Job Description: Two volunteer field assistants are needed for four months from approximately Aug. 30, 2016 – Dec. 22, 2016 for a study of the social and reproductive behavior of satin bowerbirds in Queensland, Australia. Male satin bowerbirds court females at constructed courtship arenas called bowers, which they augment with colorful decorations and masticated plant matter. The research will focus on monitoring interactions at bower display arenas and on experimental manipulations of bower decorations.
The assistant will enjoy fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities (wallabies, kookaburra, koalas, etc.) and hiking opportunities on their day off. Room and board will be provided, however, assistants must provide their own airfare to and from Brisbane, Australia. Qualifications: The study site is rugged, and stinging trees, paralysis ticks, feral pigs, and venomous snakes are common. Applicants must be able to hike rough areas off-trail, navigate treefalls, and maintain a positive and energetic attitude despite long hours in variable weather conditions. Encounters with the general public are likely. Cell phone reception is limited, and assistants will often work alone in the field. Duties include bower searching and monitoring, trapping, counting bower decorations, sound recording, and data entry. Previous experience with banding and color band resighting is highly desired. Work schedules and duties may vary, so flexibility is critical. This experience is most appropriate for applicants interested in a career in behavioral ecology, and with previous field experience. To Apply: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled. To apply, please send a cover letter detailing interests and previous experience as well as dates of availability, a CV, and a list of 3 references to LIZ BERGEN (EM: elb254 AT cornell.edu). Please feel free to inquire with any questions pertinent to the application process or on the project in general.