Galapagos avian field technician 2023

The Knutie Lab is recruiting a field technician for fieldwork in the Galapagos Islands for Spring 2023 (February-May). We study the effect of invasive avian vampire flies and urbanization on Darwin's finches. In 2023, we will be determining whether finches have evolved resistance to flies by using a common garden experiment, which involves egg cross-fostering. 

Because of the nature of the work, prospective techs are required to have experience in field biology with birds, especially nestling birds. The equatorial field work, which includes living in the Galapagos for 3 months, is often met with intense and frustrating conditions (e.g. 9+ mile hikes on uneven lava rock, intense sun exposure, 110F heat, unrelenting mosquitoes, isolation, etc.). This position is only open to US or Ecuadorian residents. US technicians are required to attend a 1-2 week training period in Connecticut before leaving for the Galapagos. Ecuadorian technicians will attend virtually.

Required Qualifications:
•    Experience banding and collecting blood from nestling passerine birds.
•    Experience with extreme heat and humidity in the field.
•    Ability to hike up to 9 miles on uneven lava rock, carrying field gear.
•    Can wake up at 4am for field work that starts at 5am.
•    Experience with data entry.
•    Have a valid passport (if you are a US resident).
•    Can work and live as a team but also work independently.
•    Have international insurance during the field work.
•    Conversational in Spanish OR a beginner but have the desire to learn.
•    Interest in a career in conservation biology, evolution, or ecology.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Experience with international field work.
•    Fluent in Spanish.
•    Field first aid training.

Shared housing, transportation, and registration and visa fees will be covered by the project. A stipend of $1500 per month will also be provided to cover food, field clothes and gear, and insurance (if needed).  Please fill out a google form (https://forms.gle/3vSU9UVNmMMPrZxJ6) and in the google form, attach a cover letter, resume, and references that can speak to your qualifications in the field or lab. Please e-mail Dr. Knutie with any questions: sarah.knutie@uconn.edu