First, on a side note, my trusty Saturn wouldn't start on Saturday. Due to warranty issues and whatnot we couldn't get the car fixed until Monday. And what was the problem? A crank sensor. What the heck is that? No one believes me when I tell them that was the problem, but it was.
Anyway, here is probably the equivalent of a Willy Wonka Golden Ticket for Birders. A job opening for 12 people to work for Cornell to look for the ivory-billed woodpecker. As much as I would love to go for this job, I just do not have a body built for humidity.
FIELD RESEARCHER–The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is seeking 12 motivated
Field Researchers to search for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in Cache River
and White River, National Wildlife Refuge (NWRs), Arkansas from 31 Oct
2005 through 30 Apr 2006. Incumbents will be required to work
independently, under general supervision, using a variety of systematic
and adaptive sampling protocols to search for ivory-bills in the
bottomland hardwood forests of east-central Arkansas. Required to follow
and adhere to all safety and field protocols and procedures. Position
will require living in eastern Arkansas with housing and some meals
provided by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This rare opportunity is for
a top-quality person to apply their field and birding skills toward the
conservation of North Americas most critically endangered bird.
Incumbent is responsible for providing their own travel to and from
Arkansas. This appointment is for approximately 6 months.
Qualifications: High School Diploma and training in field research
techniques required. Bachelors degree in biology/natural resources or
related field and 1 year of experience, or equivalent, preferred.
Minimum of two years experience in field research required. Must have
excellent auditory and visual bird identification skills; excellent
navigation skills; boat/canoe experience. Moderate physical work is
required, as well as the ability to lift 50+ pounds. Must be willing to
work under varying climatic conditions (heat, cold, dust, etc.) and
capable of enduring difficult field conditions. Work hours will vary and
may be lengthy during this field season. Knowledge of bottomland
hardwood forest ecosystems and/or woodpecker ecology helpful. Experience
using GPS, GIS databases, and basic data entry is a plus. A valid
drivers license is preferred. All application materials must be received
by Tuesday, 30 Aug 2005. Visa sponsorship is not available for this
position. Located in Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell University is a bold,
innovative, inclusive and dynamic teaching and research university where
staff, faculty, and students alike are challenged to make an enduring
contribution to the betterment of humanity. Apply on-line at
http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/jobs. Cornell University is an equal
opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.