Volunteer field assistants needed
Behavioral ecology of snake/small mammal interactions
Location: Desert Regions of Southwestern US.
Dates: Mid-May through mid-August
Job description: The Clark lab at San Diego State University is seeking committed, motivated individuals to assist in studies on predator-prey interactions between rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp.) and kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.). Field assistants will live at a remote field location in either the Mojave or Sonoran Desert, and conduct fieldwork in the surrounding area. Assistants will help with marking, capture, and behavioral observations of rattlesnakes and small mammals in the field. This a great opportunity to gain experience with small mammal trapping, marking and handling of animals, radio telemetry, GPS, behavioral observation, videography techniques, and other basic behavior and ecology field techniques.
Qualifications: No experience necessary. On-the-job training will be provided, but priority will be given to those with prior field experience. Must be able to hike long distances over rough terrain carrying heavy equipment, work nights and sleep days, conduct patient observations for long periods of time (up to 12 hours/night), and live in a remote area with only basic amenities and limited access to internet and cell phones. Must be able to work and live comfortably in extremely dry and hot desert conditions. Must be passionate about science, hardworking, independent, good-natured, love working in the outdoors, and able to share close living quarters with other researchers. Room and board are provided.
Application: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume (including contact information for three references) detailing your experience with field biology, outdoor skills, and animal behavior to Dylan Maag (dmaag3229@sdsu.edu). Applications must be received by April 1st for full consideration.
For more information about research in the Clark Lab, see https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bio.sdsu.edu%2Fpub%2Fclark%2FSite%2FHome.html&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C4e150f9512544ba90df108d6a85f9b1b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636881525929135276&sdata=HS%2FCgzHmlvPOVIvVxwIVwai5Dh4brNpbm6QSI4NN0GM%3D&reserved=0.
For more information about this project, you can contact Dylan Maag (dmaag3229@sdsu.edu), Grace Freymiller (gfreymil@gmail.com) or Rulon Clark (rclark@sdsu.edu).