FIELD ASSISTANT: KALUDIYAPOKUNA PRIMATE RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION PROJECT (SRI LANKA)

[robert...@gmail.com]

Position description:

We are seeking two volunteer field assistants for 6–12-month positions as part of a project on langur conservation and biology in the Central Region of Sri Lanka. In the short-term, the project will focus on the habituation of wild animals needed for answering multiple research questions. The project’s long-term goals are to pursue research directions in both behavioral ecology and conservation, by studying two Endangered subspecies of langur with contrasting responses to human encroachment and environmental change: the northern purple faced langur (Semnopithecus vetulus philbricki) and the Sri Lankan tufted gray langur (Semnopithecus priam thersites). The project directors are Dr. Roberta Salmi (University of Georgia), Dr. Rajnish Vandercone (Rajarata University), and Dr. Amy Lu (Stony Brook University). The project site is situated close to the Kaludiyapokuna Forest Reserve, a few kilometers from Dambulla (Central Region).

Assistants’ duties consist of different activities:

Throughout the year assistants will: a) conduct full-day follows of langur groups in Kaludiyapokuna Reserve to habituate monkey groups, collect behavioral data, record langur calls, and collect fecal samples for hormone, microbiome, and genetic analysis; b) participate monthly collection of phenology data, weather data, and maintenance of a trail system in the reserve; c) engage in conservation and educational activities with local schools and communities; d) manage weekly data entry and maintenance of field equipment, motorbikes, and house. Other management responsibilities will also be required, including: (1) data and sampling collection scheduling, (2) maintaining vehicles (e.g., motorbikes, bikes, etc.) used for the project, and (3) grocery for the research center. Participating in and proposing of side projects is encouraged but will need to be discussed with and approved by the PIs. Co-authorship is also a possibility based on interest and performance.

Living conditions:

The assistants will share the research camp with 2-4 local research assistants/students, and two local villagers who take care of the camp and cook two meals a day. The camp is located on nice wooded land, and has electricity, internet connection (exclusively for work related activities), and three buildings, one with the office, three rooms and three bathrooms, one with one bedroom and bathroom, and one with kitchen, and bedrooms used by the two villagers. Each bathroom has a shower. The camp also has a semi-enclosed patio style dining area with tables and chairs and an attached kitchenette to prepare breakfast and snacks not provided by the cook. We also have a refrigerator, a laundry machine, an office with computer, printer, an equipment cabinet, and freezer for fecal samples storage. Potable water is purchased biweekly, and the camp has running water for kitchen and bathroom use. Motorcycles (and in some cases tuk tuk – three wheel) are used for transportation to and from the camp to the reserve. Each month includes 8 vacation days (assistants are welcome to stay at the house or travel around on their own budget), that can be taken each week (2 days) or all together (e.g., 8 days in a row). NOTE: assistants can purchase a data sim card to be used for personal communication, video calling, web browser, etc. at low cost 4/7 Gb at $10/15).

Qualifications:

The candidates should have a B.S./B.A. in Anthropology, Ecology, Biology, or similar, be experienced traveling/living abroad, be able to speak English and have an interest in learning Singhalese (although all local research assistants speak English), be passionate and eager to learn about primates and animal behavior, and be physically fit, emotionally mature, and able to live in a house with basic amenities and limited internet connection. Previous experience with nonhuman primate research, systematic data collection, GPS and outdoor navigation skills is recommended, but these skills can also be taught at the field site. Working in the forest is tiring, and tolerance to insects’ bites (ticks, mosquitos, etc.) is a must (no malaria is present in the Island, but dengue infection is a rare possibility). A license to drive a motorcycle is a plus! Complete Covid vaccine (+ 1 booster) is mandatory.

Salary not provided.

Expenses provided by the project:

●        In country transportation to and from the field site

●        Lodging and meals in Colombo (for project-related travel) and at the field site

o   Sri Lanka Resident VISA (price varying depending on assistant nationality) and mandatory Heath Visit for issuing residential Visa ($75 – includes blood test for screening different diseases such as (malaria, filaria, HIV, etc. and Xray for tuberculosis) will be reimbursed after the first 6 months.

 

Expenses paid by assistant:

●        Sri Lanka Entry Visa (price varying depending on assistant nationality)

●        Airfare to/from Sri Lanka (reimbursement may be provided in occasional cases based on available funding and only after the completion of a minimum stay of 10 months).

●        Any expenses incurred during leave days and not related to the project.

●        International health insurance (proof needs to be provided at time of hiring). Routine vaccinations should be up to date and others are recommended (Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, etc.). Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory only if arriving from a Country at risk of transmission (check CDC website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/sri-lanka)

●        Purchase of personal field gear and other personal items [clothes (trekking pants, long-sleeves shirts, trekking and leech socks – they work well for ticks – recommended), rain poncho, watch, backpack, trekking shoes, field hat, insect repellents – for mosquitos, ticks, etc.-- sleeping bag, towels, toiletries, etc.], including travel medicinal kit (we can provide a list of useful things to have with you).

Preferred start date:

August 2022

 

How to apply:

Please email Dr. Salmi (email: rsa...@uga.edu) with subject line “Sri Lanka Field Assistant Position”: 1) your CV; 2) the contact information for two references; and 3) a short statement detailing your interest for the position and your future career goals. Applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled.