FIELD ASSISTANT WANTED I am looking for a field assistant from April 25 - end of May 2011, with a possibility of extension to the end of July 2011. As this is the first field season of my Ph.D., a lot of it will consist of scouting for good field sites in BC and Alberta and trying out and perfecting different methodologies. We will be locating harlequin duck breeding streams and quantifying aquatic invertebrate abundance, harlequin duck density and terrestrial bird densities along these streams. Later in the field season, we may be mist netting and banding harlequin ducks and obtaining some non- invasive measurements from them. We may also do some field experiments involving fish odour and the aquatic invertebrates living in these streams.
We will be driving to each site and living in tents in the backwoods of BC and Alberta. Food and transportation to each field site are included. Some sites may be as far as a day's hike from the car. No experience is necessary, though the ability to identify terrestrial birds by appearance or song is a great asset. Backwoods, banding and/or mist netting experience and a valid driver's licence are also assets. Candidates should have an interest in ecology and conservation, enjoy the outdoors, be very open to last-minute schedule changes, learn quickly, be able to work independently and have a high level of patience with changing methodologies. Candidate will be working and living with me in the woods for days at a time, so strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude are essential. Please send cover letter, resume and three references (including email & phone info) to Emily M. Whattam (email: [email protected]). Interviews will be ongoing until the position is filled.
