Purple-crowned Fairy-wren Volunteer Field Assistants Jan to Apr/Jun 2025

We are looking for volunteer field assistants to assist with data collection for research on climate change and dispersal in purple-crowned fairy-wrens. Our study population is located in the Kimberley, Western Australia. Fieldwork will take place during and shortly after the wet season, when most of the birds are breeding.

We are seeking volunteer field assistants to help monitor all fairy-wrens along a 15 km stretch of river. Work will involve re-sighting colour-banded birds, nest searching, monitoring all breeding attempts, placement and upkeep of nest cameras, assessing nest camera footage, assisting in field experiments, mist netting and data entry.

The field site is located at a remote sanctuary an 8-hour drive from Broome, Western Australia. Volunteers will be camping in tents but have access to electricity, wifi, hot showers, and a spacious fully equipped kitchen, which is shared with the rest of the small community at the field station. The field site is located in a beautiful area, with many opportunities to see native wildlife and some of the most iconic bird species of the area.

Volunteer field assistants must be flexible and willing to work long days in hot and humid conditions while often crossing the river and sometimes carrying heavy equipment or encountering the occasional snake. Furthermore, field assistants must have full colour-vision, be physically fit, be comfortable with living in a remote location, have good interpersonal skills, and be able to work independently in the field. It is important for volunteers to be accurate when collecting and entering data, and to ask for help when unsure about anything. We are looking for people with previous experience in similar conditions and with nest searching and colour-band re-sighting; experience with mist netting is a bonus.

Fieldwork will commence in January (dates are somewhat flexible depending on transport opportunities) and run until mid-late June 2025, however the end date is flexible, with field assistants having the choice to only stay for the wet season (until mid-late April) or to stay for part of the dry season too (until mid-late June).

The cost of accommodation (mostly camping in tents), food, and local travel expenses will be covered; flight expenses to and from Broome may be negotiated.

For further information and to apply, please send a CV, cover letter and contacts for at least two references that are familiar with your nest searching, colour-band re-sighting, and mist netting experience to Ian Hoppe: ian.hoppe@monash.edu. Applications will be accepted until 17 November.