ABSNet, Vol 17, Issue 1
Shan Duncan
sdduncan at abs.animalbehavior.org
Fri Feb 13 13:23:53 EST 2009
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A B S n e t - Electronic Newsletter
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Maintained in association with the Animal Behavior Society
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Editor: Shan D. Duncan Internet: sdduncan at abs.animalbehavior.org
Editorial Support: * James C. Ha Internet: jcha at u.washington.edu
Today's Topics:
1. Summer internship announcement (Mary Lee Jensvold)
2. Marine Mammal Internship 2009-2010 (Jenn Tackaberry)
3. Job advert posting-WCS-Ecuador Director (Cartagena, Nadya)
4. Field Studies Of Animal Behavior (Howard Topoff)
5. Field Assistants needed for studies in Belding's ground
squirrels.(Jill Mateo)
6. Course Announcement - Dolphin Research Center (Emily Guarino)
7. Volunteer Positions: marmot behavioral ecology (Dan Blumstein)
8. Lecturer in Animal Behaviour or Behavioural Ecology (Ref.
P81N1527) (Madden, Joah)
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Message: 1
From: Mary Lee Jensvold <jensvold at cwu.edu>
Subject: summer internship announcement
The Chimpanzee & Human Communication Institute (CHCI) is currently
taking applications for our Summer Apprentice Program. Graduates,
undergraduates, and post-graduates from various academic backgrounds
(e.g. Anthropology, Biology, Psychology, Linguistics, Philosophy,
etc.) and all nationalities are encouraged to apply. The dates of the
program are June 28 to August 21, 2009.
The research at CHCI involves a group of chimpanzees who use the signs
of American Sign Language (ASL). Washoe, Moja, Tatu, and Dar were
part of the cross-fostering research that began in 1966 with Drs. R.A.
& B.T. Gardner. Each chimpanzee was raised in an enriched environment
in which his or her human family members used only ASL, much like the
environment in which a deaf human child grows up. Loulis was adopted
by Washoe in 1978 and learned his signs from chimpanzees. Currently,
Tatu, Dar, and Loulis reside at CHCI on the campus of Central
Washington University in Ellensburg, WA in a large state-of-the-art
facility.
Apprentices are at the institute daily -- cleaning enclosures,
preparing meals and enrichment, making observations of the
chimpanzees, and participating in one or more research projects. The
first week is intensive training in laboratory jobs and chimpanzee
behaviors. After several weeks each apprentice becomes more
autonomous and has responsibilities in research and husbandry. The
philosophy of CHCI is that the needs of the chimpanzees come first.
Apprentices are trained in humane care and research techniques.
The program fee is $1800 and there is a non-refundable $25 application
processing fee. The costs do not include housing and transportation.
Inexpensive housing is available on campus. A course in ASL is highly
recommended but not required. For more information on the program and
the application please see our web page at http://www.cwu.edu/~cwuchci/apprentice.html
or contact Dr. Mary Lee Jensvold, CHCI, CWU, Ellensburg, WA 98926 jensvold at cwu.edu
. The deadline to apply is March 30, 2009.
Thank you,
Mary Lee Jensvold, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Anthropology
Associate Director , Chimpanzee & Human Communication Institute
Director, Bridges to Baccalaureate
Central Washington University
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7573
phone: (509)963-2215
fax: (509)963-2234
www.cwu.edu/~cwuchci
www.friendsofwashoe.org
------------------------------
Message: 2
From: "Jenn Tackaberry" <jenn at whalecenter.org>
Subject: Marine Mammal Internship 2009-2010
The Whale Center of New England
Marine Mammal Research Internships 2009-2010
(For a detailed description and application, please see our website at
www.whalecenter.org/intern.htm)
The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA is a
non-profit research organization involved with the study of behavior,
ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the
waters off of Massachusetts. Primary concentration is on an
individually identified population of several hundred humpback whales
that spend portions of the spring, summer, and fall in these waters.
The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and
education programs.
The Whale Center offers annual spring, summer and fall internships to
undergraduate students who have completed their freshman year of studies
and to recent graduates. College credit may be arranged by the student
through their department or as an independent research program at their
college or university. The Whale Center encourages this, and will take
whatever steps are required to facilitate such efforts. We are currently
looking to fill research internships for the summer (May 25-August 21)
and fall (August 17 – December 18) semester of 2009 and for the spring
(February 1 - May 28) semester of 2010. Please note: All positions are
typically filled in the spring of each year.
