Black Tailed Prairie Dog Field Research Intern

~ Welcome to the Lane Lab @ the University of Saskatchewan! ~

We combine theory and techniques from ecology, evolutionary biology, quantitative genetics and physiology to better understand adaptation of populations to their natural environments. We primarily work with wild mammal systems that have been studied for multiple decades. Ours is a relatively new lab (started in July 2013) and content is being updated regularly.

Position Overview

We are looking for 5 interns to be involved with a field ecology project on black-tailed prairie dogs for the period of Mar 1, 2017 to Aug 31, 2017. The project investigates the ecology of a wild population of prairie dogs in Grasslands National Park, SK and will involve live-trapping, handling and monitoring.

Grasslands National Park represents one of the largest remaining tracts of native prairie in Canada, and prairie dog towns are home to a diversity of iconic grassland species (e.g., burrowing owls, swift fox, bison). Interns will have the opportunity of seeing all of these species, plus the many more resident in the Park. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience working with a population of wild mammals in a spectacular setting and in collaboration with university, park and zoo researchers.

These are volunteer positions and a salary is not provided. We will be staying in Parks Canada housing in the heart of the park. Volunteers are required to provide for their own travel to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Travel between the field station and Saskatoon is provided.

Qualifications

• These positions are best suited to applicants with interests in ecology, evolutionary biology, wildlife, field biology, and/or conservation biology.
• As evidence of this, applicants must either be enrolled in, or have graduated from, a relevant discipline.
• The field house and study population are isolated (the nearest town is approx. 45 min away) and, as such, successful applicants need to be able to cope under these conditions, enjoy the outdoors, be up-beat, positive, responsible and work well as a member of a team.
• Evidence of these abilities (gained, for example, through previous involvement on field projects or extended back-packing trips) is required.

Additional Information

International applicants:

If applicants are not Canadians or permanent residents, they will be required to apply to enter Canada as Visiting Research Students. To be eligible for this program, you must be an undergraduate or graduate student or be in between degrees (e.g., following graduation from a bachelors degree). As part of this program, applicants will be registered at the U of S in a non-credit activity. Applicants are eligible for this program for a maximum of 6 months per 12 month period.

Application forms and information are available here. If you are interested in this program, please contact us (contact details below) and we will guide you through the process.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your cover letter and contact details for three references (with e-mail addresses) to Jeff Lane (contact info below) by January 21, 2017. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.