Volunteer field assistants are needed for a project focusing on the rock
iguanas, Cyclura cornuta and Cyclura ricordii in the summer and fall of
2015. The exact dates are yet to be determined, but the summer season wil
be roughly early June through mid-August and the fall season will be early
September through late October. Should you be interested, you will need to
be available for at least one of these entire periods. Hispaniola is the
only Caribbean island that is home to two Rock Iguana species. These iguanas
are threatened primarily with habitat modification and destruction and
poaching. In an effort to better understand how these species interact with
each other, and to aid in their conservation and management, we are using
a combination of genetic and ecological techniques to evaluate the current
and historic range of these species and to elucidate the environmental variables
that limit and define their distributions. During these field seasons we
will be focusing specifically on nest monitoring and radio-tracking of
hatchling iguanas in the southwest Dominican Republic.
Field assistants will be expected to aid in capture and processing iguanas
(measuring, weighing, DNA sampling, etc.), as well as radio-telemetry and
nest excavation. In addition, we will be employing the use of an unmanned
aerial vehicle (UAV) this year. We are seeking volunteers with all or some
combination of 1) experience handling reptiles, 2) experience radio-tracking, and 3) experience flying UAVs. Spanish speaking ability is
strongly appreciated.
A 12-hour workday in a variety of harsh environmental conditions is to be=
expected. This work is only suitable for the most physically fit people, =
who are very tolerant of heat, insects, and poisonous plants. Volunteers can
expect to walk up to 10 km per day. Volunteers will be provided with housing
and food, but are responsible for travel to the field site in Pedernales, Dominican Republic.
If you are interested, please prepare a cover letter and CV that
specifically addresses the previously listed three qualifications, your
Spanish speaking ability, and your ability to work in this harsh
environment. Please also provide contact information for two references who
you have worked with in the field.. Email Dr. Stesha Pasachnik
([email protected]) and include Field Assistant_Your Last Name, in the
subject heading.
iguanas, Cyclura cornuta and Cyclura ricordii in the summer and fall of
2015. The exact dates are yet to be determined, but the summer season wil
be roughly early June through mid-August and the fall season will be early
September through late October. Should you be interested, you will need to
be available for at least one of these entire periods. Hispaniola is the
only Caribbean island that is home to two Rock Iguana species. These iguanas
are threatened primarily with habitat modification and destruction and
poaching. In an effort to better understand how these species interact with
each other, and to aid in their conservation and management, we are using
a combination of genetic and ecological techniques to evaluate the current
and historic range of these species and to elucidate the environmental variables
that limit and define their distributions. During these field seasons we
will be focusing specifically on nest monitoring and radio-tracking of
hatchling iguanas in the southwest Dominican Republic.
Field assistants will be expected to aid in capture and processing iguanas
(measuring, weighing, DNA sampling, etc.), as well as radio-telemetry and
nest excavation. In addition, we will be employing the use of an unmanned
aerial vehicle (UAV) this year. We are seeking volunteers with all or some
combination of 1) experience handling reptiles, 2) experience radio-tracking, and 3) experience flying UAVs. Spanish speaking ability is
strongly appreciated.
A 12-hour workday in a variety of harsh environmental conditions is to be=
expected. This work is only suitable for the most physically fit people, =
who are very tolerant of heat, insects, and poisonous plants. Volunteers can
expect to walk up to 10 km per day. Volunteers will be provided with housing
and food, but are responsible for travel to the field site in Pedernales, Dominican Republic.
If you are interested, please prepare a cover letter and CV that
specifically addresses the previously listed three qualifications, your
Spanish speaking ability, and your ability to work in this harsh
environment. Please also provide contact information for two references who
you have worked with in the field.. Email Dr. Stesha Pasachnik
([email protected]) and include Field Assistant_Your Last Name, in the
subject heading.
