Grinnell Project Student Application
Deadline: March 10, 2008
Please fill out this application and the MVZ Undergraduate
Application (available online).
The Museum of Vertebrate Zoology has several paid and volunteer positions available for undergraduate students
for summer 2008 working with the Grinnell Resurvey Project. We will review applications after the deadline, 10
March 2008. We will then email the best candidates for short interviews. The full time positions will begin
approximately 1 week after school lets out. There may be room for part time student help, so please apply even if
you have time constraints. We are also looking for students to work in the MVZ on other projects, so we may
contact students for those as well.
Grinnell Resurvey Project - Student Assistant
Project Description
The Grinnell Resurvey Project involves returning to areas throughout
California that were originally surveyed for mammals and birds in the
1920s, conducting new surveys for these species, and comparing the
current species composition with the historic data.
(For more
information, see http://mvz.berkeley.edu/Grinnell).
Positions will start in late May after classes end and run through the
summer. Approximately 1/3 to 2/3 of the time will be in the field,
assisting MVZ research staff with sampling for mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The remaining time
will be working with MVZ curatorial and research staff preparing museum specimens, extracting data from
historic field notes, entering data into computer databases, and other duties related to museum research.
Opportunities may be available for advanced students to participate in data analysis and the preparation of
scientific manuscripts or to develop independent research projects.
Fieldwork will involve camping, either in established campgrounds or in backcountry, for 1-2 weeks per trip, with
3-4 trips during the summer. Ideal applicants would be in good physical condition, able to hike 5-10 mi per day,
carry up to 50 lbs, and be able to deal with high elevation work. Members of the research team may be exposed
to poison oak, ticks, mosquitoes, rain, and other realities of fieldwork. Assistants must provide their own personal
camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, hiking boots, rain gear, backpack, etc.). Research equipment will be provided
by MVZ.
Some aspects of this research involves humanely sacrificing animals and preparing them as museum specimens,
although students are not required to kill animals themselves. These positions involve working with animals –
alive and dead – students should be prepared. Persons who deeply object to such activities are encouraged not to
apply to the bird or mammal “collecting” teams.
Applicant Requirements
This is a team oriented project. Team members should have a positive attitude and a genuine interest in the goals
of the Resurvey Project. Attention to detail, having a strong work ethic, and an ability to work in close quarters
with others are essential. Assistants must be able to follow instructions. Assistants must provide their own
personal camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, hiking boots, rain gear, backpack, etc.).
Seeking, but not Required
Being a quick learner, possessing initiative, creativity and problem-solving abilities are highly desirable. A
California driver’s license and your own vehicle are desirable but not required. Although we will provide training
in field methods, taxonomy and museum science, students with prior classroom, fieldwork, and/or museum
experience are preferred. Applicants that have prior preparation experience or that can identify and distinguish
among California vertebrate species are preferred. Familiarity and prior experience with survey methods for
animals is desirable but not required. Students participating in UC Berkeley’s Biology Scholars Program are
strongly encouraged to apply.
Other Information
Independent study credit may also be available. Part-time and volunteer positions may also be available. These
opportunities may extend into Fall 2008 if mutually desirable.
Applications must be received by 5 pm on Monday, March 10, 2008. Please fill in both this form and the MVZ
undergrad application (available on our website) to be considered for a position in the Grinnell Resurvey Project
for summer, 2008. Email applications to Dr. Chris Conroy at ondatra@berkeley.edu.
Application Questions
Name: __________________________
Major:_______________________________
Student ID: ________________________
Year at Berkeley: ______________________
Email: ____________________________________
Current GPA:_____________
List your relevant experience in field biology (e.g. camping, backpacking, trail crews, class field trips, volunteer
outdoor work):
If you have any previous experience working or volunteering in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (with the
staff, graduate students, postdocs or curators/professors), please list here noting who your supervisor was:
What classes have you taken that might prepare you for this kind of work (e.g. Natural History of the Vertebrates,
Animal Behavior, Herpetology, Mammalogy, Ornithology)? Please also list your grades in those courses.
What else should we know about you? (i.e. Do you have experience handling animals or working in other
museums?)
Why are you interested in working with the MVZ and the Grinnell Resurvey Project?
Please rank (1 is highest) your preference for assisting with field or lab study:
___bird collecting
___bird surveys
___mammals
___herps
California Driver’s License:
YES
NO
Car Available?
YES
NO
___no preference
Would you still be interested in participating even if you didn’t get your first or second preference?
(circle one)
YES
NO
If you are considered, are there blocks of time this summer that you cannot work (e.g. vacation with family)?
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
If we cannot hire you full time through the summer, would you be willing to (Y/N):
___ volunteer at least 5 hours per week?
___ go on a few field trips as a volunteer?
___ work in the MVZ on related projects?
Would you be interested in working part time at the MVZ if you cannot be part of the Grinnell Project?
(circle one)
YES
NO
What days and times are best for you to come in for a 30 minute interview?
Thank you for filling out this application!