*Volunteer Position in Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand*
Volunteers are required to assist with an ongoing study examining the distribution of marine mammals in the Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds, NZ. Species of interest include bottlenose, dusky, common and Hector’s dolphins, killer whales and New Zealand fur seals. This research forms part of a PhD study being conducted under the auspices of the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University, Auckland ( http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz). *Background:* The Marlborough Sounds, a region of embayments and estuaries is located in the northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand. The study site, Queen Charlotte Sound, serves as the main passageway between the North and South Islands of New Zealand and is utilized by a range of vessels. Several marine mammal species occur within Queen Charlotte Sound including bottlenose dolphins (*Tusiops truncatus*), Hector’s dolphins* *(*Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori*), common dolphins (*Delphinus *sp.), dusky dolphins (*Lagenorhynchus obscurus)* and killer whales (*Orcinus orca*). The aim of this project is to investigate the distribution and density of marine mammals occurring within the Sound in order to provide part of a baseline study of the region. Behaviour, inter-specific interactions and potential anthropogenic influences will also be investigated. *Dates:* January 2013-April 2014, in a minimum of three month increments *Location:* Picton, New Zealand * * *Responsibilities:* Field work will involve data collection from two platforms of opportunity (13 m catamarans) Responsibilities will include: - Diligent searching for marine mammals, identification to species, recording of group size, group composition and behaviour - Collection of various environmental parameters - Utilization of GPS equipment to collect sighting location data and effort tracks - Data entry of all fieldwork undertaken - Opportunistic Photo-ID - Data processing and analyses - Additional responsibilities may be added as the project progresses *Qualifications:* The ideal candidate will have a science background and previous marine mammal field experience. This internship is well-suited for recent graduates or graduate students of marine biology, zoology, ecology or similar fields. Preferred candidates will have some experience studying free-ranging dolphins. He or she must: - Possess basic computer skills including MS excel - Be comfortable working on boats - Be responsible, focused and motivated - Be personable, possess a strong interest in science and a mature attitude toward marine mammal research - Be patient as many hours are spent in search of marine mammals - Be flexible as scheduling is unpredictable and weather dependent - Be prepared to live in a small isolated town and to work independently - Make a 3 month commitment to the project Unfortunately, no monetary compensation or compensation for housing is available for this position, so the candidate must be able to support living expenses for the extent of the internship period *Application Process*: If interested please email c.cr...@massey.ac.nz with the subject line VOLUNTEER POSITION Please LIST the following in a CONCISE message: 1) Relevant experience or qualifications 2) The time frame that you are available over the next year 3) Reasons you want to help with this project 4) The contact info of at least one professional reference that can confirm work ethic and experience 5) Current place of residence Please also attach CV or resume to the email This is great opportunity to work in a unique environment while gaining further research experience and contributing to an important project. Priority will be given to placing applicants that are available immediately. Thank you for your interest! Sincerely, Cheryl L. Cross 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) 21 022 93719 Fax: + 64 (0) 9 443 9790 http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz -- *Cheryl L. Cross* PhD Student Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City 0745 Auckland New Zealand Tel: +64 9 414 0800 EXT 41520 Mob: +64 21 022 93719 Fax: + 64 9 443 9790
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