Want a Paid Job using your skills to work with tarantulas? Really!

[pocock1899]

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is the "environmental" part of NAFTA. It was established by the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States in order to help the NAFTA agreement protect the environment.

They have recently turned their attention to the trade in CITES listed Brachypelma. They want to increase trade, but do it legally and sustainably.

Here's where YOU come in....

"The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is requesting proposals from prospective consultants related to the development of an identification guide (ID guide) for 16 tarantula species identified as priority in the CEC’s “Sustainable Trade in Tarantulas: Action Plan for North America”. Specifically, the consultant is expected to compile all necessary information and to design and develop a guide that should allow its availability in printed and digital media."

They need a simple, usable guide to the genus Brachypelma. They will PAY for it, and you will also get to go to Jalisco, Mexico to present it to a workshop for law enforcement folks from all three countries.

Here is the link to request for proposal. Feel free to share with interested folks.

http://www.cec.org/sites/default/files/documents/opportunities/cites_tarantula_id_guide_rfp_en.pdf

 

[MetalMan2004]

That seems like a large undertaking for them to expect the first draft a month and a half from now. If I thought I was in any way qualified I’d certainly be interested!

 

[Nightstalker47]

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is the "environmental" part of NAFTA. It was established by the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States in order to help the NAFTA agreement protect the environment.

They have recently turned their attention to the trade in CITES listed Brachypelma. They want to increase trade, but do it legally and sustainably.

Here's where YOU come in....

"The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is requesting proposals from prospective consultants related to the development of an identification guide (ID guide) for 16 tarantula species identified as priority in the CEC’s “Sustainable Trade in Tarantulas: Action Plan for North America”. Specifically, the consultant is expected to compile all necessary information and to design and develop a guide that should allow its availability in printed and digital media."

They need a simple, usable guide to the genus Brachypelma. They will PAY for it, and you will also get to go to Jalisco, Mexico to present it to a workshop for law enforcement folks from all three countries.

Here is the link to request for proposal. Feel free to share with interested folks.

http://www.cec.org/sites/default/files/documents/opportunities/cites_tarantula_id_guide_rfp_en.pdf

Why don't they contact one of the tarantula taxonomists? They would be best suited for the job.

 

[pocock1899]

Why don't they contact one of the tarantula taxonomists? They would be best suited for the job.

It's my understanding that a couple of taxonomists are working on it. However, the CEC would also like to approach anyone else who is interested.

In this particular case, the CEC is looking for the easiest and most accurate way to help Law Enforcement Officers that aren't well versed in taxonomic terms or in dealing with spiders. Often, hobbyists have a different skillset and appreciation that lets them see the animals differently from taxonomists. Hobbyists and their personal experience might be more helpful in finding the right methods and means for easy ID. I think the CEC is exploring all their avenues. I applaud them for that. It's why I was asked to disseminate this through the hobby, rather than strictly academic circles.

 

[JoshDM020]

Often, hobbyists have a different skillset and appreciation that lets them see the animals differently from taxonomists. Hobbyists and their personal experience might be more helpful in finding the right methods and means for easy ID.

See, im kinda on the fence with this one. Youre absolutely right, hobbyists and taxonomists do have different experiences and skill sets, and we could and should most definitely work together. Hobbyists have a lot of observational data on behavior, for instance.
But there are some species (especially in Brachypelma) that literally require examination under a microscope to tell apart, from what ive read. Sometimes there just wont BE an easy way to identify a spider, and taxonomists are the ones trained to do that. If anyone could find an easier way, itd be them.

 

[viper69]

Hobbyists and their personal experience might be more helpful in finding the right methods and means for easy ID.

All things being equal, arachnologists are far more qualified.

 

[Vanessa]

It is a very good idea and they know exactly what they're doing. These are people who probably have a long history of knowing what happens when you place someone in the scientific community with someone with absolutely no education in science and the complete failure that can result. I'm not surprised that they are looking for people who might provide them with a bit less science and a bit more practical experience to help bridge that gap.
I hope they have people responding. It will give a much needed additional aspect to the program.