Interns are responsible for collecting, organizing, transcribing, and
analyzing data dealing with the behavior and identification of North
Atlantic cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises). This may involve
extensive computer work and some dark room work (training provided). In
addition, interns will often be involved in public education aboard
commercial whale watching vessels, along with intensive research aboard
our 42’ vessel the Mysticete. Boat work may also continue for population
surveys of various species of endangered whales. Fall and spring
interns will also be heavily involved in data processing and analysis.
As a result, we are looking for students with a blend of enthusiasm,
knowledge of scientific methods, and communication skills.
Interns may also be involved in a variety of other projects while
working with the Whale Center. From late fall to early spring, areas in
and around Gloucester, MA are frequent haul-out sites for a variety of
seals. Interns will conduct seal surveys throughout these months and
will also be included in response efforts to stranded seals. Throughout
the year, interns may also be needed to respond to strandings of both
large and small marine mammals, participate in necropsies (animal
autopsies), attend meetings and conferences related to marine mammals,
and participate in weekly discussions on primary literature.
Interns live together in a common apartment and share cooking and
cleaning duties. Rooms may be shared with one other person. A living
arrangement such as this is conducive to open discussion and interaction
between peers, and home life is often a continuation of the day in the
field. Therefore, it is essential that candidates can combine these two
areas. A fee of $1250 for the period is charged to cover housing,
utilities, educational materials, staff support, and a weekly food
stipend.
Internship applicants should have the following:
* A background in biology, zoology, or related field
* Some knowledge of research methods and design
* An ability to work, live and communicate well with others
* Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or
more) in the field or lab.
In order to formally apply for an internship: please send a curriculum
vitae or resume, a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, one
letter of reference, and an updated transcript (standard applications
are not provided). Once your application has been received, an interview
will be arranged. In-person interviews are preferred, necessitating
travel to Gloucester, MA during one of two weekends in March 2009. We
expect all application materials by March 1, 2009 and will notify all
applicants on or before April 15 of their status. Applicants should
note which semesters they are applying for (a single application may
enter an applicant into the pool for more than one period, in case they
are not selected for their first choice). All positions are highly
competitive.
Further information on both the organization and the internship program
is available on the internet at www.whalecenter.org/intern.htm.
Application materials should be sent to the attention of: Jennifer
Tackaberry, Intern Coordinator. Any specific inquiries regarding the
internship program should be directed to the intern coordinator at
978-281-6351 or HYPERLINK
"mailto:jenn at whalecenter.org"jenn at whalecenter.org. Thank you for your
interest!
Jennifer Tackaberry, Intern Coordinator
Whale Center of New England
P.O. Box 159
Gloucester, MA 01930
------------------------------
Message: 3
From: "Cartagena, Nadya" <nCartagena at wcs.org>
Subject: Job advert posting-WCS-Ecuador Director
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-- - - - - - - - - -
JOB DESCRIPTION
Ecuador - Country Program Director
Wildlife Conservation Society
Summary:
The Ecuador Country Director is based in Quito and leads and manages all
WCS activities in Ecuador, seeking to achieve WCS's goals in Ecuador and
partnering with the Government of Ecuador, grassroots organizations, and
other local and national entities to design and implement a strategy for
the long-term conservation of Ecuador's biodiversity. He or she reports
to WCS's Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Program Director and
works with the Assistant LAC Program Director. Program activities
include assessment of the status of and threats to wildlife populations
in Ecuador, design and implementation of integrated approaches to
natural resource and landscape management, influencing national policies
on the environment, conservation and natural resource management, and
building national capacity. The Director leads and manages a
professional and cohesive team, and manages a growing, sustainable, and
effective field conservation program. Building upon the history of WCS
in Ecuador, the Country Director assures that the Program creates
successful field projects based on strong national staff, while
increasing funding opportunities and providing an excellent opportunity
for conservation leadership.
Principal Responsibilities:
In consultation and coordination with the WCS Latin America and the
Caribbean (LAC) Director:
* Lead the WCS Ecuador Country Program. Within WCS's policy and
strategic framework, direct the design and implementation of strategic
plans, implementation plans, and budgets, which should aim to attain the
objectives of WCS in Ecuador.
* Establish WCS Ecuador Country Program priorities, strategy, and
approaches. Implement and support existing and established projects;
develop and implement new projects and country initiatives as
appropriate. Ensure appropriate budget execution.
* Establish a control, monitoring, and evaluation system that
ensures high-quality and efficient implementation of plans.
* Lead the design and update process of the organizational
system, including regular review of positions and job descriptions, line
management, performance evaluations, merit salary increases, internal
coordination policies, communication policies, etc. Establish internal
policies that foster staff motivation, high-quality performance, and a
harmonic organizational culture.
