We are looking for a field assistant to help monitor a colour-banded population of superb fairy-wrens near Melbourne, Australia, for a study on animal personality. Duties include catching birds for personality testing before the breeding season, regular censusing of colour-banded birds and nest searching during the breeding season; also behavioural observations, video analysis, and data proofing. Working days are long, with early starts six days a week. The volunteer should be an early riser, physically fit, able to work in extreme weather conditions, and enjoy basic shared living conditions. Enthusiasm, self-motivation, and a strong work ethic are a must. The study is based at Serendip Sanctuary, a small reserve on the outskirts of Melbourne.
Time period: From late August 2015 to early January 2016.
Qualifications: Must be very experienced mist-netter; ideally also experienced at re-sighting colour-banded birds and nest-searching.
Compensation: Free onsite accommodation in a house with shared dorm-style room is provided, but assistants cover travel to the site and their own food costs. The project will reimburse up to AUD$750/mo towards receipted food and travel expenses.
Contact: For more information, email Michelle Hall (hall.mATunimelb.edu.au). To apply, please email a letter outlining previous relevant field research experience, and a resume including names and contact information for 3 referees that are familiar with your mist-netting, colour-band re-sighting, and nest-searching experience.
Dr Michelle L Hall
Research Fellow
School of BioSciences
Building 147 (Old Zoology)
University of Melbourne
Melbourne, Vic, 3010
Australia
Email: hall.mATunimelb.edu.au
Web: http://michellelhall.wordpress.com/
