Title: Volunteer field assistant, behavior of snakes and squirrels, 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Dates: May 10th through mid-July, 2010
Job description: The Clark lab at San Diego State University is seeking committed, motivated individuals to assist in a behavioral ecology study on predator-prey interactions between western rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) and California ground squirrels (Speromphilus beecheyi). Assistants will help with radio telemetry of rattlesnakes, mark and recapture of ground squirrels, and behavioral observations of both rattlesnakes and ground squirrels in the field. This a great opportunity to gain experience with small mammal trapping, marking and handling of animals, radio telemetry, GPS, behavioral observation, and other basic behavior and ecology field techniques.
Qualifications: No experience necessary. On-the-job training will be provided, but priority will be given to those with prior field experience. Must be able to hike long distances carrying heavy equipment, conduct patient observations from a blind for long periods of time, and live in primitive conditions while camping in a remote wilderness area with few facilities. Must be hardworking, independent, good-natured, love working in the outdoors, and able to share close living quarters with several other researchers. Food and basic field supplies will be provided.
Application: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume (including contact information for three references) detailing your experience and/or interests in field biology, wilderness skills, and animal behavior to Matthew Barbour:
matthew.a.barbour@gmail.com For more information, you can contact Matt Barbour (
matthew.a.barbour@gmail.com), or Rulon Clark (
rclark@sciences.sdsu.edu).
