[MARMAM] Biological Scientist- Manatee Research and Rescue Job Posting

[Garrett, Andy]

OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907293
Date: Sep 28, 2018
Location: PORT CHARLOTTE, FL, US, 33954

Apply now 
>

https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/PORT-CHARLOTTE-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-FWC-77907293-FL-33954/508988500/


Requisition No: 45303
Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907293
Position Number: 77907293
Salary:  $13.50 per hour
Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2018

Job Description
The successful candidate will assist in the coordination of salvage and 
recovery of marine mammal carcasses for the Port Charlotte Field Lab 
(MMPL)/Southwest field station (Southwest region: ten county area along the 
southwest Florida coast).  This is a 40 hour per week position which includes 
one weekend day and some holidays in rotation with other SWFL staff members for 
the purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies as needed or assigned.  
Incumbent will be expected to respond to marine mammal strandings outside of 
normal work schedule as needed or assigned. Duties include but are not limited 
to:


  *   Fielding calls from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and the general 
public regarding marine mammals, particularly manatees and cetaceans;
  *   Verification of mortalities and distressed manatees and cetaceans, 
potentially in need of rescue
  *   Recovery and transportation of those carcasses to the Marine Mammal 
Pathobiology Laboratory (in St. Petersburg) for necropsy; participation in 
rescues and transportation of sick and injured manatees and cetaceans to 
appropriate facility;
  *   Performing and assisting with field necropsies when appropriate
  *   Vehicle, trailer and boat maintenance
  *   Photographing and sketching manatees at winter refugia and known warm 
weather habitat areas on the southwest coast
  *   Entering and/or mapping data such as carcasses using software such as 
ArcGIS, Excel, Access and Word
  *   Completing paperwork including time sheets, manatee carcass and rescue 
reports, and technical reports
  *   Participate in manatee aerial surveys and tracking projects, assisting 
with manatee outreach programs such as presentations for local groups and 
agencies as time permits
  *   General cleaning of office and equipment, attend trainings, seminars and 
meetings

Minimum Requirements
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in 
one of the biological sciences.

Preferred Experience
Applicants having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience may 
be given preference.

Desired Knowledge, Skill(s), and Abilities

  *   Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal 
legislation protecting manatees
  *   Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of 
research and analysis
  *   Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques
  *   Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses
  *   Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques
  *   Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers, and watercraft vessels up to 
26' in length
  *   Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26' in length and smaller
  *   Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp 
objects and working under unpleasant conditions
  *   Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs., and be 
able to swim sufficiently to save oneself
  *   Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions
  *   Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships
  *   Be comfortable speaking to the public
  *   Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver's license 
within a month of employment

WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT?  Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a 
temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short 
term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and 
may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees 
are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes 
to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or 
designee.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

  *   State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory
  *   Workers' Compensation - mandatory
  *   Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory
  *   Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility 
requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office 
for details.)
  *   Deferred Compensation - voluntary
  *   Employee Assistance Program - voluntary

WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

  *   Any form of paid leave
  *   Paid holidays
  *   Participation in the Florida Retirement System
  *   Reinstatement rights or retention rights

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity 

[MARMAM] Comparative assessment of pelagic sampling methods

[Phil Bouchet]

Dear all,

Apologies for any cross-postings.

Last year, in a collaborative effort to audit field approaches to marine 
monitoring, scientists from the Australian Marine Biodiversity Hub 
 released an online survey to gauge current 
patterns in users’ perceptions and awareness of various marine sampling gears.

Results from this questionnaire are now captured in the final project report, 
which is freely available online at:
https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/document/comparative-assessment-pelagic-sampling-methods-used-marine-monitoring
 


The report offers a detailed comparison of numerous gears/platforms commonly 
applied in pelagic monitoring and research (including marine mammal research), 
with an emphasis on their use in marine protected areas.

It can be cited as: Bouchet P, Phillips C, Huang Z, Meeuwig J, Foster S, 
Przeslawski R (2018). Comparative assessment of pelagic sampling methods used 
in marine monitoring. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme, 
Marine Biodiversity Hub, 149 p. 

Please feel free to distribute it widely!

