Voluntariado con aves en Australia

We are looking for field assistants to help search nests of a small bird, fairy gerygone and large-billed gerygone for PhD project (Australian National University, Canberra). The main objective of this research is to gain a better understanding of the breeding ecology of gerygone species, and the coevolution between gerygone species and little bronze-cuckoo. Research will be conducted in Queensland, Australia. We will be based in Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, and Cairns city, and travel to several sites in these areas. Volunteer field assistants are needed from Jul. ĄV Nov. or Dec. 2018 for full period. The exact dates flexible but need to be around this time.

Overall duties will include nest searching and monitoring, recording
begging calls and adult calls for cuckoos, and data entry. Previous
experience with fieldwork is highly desired, and nest searching experience
is also preferred, but not required. The large-bill gerygone build nests
over the water, and the height of nests varies from 1m to 5m. The fairy
gerygoneĄĶs habitat is mainly at the edges of rainforest, but poorly unknown
(our main work will be to find their nest). The study site is rugged, hot,
and venomous snakes and ticks are quite common. Working days are long, with
early starts, six days a week. Therefore, applicants must have good
physical fitness to walk along the creek with a heavy ladder, withstand
harsh conditions at the site, and maintain an energetic attitude despite
long hours in hot and humid conditions. Work schedules and duties will
vary, so flexibility is a must. Applicants should work well alone and in a
small group and have a sense of direction to work in remote areas. Previous
experience with fieldwork is highly desired, and nest searching experience
is also preferred, but a positive attitude is much more important than tons
of field experience.

Housing will be provided, and you can get reimbursed for food and flights
up to $750 AUD per month and assistants will enjoy fantastic wildlife
viewing opportunities (Wallabies, platypus, koalas, kookaburra, etc.),
proximity to Queensland rainforest and the surrounding field areas.

To apply, send a cover letter detailing interests, previous relevant field
research experience, dates of availability and a CV as well as a list of
names and contact information for 2 referees to Hee-Jin Noh (
hjnoh891@gmail.com).


Please feel free to enquire with any questions related to the application
process or on the project in general.