Field Assistants Required-Columbian ground squirrels Sheep River Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada
We are looking for 4-5 volunteers to assist with fieldwork for the period of April 15 to Aug 31, 2012. The project investigates the evolutionary ecology of Columbian ground squirrels. As a member of the study, assistants will be involved with monitoring the phenology (when animals emerge from hibernation), reproduction and survival of individuals. Fieldwork will involve live-trapping and handling of animals, behavioural observation, radio-telemetry (to locate natal burrows) and assistance with the measurement of physiological (metabolism) traits on free-ranging animals. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience working with a collaborative research team on a long-term study of a wild mammal. Opportunities exist for side-projects for interested and motivated applicants. All fieldwork is carried out in the spectacular Rocky Mountains of southwestern Alberta, Canada, home to some of the most majestic wildlife in North America. We will be staying at the University of Calgarys R.B. Miller research station in Sheep River Provincial Park, Alberta (http://bgs.ucalgary.ca/facilities/facilities). You will interact with other researchers working with ground squirrels on a diversity of projects in behavioural and population ecology. Additionally, the field station is home to a number of other researchers working on a variety of projects, ranging from insects to large mammals. Food and accommodation are provided, but you will be required to make your own way to either Calgary or Edmonton. Training will be provided and no experience is necessary, but candidates should have an interest in a number of the following (the more the better!): ecology, evolutionary biology, wildlife, field biology, and animal behaviour. Periods of time will be spent camping and, as such, successful applicants need to enjoy the outdoors, be up-beat, positive, responsible and work well as a member of a team. If you wish to apply for one of these posts then please send a CV with a cover letter and contact details of three references (with e-mail address), by email to Jeff Lane (contact info below), by March 08, 2012. Contact: Dr. Jeff Lane [email protected] Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton, AB Canada T6G 2E9
