ABS CO Staff
We are looking for a paid field assistant to assist in a study of common yellowthroats. We are studying how immune genes relate to the size and color of male ornaments (mask size and throat color). In this species females prefer males with larger facial masks as both social and extra-pair mates. We have recently found that mask size and survival are related to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) diversity. The current project focuses on how these genes influence the production of pigments in male ornaments.
Field work will be conducted during May to August 2013 and is based at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Field Station in Saukville, WI (30 miles north of Milwaukee). Assistants will help with censusing birds, mist-netting, color-banding and taking blood samples. The ideal candidate will have keen bird observation skills, bird-banding experience and an inordinate fondness for working in a swamp. Please do not apply unless you are prepared to walk around in a bog in hip boots (provided). Other requirements include flexibility in daily scheduling and responsibilities, ability to work in a group, ability to collect and enter field data with attention to detail.
Further information about the project is available at: http://www.uwm.edu/People/pdunn/COYE%20folder/YTPeople.html.
Pay rate is ~ $1,872/mo ($12.00/hr). Free housing is available at the station.
Employment period: mid May to end of August (dates are negotiable).
Deadline for application is 1 April 2013.
Interested applicants should send an email message to Amberleigh Henschen (hens...@uwm.edu) with: 1) a resume, 2) their available dates for employment, 3) a description of why they are interested in this position (including any experience with birds or field work), and 4) a list of references (phone/e-mail address).