margulis
Project Description:
I am looking for field assistants for a project examining how chipmunks in Yosemite have been responding to climate change over the past century. This project is a new component of UC Berkeley’s Grinnell Resurvey Project (http://mvz.berkeley.edu/Grinnell/). The research team will consist of one UC Berkeley graduate student and 2-4 field assistants.
Responsibilities of field assistants will include assisting with live-trapping and tracking of chipmunks, as well as quantifying vegetation characteristics. Assistants will also be responsible for helping with food preparation, gear transportation, and other logistical tasks associated with the project.
Required qualifications are:
- Interested in outdoors, willingness to camp in remote areas for several weeks at a time.
- Able to hike on steep, rough terrain and work long days (often beginning at 5 a.m. and ending at 7 or 8 p.m.).
- Able to work under variable weather conditions, including intense sun, snow, rain, and heavy levels of mosquitoes.
- Comfortable handling and collecting ear tissue and fecal samples from rodents.
- Have health insurance.
Desired qualifications include:
- Experience with fieldwork and/or backcountry camping
- Experience with techniques such as small mammal handling, GPS, radiotelemetry, and identification of California plants.
- I will give top priority to applicants who are available for the entire duration of the field season (approximately 10 June – 1 October 2013).
Schedule/Logistics: Fieldwork will consist of 3-4 trips into wilderness areas of Yosemite National Park. Approximate dates are 10 June- 1 October 2013. In the field, we will work long days, often from sunrise to sunset. Daily schedule will vary, but you can expect to have one day off per week during field visits and 3-4 days off between trips. Dates and duration of visits are also subject to change, so be prepared to be flexible! You will be responsible for getting yourself to and from the park at the start and end of the season. (Public transportation is available from the Bay Area, so you do not need to have your own vehicle.)
Compensation: This is a volunteer position, but I will cover the cost of food and lodging for the duration of our time in the park, as well as park entry fees. Assistants are responsible for providing their own personal gear. We will be camping for the duration of the trips, and it is essential that assistants have adequate clothing and gear for the range of conditions at high elevation sites in Yosemite, which can include snow and thunderstorms, as well as intense sun.
Application Procedure:
To apply for this position, please contact Rachel Walsh (rwa...@berkeley.edu). Please include a copy of your CV, contact information for two references, and a copy of your transcript (an unofficial one is fine). Please format your email as follows:
Subject: [YOUR FULL NAME] Chipmunk Field Assistant Application 2013
Name:
Name of your University or College:
Year in school (or graduation date):
GPA:
Dates of availability (from 10 June- 1 October):
Statement of your qualifications, interest, and goals (1-2 paragraphs):
I will accept applications until positions are filled.