We are currently seeking field assistants to assist with a cobra spatial-ecology project based at the Sakaerat Environmental Research Station in North-east Thailand. Assistants will primarily be tasked with radio tracking Monocled and Indochinese Spitting Cobras (Naja kaouthia and Naja siamensis) within and around the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve. This fieldwork is very rewarding but also physically demanding, with days starting early in the morning and continuing well into the night. As such, assistants will need to be willing to work long hours in very warm and humid conditions.
This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical field work experience with tropical reptiles within a dynamic team of researchers. Furthermore, unlike many projects which require volunteers to pay, the project covers the cost of food and accommodation. However, volunteers MUST be able to cover the cost of their own flights and health insurance for the duration of their stay.
Volunteer duties will include:
- Radio tracking Monocled and Indochinese Spitting Cobras
- Writing weekly summaries and assisting with data processing
- Communicating with local villagers in a friendly and non-intrusive manner
- Building, checking and maintaining drift fences and traps for live capture
- Processing camera trap data
- Processing captured snakes
Requirements:
- 21 years or older (exemption can be made for outstanding candidates)
- Experience with outdoor work (manual labour)
- Volunteers need to be fit (able to walk more than 10 km a day)
- Interest in biodiversity (Previous field research experience an advantage though not essential)
- Commitment of 6 months or more (Exception for internship students who can contribute towards costs)
- Snake handling experience an advantage.
- ArcGIS or similar, Program R and extended knowledge of Excel a big advantage.
We are currently looking for applicants to fill two positions starting late April, but also accepting applications for a further two starts one in June and one in July.
To Apply:
Please send your CV and cover letter stating your earliest available start dates to Curtis Radcliffe at najaresearch@gmail.com
Closing Date: 01 May 2017
