Volunteer required to assist with study investigating patterns of life history variation in mountain bluebirds across an elevational gradient in the White Mountains, California.
*Date*: Project runs from mid April- mid July (start and end dates are flexible) *Responsibilities*: Involves monitoring nest boxes and breeding behavior of mountain bluebirds. Conduct field experiments involving food supplementation for breeding bluebirds, measure eggs, monitor incubation behavior, capturing bluebirds at the nest, color banding females and young and taking measurements. *Qualifications * 1. Prior experience in field research, capturing and banding birds is highly desirable although not required. 2. An interest in field ecology and/or birds is desirable. 3. Must be patient, able to work independently but also take directions, meticulous and accurate about data collection with a willingness to admit mistakes. 4. Must be in excellent physical condition and be able to work long hours in the field under challenging and unpredictable conditions (involves hiking in rough terrain and in snow at high elevations and considerably hot weather in the lower elevations). 5. A clean driving record and a valid U.S driver’s license is required. Experience in driving AWD vehicles in rough terrain is a definite plus. 6. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. *Field site*: The White Mountains lie to the east of the Sierra Nevada, close to the town of Bishop in Inyo county. Study site spans an elevational gradient of 6800- 12400 feet (2,100- 3,800m). For more details about the Whites, visit their website at www.wmrs.edu. *Benefits* 1. Housing will be provided in University of California field stations at the White Mountains. The stations have well equipped dormitories with air conditioning, bathrooms with showers, internet access and a fully equipped kitchen. 2. Transportation to and within the field site will be provided. If you have your own vehicle, gas costs will be reimbursed. 3. 125$ a week month stipend. 4. Opportunities to carry out independent research may exist and assistance in obtaining research credits can be provided. This could be a wonderful opportunity to gain experience in field research, learn about birds, and new skills in a scenic environment. If you are interested, please send me an email with the following information at [email protected] 1. A cover letter saying why you are interested in this position 2. A resume 3. Two references (if you already have field research experience, then at least one of those references should be someone you interacted with closely in your previous field job). 4. Copy of your transcripts if you are interested in getting research credits. -- Graduate Student Department of Biology 1208 Spieth Hall University of California, Riverside CA 92521
