Volunteers are needed from 10 March to 15 May 2013 for an ongoing capture-recapture program on the Ruffs, Philomachus pugnax, supervised by Prof. Dr. Theunis Piersma of the University of Groningen. Our current research aims to contribute to better understand demographic and ecological processes playing a role in the ongoing decline of the population Ruffs using the Netherlands during migratory stopover. The fieldwork consists in the monitoring of colour-banded birds in Southwest Friesland, a characteristic Dutch meadow area in the north of The Netherlands. We collect data on the timing of migration, habitat use, phenotype characteristics, feeding and reproductive behaviour of the birds; but you will also assist with the banding of the birds, blood sampling, and data entry.
Volunteers and students involved will live together in our field station in a small village along the shore of Lake IJsselmeer.
We are looking for happy and motivated applicants! Days in the field can be long thus we need easy going people able to maintain a professional attitude at all time. Autonomy, good team working and precision during the work are as well primordial. Good observation skills, previous experience with handling birds and colour-ring reading will be definitely a plus but beginners are welcome to apply. Command of Dutch or Frisian is not necessary ;-) Commitment for the all period is required. Applicants willing to improve their spoken English are encouraged to apply (this is an excellent opportunity to improve!). But note that a good understanding is needed.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):We provide housing and field equipment. We’ll pay the traveling cost to come to us, but volunteers must pay food expenses (we cook all together which allow good and cheap meal – count 3-4 Euros per day).
To apply:
Please send a resume/CV (keep it to relevant details), a cover letter (interests, career goals, relevant experience for the position and availability, not too long please ;-) ) and one or two references if possible to:
Lucie SCHMALTZ [l.schmaltz@rug.nl] – PhD candidate, Animal Ecology Group, University of Groningen. Centre for Life Sciences, Nijenborgh 7 - 9747 AG GRONINGEN
Office :
We will begin reviewing applications from 1th January 2013 and continue until position is filled.
For more information on the position or our research, you can have a look at the following website or just contact me! http://www.rug.nl/biologie/
