FIELD RESEARCH INTERNS NEEDED FOR PREDATOR-PREY STUDY IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA POSITION DESCRIPTION
Looking for a motivated, enthusiastic field intern to help with a wildlife research project examining the effects of habitat change on fawn survival and population dynamics for Sitka black-tailed deer, and predator-prey interactions between deer, black bears, and wolves. The project site is in the Tongass National Forest (coastal temperate rainforest ecosystem) on Prince of Wales Island, the largest island in Southeast Alaska. Field assistants will gain expertise in telemetry monitoring, live collaring of mammals, scat surveys, and vegetation sampling. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on field experience and learn more about the research process in a beautiful, unique setting. Positions run from June 15-August 1, 2010. The position includes a cost of living allowance of $250 bi-weekly, shared cabin housing on Prince of Wales Island, and roundtrip transportation costs from Anchorage, AK or Seattle, WA to Prince of Wales Island, AK. Preference will be given to applicants available for the entire time period. RESPONSIBILITIES *Assist with radio telemetry monitoring of deer. *Help survey vegetation in various coastal rainforest habitat types. *Assist with scat detection surveys and collection for dietary and genetic analysis. *Help with data management in the field and data entry. QUALIFICATIONS *Background and coursework in ecology, biology, or related fields is required *Prior field research experience is a plus, but even more important is a positive attitude, emotional maturity, and an ability to work collaboratively with others in challenging environments. *Enthusiasm for the outdoors and hiking (including thick, often-rainy forests), and a willingness to work potentially long hours in the field *A desire to learn hands-on field skills, potentially with an interest in future graduate work. HOW TO APPLY: Please email a cover letter including your availability dates, along with a C.V. or resume, to: Sophie Gilbert Department of Biology and Wildlife University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Email: [email protected].
