Dear MARMAM community, We are looking for 2 field assistants to participate in the upcoming field season of the Sea Lion Project Galapagos to assist with our research on animal behaviour and personality, population dynamics and foraging strategies in Galápagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) in the research group of Oliver Krüger at the Department of Animal Behaviour at Bielefeld University, Germany. (https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/biologie/forschung/arbeitsgruppen/b...) Field work will take place from mid/end of October until mid December on Caamaño, a small island near Puerto Ayora in the centre of the Galápagos archipelago. We have studied Galápagos sea lions there since 2003 with most animals being individually marked. Work on Caamaño includes daily census rounds, a variety of behavioural response tests, behavioural observations, and captures of animals for tagging, growth assessment, biologging deployment, and sample collection. Previous work experience with animals and these type of activities is an advantage. The field site is a small islet (300m diameter), isolated from civilisation, and has no facilities, so an ability to work under truly primitive conditions is essential. Participants have to live in a tent the entire time and share all camp duties (cooking, cleaning, daily data entry). No sanitary facilities are available and we have fresh water only for drinking and cooking. Field work will be physically and mentally demanding. All gear has to be transported onto the island via a difficult landing and camp conditions are primitive, including a basic diet based primarily on dried and tinned foods. Due to the long duration of the field season and the tough conditions field assistants need to be physically capable. Previous experience with working in an outdoor environment and with handling wild animals is highly preferable. The duration of the field season is 2 months. The positions are unpaid, however travel expenses to the Galapagos Islands as well as all food while on Caamaño and accommodation while in town (before and after the field season) will be covered by the project. Additionally, there might be a possibility to continue with the project for a PhD if funding becomes available. We encourage people who are interested in pursuing a PhD to apply. Ecuadorian nationals are especially encouraged to apply. Applications open until July 27th. Please send applications in English (letter of motivation and curriculum vitae) to the following address: svenja.stoehr@uni-bielefeld.de<mailto:svenja.stoehr@uni-bielefeld.de> <mailto:svenja.stoehr@uni-bielefeld.de> alexandra.childs@uni-bielefeld.de<mailto:alexandra.childs@uni-bielefeld.de> _____________________________________ Summary: Field Assistant Position – Sea Lion Project Galápagos When: mid October – mid December Where: Caamaño Island, Galápagos Institution: Bielefeld University, Dept. of Animal Behaviour Project Focus * Galápagos sea lion behaviour, personality, population, and foraging * Tasks: daily censuses, behavioural tests, animal captures (tagging, sampling) Applicant Requirements * Physically fit and mentally resilient * Willing to live in a tent under primitive conditions & carry out manual camp duties * Experience with wild animals, fieldwork, behavioural studies * Ecuadorian nationals especially encouraged to apply * Unpaid, but travel, food, and accommodation (pre/post fieldwork) covered * Possible PhD opportunity if funding allows Apply by July 27 Please share with anyone who might be interested. Best, Svenja & Alex