Volunteer/Field Assistant/Internship-Columbian Ground Squirrels

Field Assistants Required-Columbian ground squirrels 

Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada   

We are looking for 2 volunteers to assist with fieldwork for the period of April 10 to Aug 31, 2015. The project investigates the ecology of Columbian ground squirrels. As a member of the study, assistants will be involved with monitoring the phenology (when animals emerge from hibernation), reproduction and survival of individuals. Fieldwork will involve live-trapping and handling of animals, radio-telemetry, behavioural observation and assistance with the measurement of physiological (metabolism) traits on free-ranging animals. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience working with a collaborative research team on a long-term study of a wild mammal.  

All fieldwork is carried out in the spectacular Rocky Mountains of southwestern Alberta, Canada, home to some of the most majestic wildlife in North America. We will be staying at the University of Calgary’s R.B. Miller and Barrier Lake research stations in Kananaskis, Alberta (http://bgs.ucalgary.ca/facilities/facilities). You will interact with other researchers working with ground squirrels on a diversity of projects in behavioural and population ecology. Additionally, the field stations are home to a number of other researchers working on a variety of projects, ranging from insects to large mammals. 

Food and accommodation are provided. Volunteers are required to provide for their own travel to either Calgary, Alberta or Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Travel between the field station and Calgary or Saskatoon  is provided.  Training will be provided and specific experience is not necessary, but candidates should have an interest in a number of the following (the more the better!): ecology, evolutionary biology, wildlife, field biology, and animal behaviour. Periods of time will be spent camping and, as such, successful applicants need to enjoy the outdoors, be up-beat, positive, responsible and work well as a member of a team.  

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 Jeff Lane (contact info below). Applications will be accepted until by Mar 9, 2015, but will be evaluated as they are received. To ensure full consideration for one of these positions, therefore, it is best to apply ASAP.     

Contact:  

Dr. Jeff Lane 

Department of Biology

University of Saskatchewan

u.columbianus@hotmail.com