We are seeking 2 motivated field interns to work on our black-tailed prairie dog project in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan from April 10th-June 14th. Individuals will work closely with our M.Sc. student on a project investigating the effects of body condition and hibernation on black-tailed prairie dog reproduction. Individuals will gain experience in small mammal trapping, handling, and monitoring. Field work will involve monitoring female reproduction and as well as the removal of biologgers following reproduction.
Positions are volunteer with accommodations, food, and travel (between Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and field site) provided.
Grasslands National Park represents one of the largest remaining tracts of native prairie in Canada, and prairie dog towns are home to a diversity of iconic grassland species (e.g., burrowing owls, swift fox, bison). Assistants will have the opportunity of seeing all of these species, plus the many more resident in the Park. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience working with a population of wild mammals in a spectacular setting.
Positions are best suited to applicants interested in ecophysiology, ecology, biology, wildlife, species at risk and/or field research. The field site and housing are located in the park and are isolated, as such applicants need to be able to cope under these conditions. Applicants should also enjoy the outdoors, have a positive attitude and work well individually and as a part of a team. Evidence of these skills and interests is required.
International applicants: If applicants are not Canadians or permanent residents, there is the opportunity to enter Canada and complete the internship as a Visiting Research Student. To be eligible for this program, you must be an undergraduate or graduate student or be in between degrees (e.g., following graduation from a bachelor’s degree). As part of this program, applicants will be registered at the U of S in a non-credit activity and it is expected that you will gain a demonstrable educational benefit from being involved. We are particularly interested in applicants who wish to use this opportunity to pursue an independent research project. Applicants are eligible for this program for a maximum of 6 months per 12 month period. Application forms and information are available at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgrad.usask.ca%2Fadmissions%2Falternateapplicants%2Fvisiting-research-student.php&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cccc538ff46a64ca516f208d79b363d59%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637148529582790949&sdata=vE%2Bw4m2IRpq%2F%2F082STqBTddTz5S3Kd43wAN%2BnlWCclg%3D&reserved=0. If you are interested in this program, please contact us (contact details below) and we will guide you through the process.
If you are interested or wish to apply please contact Deborah Hawkshaw by email (uofsbtpdproject@gmail.com) by February 15th, 2020. In your email please send an updated copy of your CV along with a cover letter and contact details for 3 references.