* Manage and mentor staff, including hiring, training, and
assisting staff in their projects; and providing both formal and
informal evaluation and advice. Formally evaluate direct reports and
ensure that all staff is evaluated annually by line managers. Promote
teamwork and provide feedback to staff.
* Oversee the production of reports and other required documents
(e.g., work plans, implementation plans, activity reports, and financial
reports) on schedule with explicitly stated links between activities and
(a) desired outputs, outcomes and results, (b) project funds allocated
from appropriate budget lines and (c) realistic timeframes. This
includes WCS internal reports and reports to donors or partners. Review
and evaluate field reports and project documents. Ensure proper
collection, analysis and publication of field data.
* Fundraise for the program from the US Government, multilateral
donors, foundations, private donors, and corporate funders, working with
WCS's Development Department, New York program staff, and Ecuador
program staff, including taking overall responsibility for preparation
of funding proposals and reports to donors. Maintain contact and ensure
timely reporting with funding sources.
* Act as liaison between the Ecuador Program, LAC, and other
parts of WCS; act as liaison between WCS and the Ecuadorian government;
act as liaison between WCS and local partners; and act as a liaison
between WCS and other international agencies active in Ecuador,
especially in the environmental sector; attend all relevant national and
regional meetings, workshops, strategy sessions, government events, etc.
* Promote wildlife conservation in Ecuador with national and
local governments, grassroots organizations, donors and other
non-governmental organizations through meetings, speaking engagements,
media interviews, writing, and general communications. Direct
international attention to conservation of important sites and species
in Ecuador, and influence policies that promote their long-term
persistence.
* Oversee financial management of the program, including
accepting overall fiduciary responsibility and working with the Program
Manager, Project Directors, and New York office to develop and stay
within an annual budget and work plan.
* Write and publish documents, reports, books, and peer-reviewed
technical papers. Oversee the creation of program documents, brochures,
newsletters, web pages and other materials.
* Maintain current, accurate, and comprehensive files of all
legal documentation and other important documents pertaining to WCS in
Ecuador.
* Contribute to, enlarge and uphold WCS's policies towards Equal
Employment Opportunities for women, minorities, the handicapped, and
other protected groups.
Additional responsibilities:
* The Ecuador Country Director will be based in Quito, with
significant travel time in the field, visiting WCS's headquarters, and
representing the program globally.
* Keep all departments of the WCS head office in New York
informed about developments in the WCS Ecuador program and conservation
in country.
* Coordinate with other WCS Senior Staff working in the region to
share expertise and synergy with other WCS projects and programs.
* Develop effective partnerships with international and national
conservation and development NGOs in Ecuador, and develop the capacity
of national conservation NGOs.
* Act as principal spokesperson for the WCS Ecuador Program.
* Work with colleagues in WCS to develop strategic planning
tools, facilitate learning about best practice in conservation, develop
management and administrative structures and policies, etc.
Reporting
The position reports to the LAC Director, WCS Latin America and the
Caribbean Program.
Qualifications
Applicants should have PhD or Masters degree and extensive equivalent
experience in a field related to biodiversity conservation, preferably
in Ecuador; 5 years minimum of management experience in conservation
programs; excellent organizational skills; excellent team leader,
ability to manage and inspire a team, to build capacities within the
team, and to mentor, with ability to foster teamwork and build capacity
within the program; excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
ability to work in a range of cultural contexts; significant and diverse
fundraising experience. Excellent spoken and written English and Spanish
language skills are essential. Experience working with Ecuadorian
government institutions, NGOs, local communities and indigenous
federations, and knowledge of conservation issues and sociopolitical
context of Ecuador are preferred.
Send cover letter and CV with subject "Ecuador Country Director" to
Recruitment at: recruitment at wcs.org <mailto:recruitment at wcs.org> , with
a copy to Alexandra Rojas at: arojas at wcs.org. This post closes on March
15, 2009.
Equal Opportunity Employer
M/F/H/V
________________________________
Nadya P. Cartagena
Global Human Resources Specialist
T +1 718 220 5886
F +1 718 364 4275
Wildlife Conservation Society <http://www.wcs.org/>
Privileged/Confidential Information may be contained in this message.
If you are not the addressee indicated in this message, (or responsible
for delivery of the message to such person) you may not copy or deliver
this message to anyone. In such case, you should destroy this message,
and, once you do, please notify the sender by reply email.
Please consider the environment before printing this email.
