Common dolphin Photo-ID Volunteer Position in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
A volunteer is needed to assist with a PhD study investigating the abundance,
social structure and site fidelity of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the
Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. This PhD project is part of the ongoing research of
the New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (NZCDP) and the Coastal-Marine Research
Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (<a
href="redir.aspx?C=98b79602c29c479a8073f0ea879cb4e1&URL=http%3a%2f%2fcmrg.massey.ac.nz"
target="_blank">http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz</a>).
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
The Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, is an important habitat for common dolphins that
are present in the Gulf all year and use the region extensively for foraging,
and as a calving and nursery ground. Common dolphins have been found to
consistently inhabit coastal waters making them vulnerable to the impacts of
pollution, tourist interactions, recreational use and adjacent urban population
growth. The aim of this project is to investigate the abundance, site fidelity
and social structure of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand.
DATES: June 2012 October 2012
LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand
FIELDWORK:
The volunteer position entails assisting during field surveys and analysis of
common dolphin fin photo identification. The successful applicant will gain
valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying
individual common dolphins based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of
MS Access databases for archiving field data.
Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great
opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on
field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification,
behavioural observations, and improve practical skills (data analysis,
photo-ID).
Due to the training required, applicants should be available for a minimum of 2
months, however all applicants will be considered. The placements commence in
June 2012. Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and
weekends. Assistants need to be available full-time including weekends and be
prepared to work long hours with early starts.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Photo-identification of dolphins in the lab, including photo sorting, grading,
and matching, sighting data entry, assist in maintenance of long-term photo-id
catalogue using a MS Access database and Finscan. Research assistants should be
prepared to work long days in the office analysing of photographs and matching
them with the photo-identification catalogue (75% of the time).
Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys of common dolphins from
a local dolphin watching vessel, collecting environmental, location, and
behavioural data for dolphin groups (25% of the time).
This is a volunteer position, so there is unfortunately no monetary
compensation or living provisions. The successful candidate should arrange
their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses, travel costs and visa.
PREREQUISITES:
Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather
dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive
days in the field when weather permits.
Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research
Fluently speak English
Be sociable, enthusiastic, and have a positive attitude
Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum of 18 years of age. The project is well suited to upper level
undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who have some background in
Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related fields
Basic computer proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel and Access)
Field research including photo-identification experience is preferred but not
required
Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal
research is preferred but not required
Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable working on boats
First AID/CPR certification preferred but not required
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applicants should send a short email to me, using photo-id position as the
subject line.
The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this
project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a
brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant
experience.
Early application is recommended, as applications will be examined in order of
reception.
All the best,
Cheers
----------------------------------
Krista Rankmore
PhD Candidate
Coastal-Marine Research Group
Institute of Natural Sciences
Massey University
Private Bag 102 904
North Shore City 0745
Auckland
New Zealand
Tel: +64 (0) 9 414 0800 EXT 41520
Mob: +64 (0) 22 025 6290
Fax: + 64 (0) 9 443 9790
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