Two field assistant positions are available to assist with a graduate student project about how experimental manipulation of hormone levels affects life history traits in female North American red squirrels in the Yukon, Canada. One positions will run from early March 2012 to late June 2012 and the second position will run for a shorter duration from early April to late May. However, the exact duration of the positions will be determined later.
Duties of these positions include live-trapping and handling red squirrels, radio telemetry, behavioral observations, and collecting fecal and plasma samples. These data will be collected as a part of a graduate research project but the successful applicants will also contribute to long-term data collection for the Kluane Red Squirrel Project (www.redsquirrel.ca). Applicants should be physically fit, capable of 1) snowshoeing (breaking new trail) several hours per day, 2) working in very cold to mild weather (-40 to 20 C), 3) climbing trees, and 4) working alone in areas with grizzly and black bears. Successful applicants will be provided with extensive training in live-trapping, radio telemetry, collecting fecal and plasma samples, and performing behavioral observations. However, technicians will work largely independently and are expected to be hard working and dependable. There may also be opportunities for independent research projects (inquire). The position pays $1500-1800/month and all food and lodging will be provided at our remote field camp. This means that you get free good food and lodging during the terms of appointment! Successful applicants must also supply their own field equipment (sleeping bag, boots, appropriate field clothing, etc.). Required Qualifications 1) Eligible to work in Canada 2) Valid drivers license 3) Capable of snowshoeing and hiking 15 km/day, climbing trees, working in the winter during extreme cold 4) Capable of handling peanut butter (no nut allergy) 5) Capable of working and living with others in close quarters 6) Capable of working independently in a remote location Desired Qualifications 1) Degree or relevant experience in ecology, zoology, behavior, physiology, etc. 2) Previous field experience handling small mammals or other animals 3) Experience with radio telemetry 4) Experience with Microsoft Access 5) Interest in future graduate research opportunities For more information on the Kluane Red Squirrel Project, go to www.redsquirrel.ca To apply for this position, please send a Cover Letter, CV, and the contact information for 3 references to Ben Dantzer at [email protected] Application deadline is January 20 2012
