Field-based intern, Peru, 15 juillet 07

Hiring Organization:
World Wildlife Fund

Position Description:
Field-based intern needed for study of ecology, habitat use, and
distribution/dispersal of bald-faced saki monkeys (Pithecia irrorata)
in Amazon region of southeastern Peru.

The candidate will assist two experienced field staff in: 1) carrying
out mammal line transect surveys, 2) conducting searches for sakis
using taped vocalizations, 3) monitoring the feeding, movements, and
behavior of 4 habituated saki groups, and 4) organizing, processing,
and reporting on results obtained from these different activities.

The work will involve significant river travel in the Madre de Dios
basin in SE Peru, to survey numerous sites for presence/abundance of
sakis in various locations with respect to rivers and habitat types.
It is a unique opportunity to gain field experience with respect to
the mammal community in a relatively remote and intact area, and
ideas for related independent research welcome.

This study is part of a larger research effort to determine habitat
needs of a suite of wide-ranging species, including macaws, jaguars,
and peccaries, to help determine the appropriate size and spatial
configuration of protected and managed areas in the southwestern
Amazon. The research takes place in the lowland tropical rainforest
in the department of Madre de Dios, near the borders with Brazil and
Bolivia. This area is relatively pristine and home to ten primate
species.

Qualifications/Experience:
The candidate would likely be a grad student, new graduate, or strong
undergrad in ecology, primatology, biology, or related discipline
that speaks Spanish (this is essential) and preferably has some
experience working in tropical forests. The applicant should also
posses a strong work ethic as well as patience, willingness to learn,
flexibility, sense of humor, and respect for nature. Primate searches
and monitoring can be physically demanding, so the applicant should
be physically fit.

Salary/funding:
No salary provided.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals,
lodging):
The project will cover airfare to Puerto Maldonado in southeastern
Peru, field site fees, meals, and accommodations (these will vary
from camping to dormitory-style rooms, which usually have running
water, solar electricity, and frequently wireless internet access).

Term of Appointment:
3 months, to begin July, August, or September

Application Deadline:
July 15, 2007

Comments:
Please send brief statement of interest to:
suzanne.palminteri@wwfus.org. After intial email contact, applicants
will be required to submit a curriculum vitae and the names,
positions, and email addresses of 2 references.

Contact Information:
Suzanne Palminteri
1250 24th St., NW
Washington, DC 20037
USA

Telephone Number:
202-778-9635

Fax Number:
202-293-9211

Website:
http://www.worldwildlife.org

E-mail Address:
suzanne.palminteri@wwfus.org