Volunteer field assistants in Canada (food and accommodation included)

Field Assistants Required - Snowshoe hare research Kluane, Yukon, Canada

We are looking for volunteers to assist with fieldwork for the period of September 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016.  The length of stay is negotiable but must be a minimum of 3 months. Volunteers will be involved in all aspects of the project. Fieldwork will consist of a variety of tasks such as live-trapping and handling of animals, radio-telemetry, behavioural observation, collecting blood/fecal samples and other physiological metrics, snow tracking predators, work with trail cameras, and monitoring snow conditions. This is an excellent opportunity to gain a wide range of experience working with a collaborative research team on a keystone species of the boreal forest.

All fieldwork is carried out in the beautiful backdrop of southwestern Yukon, Canada, near Kluane National Park. We will be staying at a rustic field station two hours from Whitehorse. Food and accommodation are provided. Volunteers are required to provide for their own travel to Edmonton, Alberta, however, travel from Edmonton to the field station (and back again!) is provided.

Training will be provided and experience is preferred but not necessary. A valid driver’s licence is required. Candidates should have a passion for wildlife and the outdoors, and a strong interest in field ecology, animal behaviour, physiology and conservation. The field camp is remote and low tech (no showers, running water, cell phone service, or internet), so successful applicants must enjoy the outdoors and be able to remain a positive and responsible team member under isolated and
demanding conditions. This is especially true throughout the winter months where daylight is limited and temperatures are consistently below freezing. Candidates must be in good physical condition, and have an enthusiasm for learning. We work on ‘bunny time’, which often involves long work days and night trapping; as such, applicants must have a strong work ethic. That said, the atmosphere at camp is friendly and inclusive, and this area is one of the most beautiful places in Canada.

If you wish to apply for one of these posts then please send a CV with a cover letter and contact details for three references (with e-mail addresses), by email to Michael Peers (contact info below), by August 15, 2015 but ASAP is better as this position starts very soon!

Contact:
Michael Peers via email: mpeers@ualberta.ca

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta