on Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands as a part of the Tropical Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (TMAPS) Program. Field conditions include high heat, humidity, and rocky, sharp, rugged terrain. The position entails banding a minimum of 6 out of every 10 days, depending on weather and logistical considerations. We are looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated individuals with some experience being independent in the field, and a solid background in mist-netting, bird banding, and ageing and sexing landbirds using plumage characteristics. A passport valid for the duration of the internship and a drivers license are required. We particularly encourage previous MAPS interns to apply. The successful applicant will be expected to learn the MAPS protocol during an intensive training session in Central California at the beginning of the internship. After training and travel to Saipan, the interns will be responsible for setting up and operating 6 TMAPS mist-netting stations, liaising with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service contacts on Saipan, and submitting monthly progress reports to IBPs main office. Roundtrip airfare to Saipan from San Francisco and free shared housing will be provided in addition to a per diem of $24 for each day in the field. For application materials and further information, please visit our website at http://www.birdpop.org/internships.htm or contact Mary Chambers at [email protected], 415-663-1436. MAPS FIELD BIOLOGISTS: The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) seeks field biologists to serve as crew leaders to train and lead interns operating a network of mist-netting and banding stations in Indiana/Kentucky, Missouri, Texas, Oregon, and Washington for the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program. Positions extend from May 1 (April 23 for Texas and Missouri) through August 8, 2009. Join this continent-wide, long-term effort to track demographic variation in North American landbird populations. MAPS data from this network of stations are analyzed to quantify the impacts of land management practices on bird populations, and to identify relationships between annual demographics and variation in climate and seasonal weather. The ultimate goal of these investigations is to provide landbird conservation recommendations with considerations of habitat management, migratory behavior, weather patterns, and climate change. Successful applicants should have previous experience with the MAPS protocol and be proficient at birdsong identification, and MUST have advanced skills in mist-netting, bird banding, and ageing and sexing of landbirds in the hand. Applicants will be expected to use Peter Pyles Identification Guide to North American Birds (Part I) to teach plumages and molts of landbirds in the appropriate regions. Previous MAPS field biologist interns (and crew leaders) are especially encouraged to apply. Demonstrated leadership skills, attention to detail, good physical condition, a tolerance of long days that begin before dawn, and the ability to endure sometimes difficult field conditions are required. Field biologists are expected to drive considerable distances between (and within) locations so a reliable field vehicle is a must (trucks/SUVs not required). These field biologist positions are an excellent opportunity to gain experience leading field crews, and IBP full-time staff biologists are often recruited from the MAPS field biologist pool. MAPS field biologists are considered independent contractors rather than IBP staff, and receive payment of $2,300 per month and project-related mileage reimbursement ($0.35/mile), but no fringe benefits. For application materials and further information, please visit our website at http://www.birdpop.org/internships.htm or contact Mary Chambers at [email protected], 415-663-1436. MAPS VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIPS: The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) seeks motivated, enthusiastic volunteers in good physical condition with a strong desire to learn more about birds and natural history for the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program. All successful applicants are expected to face the rigors and unpredictability of field conditions with good humor and flexibility. Prior banding experience or a background in wildlife biology or a closely related field is a plus, but not necessary because all internships include an intensive, two week training course in mist-netting, and the identification, handling, banding, and ageing and sexing of landbirds. In addition, interns receive individual training in these techniques throughout the field season. Positions are available nationwide and are offered by region: Northwest, Western Midwest/Texas, Eastern Midwest/East, and Yosemite National Park. Internships begin April 23/May 1 and run through August 8. Applicants with reliable field vehicles are especially needed (trucks/SUVs not required). Mileage will be reimbursed at the rate of $0.35/mile for project-related use. Shared housing and a per diem of $22 - $30 (depending on location) for food and incidental expenses, amounting to $1,848 - $2,700 for the season, are provided. Interns are expected to spend a minimum of 6 of every 10 days in the field, contingent upon daily weather conditions and logistical considerations. For application materials and further information, please visit our website at http://www.birdpop.org/internships.htm or contact Mary Chambers at [email protected], 415-663-1436.
