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Become a PrimatesPeru Research Assistant

We are looking for volunteers to serve as research assistants on this project. New volunteers will replace others on a rolling basis.

Job Description

You will be assisting the principal researchers at one or more of the sites in the following types of activities: primate surveys, assessments of habitats and food resources, monitoring primate behavior, and trap and release of certain primate species. Currently the focus of this research is on tamarin monkeys (Saguinus imperator and Saguinus fuscicollis) and callimico (Callimico goeldii), although information may also be collected on other primates.

Here are some of the specific tasks you will participate in:

1. Line transect surveys of primates

2. Daily follows of individual monkey groups

3. Behavioral observations during follows

4. Positional data recording (GPS) on ranging patterns of groups

5. Vegetation sampling

6. Recording locations and monitoring plant feeding sites

4. Setting up and monitoring traps

5. Assisting during processing of animals once trapped (when applicable). This will include:

a. Photographing individuals

b. Recording data as obtained from the individuals

c. Storing DNA samples (painlessly, and with NO harm to the individual)


This is a great opportunity for a student interested in a graduate program in biology, conservation, ecology or anthropology. You will learn how to conduct surveys, record behavioral data, evaluate habitats and food resources, identify and track primates by sight and sound as well as radio telemetry, and really learn to survive in the rainforest. This project is unique in that it involves more than just observations of behavior. Depending on the season, volunteers may also have the opportunity to learn how to handle wild animals (while keeping in mind both your own and their safety) and record morphometrical and health data from wild monkeys. On-site training will take about 1 month.

Typical Activities

Surveys

For surveying we will walk trails and record information on observations of different primate species  with reference to their location along the trails and in particular habitats. We will also collect information on group sizes and compositions. Surveys will typically occur from 6 am to 10 am, and from 1 pm to 5 pm.

Trapping

During trapping sessions, research assistants will assist in trap construction, baiting and monitoring. Traps will be set up in locations frequented by groups and every morning will be baited with fruit. Volunteers will take shifts monitoring traps for activity, noting the behavior of monkeys in response to the trap. We will work from 6am to 5pm every day and either return to the camp for lunch or take it with us.

Behavior Monitoring

During behavior sessions, volunteers will get the opportunity to learn to track primates by sound and sight. Follows will include tracking of the animals from their sleeping site one morning to the sleeping site they choose that night. These days will be 8-10 hours long and we'll be on the move except for when the monkeys take naps (usually in the afternoons), a welcome respite for both the researchers and the primates!)

Volunteer Requirements

Ideally, volunteers should have past experience working or living in a tropical country, preferably in South America. More importantly, a background in science that allows you to understand the scientific method, basic research terminology, and maintenance of data records is vital.


Past Experience

The qualifications we are looking for in a research assistant are:
  • Degree or expected degree in a life science or anthropology
  • Knowledge of at least basic Spanish
  • Good physical and mental health
  • Ability to hike long distances (> 6 miles) in a day
  • Ability to carry a moderately heavy pack
  • Cheerful, optimistic approach to work
  • Ability to be independent of family and friends for extended periods
  • Commitment to the project during days of work (5/6 days a week)
  • Ability to work with Microsoft Office and Excel for data entry/backup
  • No fear of snakes, insects, etc.
Estimated Costs

Costs of participation in the project range between $1000 and $1500 USD/month, depending on the field site where you stay.  The sites vary significantly in amenities and infrastrucure available, with CICRA being the most  sophisticated, CCRST the most rustic, and CM2 is inbetween the two.  The ability to work at any site is contingent upon research needs at that time.  Regardless of your ultimate desitnation, all research assistants are required to undergo two weeks of training at CICRA.

This is our primary field site with state-of-the-art facilities and several accomodation options to choose from (~1500 USD/month).
  • Option 1: Concrete dormitory, attached private bathroom, electricity from 6-9:30pm
  • Option 2: Wooden dormitory with attached shared restroom, 2 to a room, electricity from 6-9:30pm
  • Option 3: Cabins, shared restroom within short walking distance, possibly 2 to a room
Costs include three large meals a day (packed for you if you need to take them with you to the field), snacks for those in-between hours, clean water, showers (cold), several hours of internet and electricity in the evening, and office space and laboratory space.

CM2 (at this time, this site is on hold for this year and we are uncetain it will be used):
  • Two-story tent platforms, shared restrooms within short walking distance (pricing is not yet available).

Costs include three meals a day (packed if needed), snacks, clean water, showers (cold), several hours of electricity in the evening, and work and laboratory space.

  • Tent platforms, shared restrooms (~$1000 USD/month)

Costs include three meals a day (packed if needed), snacks, clean water, electricity for charging appliances, and work and laboratory space.

Travel

Flying to Lima is available on a number of international airline carriers. With advance notice, it is possible to book a roundtrip ticket from Chicago or Washinton D.C., USA, to Lima, Peru, for ~$600 USD.

Travel within Lima can be more expensive if you fly LAN, which is the only well-known public airline.  LAN charges higher rates for foreigners and it costs ~ $300 (roundtrip) to get to Puerto Maldonado, from which you take a boat to CICRA.  Another airline that is small-scale and flies only within Peru is StarPeru – round trip tickets from Lima to Puerto Maldonado (one-stop in Cusco) can cost $140 -180. However, these flights might not run daily. The station boat from Puerto Maldonado to the field station costs $25 per person each way.

Stipend

Welcome to the world of field research. Currently, there is no research stipend and volunteers are responsible for getting to the field site and paying for their stay there. Looking into grants and scholarships will be a practical thing to do at this point (Explorer's Fund, National Geographic, college specific travel grants, etc.). For a long-term volunteer some of the site fees may be covered—this option can be discussed when the application is processed. These things are subject to the availability of funds, which in turn are based on grants. We will update this section with regards to reimbursements as decisions on outstanding grants are received. We are willing to write reports on your work in case you require them for college credit.


Time Commitment
Training may take  several weeks and a minimum commitment of 2 months is required. The duration of the 2012 field season is approximately 5 months, from April to August 2012. However, if you can be present for at least 2 months of this main field season, and would like to stay on later, we have a program that you can participate in while the main team is off-site. Data collection will continue for as long as possible, and once trained, participants can manage sections of data collection on their own with ease. The field station itself runs year round, so once this project's main team is off-site, the station will continue to host researchers making an extended stay extremely feasible.

Ready to Sign Up??

Submit an application using this FORM. You will need to answer a few questions, submit a personal statement and a resume, and provide the name of an individual providing you with a recommendation letter. The recommendation letter will have to be emailed to us at primatesperu(at)gmail.com directly from your reference. It must arrive within 2 weeks of the submission of your application. We will respond to you with the following:
  • either a few more questions/clarifications regarding your application (via email)
  • or, if you are accepted directly, a login and password to the portion of this website meant for registered users. This will give you access to reading material, travel assistance, and much more!

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