OPORTUNIDAD VOLUNTARIOS New Job Parrot Research Assistants

JobType: volunteer position joblocation: Costa Rica, Central America description: VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ASSISTANTS needed from December of this year through July of 2005 for parrot research in Curú National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica. Curú National Wildlife Refuge is located in a transitional area of dry and moist tropical forest life zones on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, jutting into the Gulf of Nicoya, and next to the beautiful Tortuga Islands. The core of the program is centered on monitoring populations of all 6 species of parrots found at the site through daily census using point counts and walking transects. A fruit abundance and phenology study is being implemented to estimate the availability of food resources for the reintroduced population of Scarlet Macaws and the other parrot species. Research assistants stay for a minimum of one month, receive food, housing, on-site travel, and training. All volunteers are required to pay a fee ($10/day) to help defray costs to Curú. All participants will experience intensive and diverse training in field ornithological survey methodologies.Preference will be given to volunteers who have an educational background in the fields of biology and ecology, and excellent field skills, including the ability to work in heat, humidity, and rain. Prior experience with parrots or other birds is an asset though not required. International applicants with good Spanish skills are encouraged to apply.CONTACT:Greg Matuzak, M.Sc. Principal Investigator Contact: gmatuzak@hotmail.com