------------------------------
Message: 4
From: Howard Topoff <htopoff at vtc.net>
Subject: Field Studies Of Animal Behavior
Field Studies Of Animal Behavior
A 10-day Course for Students, Teachers, Museum Docents, Wildlife
Professionals, and Nature Enthusiasts
July 15 - 25, 2009
Sponsored by: The Southwestern Research Station Of The American Museum
of Natural History. Located in the Chiricahua Mountains of
southeastern Arizona.
Instructor: Dr. Howard Topoff, Professor Emeritus of Biopsychology,
The City University of New York.
According to Conservation International, the sky islands of southern
Arizona (which include the Chiricahua Mountains) contain some of the
richest reservoirs of plant and animal life on earth. It is this
outstanding biodiversity that attracts scientists (and their students)
from all over the world. During this intensive field course, we will
focus on the behavior of a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate
species. Our studies will include:
1. The Adaptability Of Behavior - color and odor preferences in the
selection of nectar sources by hummingbirds.
2. Population Dynamics - the size of territory in harvester ants as a
function of colony density.
3. Communication - the evolution of visual displays in lizards of the
genus Sceloporus.
4. Social Behavior - orientation and communication in slave-making ants.
5. Mating Behavior - The role of auditory signals in mating behavior
of spadefoot toads.
6. A survey of bats of the Chiricahua Mountains.
The course will include a daily multimedia lecture. Although most of
the course will be devoted to class projects, we often are able to
participate in research being conducted by scientists at the Research
Station. We also attend evening seminars given by Station scientists.
The course is limited to 15 participants. At the end of the course,
the Southwestern Research Station will issue a Certificate of
Completion. The cost of the course is $950. This includes room and 3
meals for 10 days ($600), and tuition ($350). For additional
information about the course including a biography of the instructor,
please see the course web site at: http://www.animalbehaviorcourse.com
------------------------------
Message: 5
From: Jill Mateo <jmateo at uchicago.edu>
Subject: Field Assistants needed for studies on mate choice, kinship and
endocrinology in Belding's ground squirrels.
Field Assistants needed for studies on mate choice, kinship and
endocrinology in Belding's ground squirrels.
Research will be conducted in the eastern Sierra Nevada, centered at a
field station near Mammoth Lakes, CA. Work will include trapping and
marking of free-living ground squirrels, as well as behavioral
observations throughout the reproductive season. Work will begin in
mid-April and continue through July. Previous field experience is
desired, but not necessary. Assistants will be provided with
transportation, room and board, with a nominal salary. If interested,
please see additional information and application details at
<<http://mateolab.uchicago.edu/fa.htm>http://mateolab.uchicago.edu/fa.htm
.>
------------------------------
Message: 6
From: "Emily Guarino" <emily at dolphins.org>
Subject: Course Announcement - Dolphin Research Center
Dolphin Research Center, a not-for-profit research and educational
organization, would like to announce a summer course in Cognitive and
Behavioral Marine Mammal Research. The program is a seven-day, in-depth,
hands-on immersion into the field of marine mammal science. The course
material surveys a wide-range of knowledge, theories and ongoing
research
concerning dolphins. By working with staff on DRC research studies,
students
gain a greater understanding of dolphins' cognitive abilities and social
behavior, as well as deeper insight into research concepts and
methodology.
Seminar Topics & Focused Activities Include: Review of Dolphin Anatomy &
Physiology, Physiological Research, Research Project Design, DRC's
Current
Research, Marine Mammal Cognition, Research Law Requirements, Behavior &
Ecology, and Research in Acoustics & Communication.
Hands-On Activities Include: Assisting research staff in conducting
current
cognitive research sessions, learning and conducting observation
sessions,
participating in additional research activities.
Cost: The cost of the course is $1700.00 (US). Tuition includes all
seminars, activities, meals and lodging
Dates: 6/20/09 - 6/26/09 or 8/22/09 - 8/28/09
Other courses are also available throughout the year.
For more information please visit
http://www.dolphins.org/dolphin_lab_campAdult_careerFocused.php
<http://www.dolphins.org/dolphin_lab_course_dates.php> , or contact
us at
305/289-1121 x 225 or <mailto:education at dolphins.org>
education at dolphins.org.
------------------------------
Message: 7
From: Dan Blumstein <marmots at ucla.edu>
Subject: Volunteer Positions: marmot behavioral ecology
Volunteer and REU positions: marmot behavioral ecology
Several volunteer field assistants needed for a field study of
yellow-bellied marmot behavior and ecology. Work begins in mid-May
in Crested Butte, Colorado and goes through 10 September. We're
looking for people who can commit to at least 2 months, preferably
more, and we are especially looking for people who can start work in
mid-May.
