*Seeking volunteer research assistants for a project on endangered Australian sea lions*
*Project title:* *Conservation ecology and human disturbance of Australian sea lions in WA* *Project description:* In this study, baseline information on the ecology and behaviour of Australian sea lions in Western Australia are being collected. This project aims to provide basic knowledge on the sea lions' colony sizes, movement patterns, temporal and spatial habitat use as well as critical haul-out behaviour that will inform the management of Australian sea lions inhabiting key breeding and non-breeding locations in Western Australia. Scan samples and individual focal follows (behavioural observations) are being conducted to measure the level of disturbance caused by humans using the beaches simultaneously with these endangered otariid. Also, a new photo-identification method is being tested and developed to recognize individual Australian sea lions in the field. This method would aid in estimating the population size of Australian sea lions and investigating their residency patterns and habitat use on key breeding islands and haul-out locations in Western Australia. . *Main field sites:* Seal Island in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park and Carnac Island Nature Reserve, Western Australia. A few other haul-out islands within the Perth Metropolitan area are also being visited during monthly boat surveys. *Field trip dates: *March - April/May 2014 Bad weather days will be spent entering and processing data. Priority will be given to assistants who can commit for longer periods due to the training required. Research assistants who can commit for 2-3 months are strongly preferred. *Assistant duties: *Collecting and recording observational data, both on land and from the boat. Assistants will be helping with data entry and processing, including sorting and processing photos and information recorded on dictaphones. *Prerequisites:* 1. Background knowledge in marine biology, ecology or conservation and experience in field research is a plus. 2. Research assistants should be confident working for long hours on islands with limited facilities and on small boats. Boat license and handling skills would be beneficial. 3. Assistants need to be dedicated to help in this project. During data collection the ability to focus for long periods, collecting and recording high quality and accurate data is required. Assistants are expected to maintain a positive attitude during long hours in the field and towards other team members, also in varying weather conditions. 4. Field trips are very weather dependant and will therefore be organised at short notice (often only 1-2 days prior) and will vary between week and weekend days and may take place on public holidays. Field trips start early in the morning. *Expenses: *This is an unpaid opportunity to gain training and experience in ecological sciences and particularly in marine mammal research. Transportation to the study sites can be provided from Fremantle, WA but unfortunately other travel expenses cannot be covered. Research assistants are expected to bring their own lunch and water. If you are interested in helping out in this project, please send a CV, a brief cover letter highlighting previous experience and relevant qualifications along with contact details of two relevant referees to: sylvia.osterrie...@gmail.com. Sylvia Osterrieder PhD Candidate Ecology & Sustainability Group, College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria and Research Associate Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia
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