Early season applicants must be prepared to ski or hike in and work
on cross-country skis or snowshoes in and around the 9,500 foot Rocky
Mountain Biological Laboratory (www.rmbl.org). Days are long and work
is physically demanding; you must be willing to hike and work in this
spectacularly beautiful sub-alpine valley. You will be expected to
trap, mark and observe marmots, collect biological samples (blood,
feces, hair), and regularly enter data into spreadsheets. A vehicle
is a bonus, but not required. The ideal person will learn quickly,
and be able to work both independently and as a member of a
close-knit, international research team.
This is a great opportunity to obtain field experience before
graduate school. Previous volunteers have obtained course credit,
engaged in independent study, conducted honors research that formed
the basis of senior theses back at their home institutions, or
collected data that became part of masters work at their home
institution.
We also have up to two REU positions (both are run through the RMBL
and applications for this close 15 February). Volunteers are
expected to pay RMBL station fees, housing and food (for most, this
works out to about $30/day).
Interested? Contact Dan Blumstein (marmots at ucla.edu; 310-267-4746)
for more details. Positions open until filled.
--
Daniel T. Blumstein
Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Graduate Studies
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
621 Charles E. Young Drive South
University of California
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606
Phone: (310) 267-4746
Fax: (310) 206-3987
Lab: http://www.eeb.ucla.edu/Faculty/Blumstein
The Marmot Burrow: http://www.marmotburrow.ucla.edu
Animal Behavior @ UCLA: http://www.animalbehavior.ucla.edu
JWatcher--Free software for studying behavior: http://www.jwatcher.ucla.edu
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
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Message: 8
From: "Madden, Joah" <J.R.Madden at exeter.ac.uk>
Subject: Lecturer in Animal Behaviour or Behavioural Ecology (Ref.
P81N1527)
University of Exeter, School of Psychology
Lecturer in Animal Behaviour or Behavioural Ecology (Ref. P81N1527)
The Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour
(CRAB) at the University of Exeter is building an enthusiastic,
integrative, interactive, and broad group in Animal Behaviour with the
goal of making it an international centre of excellence. We seek a
future colleague who would like to understand the why and how of
natural behaviour; the neural mechanisms which control it, its
function and adaptive value, and its origin, maintenance, and changes
over evolutionary time. Applicants should be interested in questions
such as: What is the behaviour's purpose, what problems does the
behaviour solve? How does solving the problem maintain or enhance
fitness? Why and how does it evolve?
We seek highly interactive individuals who would not hesitate to cross
traditional disciplinary boundaries when necessary, and do at least
some work on natural populations of either vertebrates or
invertebrates. We have a preference for those interested in animal
signalling, mate choice, habitat choice, prey choice related to anti-
predation mechanisms, orientation/navigation, behaviour phylogenetics,
or animal cognition in the context of behaviour in the natural
environment, but first-rate people outside these areas are most
welcome to apply.
The successful applicant will show evidence of an original and
independent research programme, an established record of high quality
research publication, and preferably a record of successful
application for research funding. In addition to teaching on our
standard courses, the person appointed will have the opportunity to
develop specialist teaching in their area of research expertise.
The appointment will be made at a level
commensurate with the person's qualifications, skills and
achievements. The successful applicant will be appointed onto the
University's Professional Development Programme (PDP) of up to
5 years duration. The starting salary will be from £31,513 up to
£35,469 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience, with
further progression possible to £38,757 subject to the terms of the
PDP. The University has a rapidly expanding national and international
profile and can offer a very attractive range of employment benefits
and facilities including final salary pension scheme.
For an informal discussion about this post please contact Professor
John A. Endler email:
<mailto:J.A.Endler at exeter.ac.uk>J.A.Endler at exeter.ac.uk tel: 01392
725228.
Application packs are available from
<http://www.admin.ex.ac.uk/personnel/jobs/P81N1527.pdf>http://www.admin.ex.ac.uk/personnel/jobs/P81N1527.pdf
e-mail p.c.jackson at exeter.ac.uk; quoting reference number P81N1527.
The closing date for completed applications is 12 noon 25 March 2009.
The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer and promotes
diversity in its workforce and, whilst all applicants will be judged
on merit alone, is particularly keen to consider applications from
groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.
Dr J. R. Madden
Animal Behaviour Group
School of Psychology
University of Exeter
Exeter
EX4 4QG
(+44) 1392 269122
webpage:http://www.psychology.ex.ac.uk/resgrp/abgroup.shtml
------------------------------
Contact Addresses:
Shan D. Duncan
Animal Behavior Society Central Office at Indiana University
402 N. Park St, Bloomington, IN 47405
James Ha
Department of Psychology and National Primate Research Center
University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
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