Note that a companion piece on seafloor sampling is available for those also 
interested in benthic habitats/organisms.
https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/document/comparative-assessment-seafloor-sampling-platforms
 


Kind regards,
Phil

--
Dr. Phil J Bouchet
Postdoctoral Marine Top Predator Ecologist

Email: p.bouc...@bangor.ac.uk / pjbouc...@gmail.com
Phone: +44 7398 342547
School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University
Menai Bridge, LL59 5AB Wales (UK)
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[MARMAM] IMMS Research Internship

[Jessica Post]

The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students 
interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience 
in a real-world setting. Interns may participate in projects involving 
bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you 
will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-ID research as well as any 
other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other 
operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. 
Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas 
while providing expert training and experience in marine science research.
Principle Duties and Requirements
Interns must:

· Commit to a minimum of 12 weeks. The internship can be extended 
depending on work performance

· Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat 
trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends.

· Have a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to 
detail, and ability to admit mistakes.

· Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong 
interpersonal skills



· Principle Duties include: data entry, learning all research 
protocols, cropping and sorting photo-ID fin images, learning to use photo-ID 
programs such as Darwin (fin matching software) and FinBase (Microsoft Access), 
boat based field research (21' and 31' boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS



· Secondary Duties include: assisting animal care staff, attending 
marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle 
strandings, and assisting with educational tours



· Field Days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and 
on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range 
from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed 
eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week.


Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine 
research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a 
recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related 
field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must 
be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this internship program. 
This is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for their own housing 
and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will assist interns in finding 
rooms available to rent, usually with other staff members.
The deadline to apply for the winter/spring session (Jan 7-Mar 29, 2019 or Mar 
4-May 24, 2019) is November 1, 2018. For application and full details on how to 
apply please visit our website at http://imms.org/internship/


Jessica Post
Research Assistant
Research Intern Coordinator

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
10801 Dolphin Lane
Gulfport, MS 39503


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[MARMAM] EXTENDED DEADLINE: Winter Research Internship at Dolphin Research Center

[Katy Donegan]

Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for
Research Interns for the Winter 2019 term (January - April). DRC is a
not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of
dolphins and sea lions.  DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the
Florida Keys.

 Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as
an opportunity to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research
interns participate in DRC's ongoing behavioral, cognitive, and field
research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research
methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing
marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with
research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions.  Note:
conducting your own research projects is not part of this position.



Specific job duties include:


   - Collecting observational behavioral data
   -  Preparing stimuli for cognitive research sessions
   - Assisting in setting up and breaking down equipment for cognitive and
   acoustic research sessions
   - Operating video equipment
   - Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis
   - General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer
   resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public
   programs, guest interactions, etc.)

Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week.
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their
own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or
matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful
candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and
flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required.



*The extended deadline to apply is October 15th*.  To apply, you must
download the application available at www.dolphins.org.  Click "Careers",
and then "Internships”. It is mandatory that you please provide the
following package:




   - A completed Application Form (including your Internship Preferences in
   order of choice under Section B)
   - A current Resume
   - Transcript (may be unofficial unless you are seeking a credit for your
   internship)
   - Two Letters of Recommendation with an original signature.  (If
   currently enrolled in college, one letter must be from your Faculty Advisor)



Currently, applications cannot be submitted online. Please send your
application, supporting documentation and any additional information you
wish that you feel would be beneficial to us in processing your application
by fax to the attention of Volunteer Resource at (305) 743-7627 or by
regular mail:



Dolphin Research Center

Attn: Volunteer Resources Department

58901 Overseas Highway

Grassy Key, FL 33050

USA





Select publications:

Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Donegan, K., & King, S.L. (2018). Bottlenose
dolphins can

understand their partner’s role in a cooperative task. Proceedings of the
Royal Society of

London B: Biological Sciences, 20180948. (
http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.0948)

King, S.L., Guarino, E., Keaton, L., Erb, L., & Jaakkola, K. (2016).
Maternal signature whistle use aids mother-calf reunions in a bottlenose
dolphin,Tursiops truncatus. Behavioural Processes, 126, 64-70.

King, S. L., Guarino, E., Donegan, K., Hecksher, J., & Jaakkola, K (in
press). Further insights into postpatrum signature whistle use in
bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Marine Mammal Science.

Jaakkola, K. (2014). Do animals understand invisible displacement? A
critical review. Journal of Comparative Psychology, Vol. 128, No. 3,
225-239.

Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., & Hecksher, J. (2013). Switching
strategies: A dolphin's use of passive and active acoustics to imitate
motor actions. Animal Cognition, 16, 701-709.

Jaakkola, K. (2012). Cetacean cognitive specializations. In J. Vonk & T.
Shackleford (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Evolutionary
Psychology (pp. 144–165). New York: Oxford University Press.

Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., & Rodriguez, M. (2010).  Blindfolded imitation
in a bottlenose dolphin   (Tursiops truncatus).  International Journal of
Comparative Psychology, 23, 671-688.

Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What
do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects?  Animal
Cognition, 13, 103-120.

Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E.
(2005).  Understanding the concept of numerically “less” by bottlenose
dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).  Journal of Comparative Psychology.



Katy Donegan
Research Coordinator
Dolphin Research Center

305-289-1121, ext. 277

www.dolphins.org



*Dolphin Research Center - Providing Sanctuary and a Forever Home since
1984.*
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[MARMAM] New publication: Multi-scale habitat preference analyses for Azorean blue whales

[Laura González]

Good morning!

We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper entitled
"Multi-scale habitat preference analyses for Azorean blue whales"; carried
out under my PhD project.

The full text is available (open access) at:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0201786

I would be available for any further information or question you may have.
Hope you enjoy it!

González García L, Pierce GJ, Autret E, Torres-Palenzuela JM (2018)
Multi-scale habitat preference analyses for Azorean blue whales. PLoS ONE
13(9): e0201786. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201786

Abstract:
Blue whales are sighted every year around the Azores islands, which
apparently provide an important seasonal foraging area. In this paper we
aim to characterize habitat preferences and analyze the temporal
distribution of blue whales around São Miguel Island. To do so, we applied
Generalized Additive Models to an opportunistic cetacean occurrence dataset
and remotely sensed environmental data on bathymetry, sea surface
temperature, chlorophyll concentration and altimetry. We provide a brief
description of the oceanography of the area, emphasizing its high
spatio-temporal variability. In order to capture this dynamism, we used
environmental data with two different spatial resolutions (low and high)
and three different temporal resolutions (daily, weekly and monthly), thus
accounting for both long-term oceanographic events such as the spring
bloom, and shorter-term features such as eddies or fronts. Our results show
that blue whales have a well-defined ecological niche around the Azores.
They usually cross the archipelago from March to June and habitat
suitability is highest in dynamic areas (with high Eddy Kinetic Energy)
characterized by convergence or aggregation zones where productivity is
enhanced. Multi-scale studies are useful to understand the ecological niche
and habitat requirements of highly mobile species that can easily react to
short-term changes in the environment.



-- 

Laura González García

http://sailandwhale.com/

PhD Student

Applied Physics Department

University of Vigo
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[MARMAM] Marine Mammal Research Experience: BDRI Internship Program 2019

[Bruno Diaz Lopez]

Marine Mammal Research Experience: BDRI Internship Program 2019

On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) 
, I am pleased to announce that we are currently 
accepting applications for our Internship Program 2019. 

Graduates and students from a wide range of disciplines are all able to apply 
for a training period at BDRI. The BDRI, a marine science and education centre, 
offers unique hands-on marine research experiences designed to foster success 
in both undergraduate and postgraduate fields. If you are planning to embark on 
a career in the field of marine mammal science, then an internship at BDRI will 
be ideal for you. BDRI scientists conduct research across a wide range of 
subject areas that link marine top predators (cetaceans, otters, and marine 
birds) ecology with their physical environment, society and population 
dynamics; explore their interactions with human activities (such as fisheries, 
aquaculture and marine traffic); and investigate their behaviour and acoustic 
communication. 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION - This internships program enables aspiring marine 
scientists to work in conjunction with leading marine biologists as they 
undertake ground-breaking research on the charismatic marine mega-fauna in one 
of the most productive oceanic regions on the world (Galicia, North-western 
coast of Spain). The incredible diversity of cetaceans present in these waters 
(up to 22 different species recorded) allows the BDRI team to have several 
ongoing research projects focused on the study of the ecology and behaviour of 
bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, Risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, 
pilot whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, and blue 
whales. 

Lasting between one and nine months, there’s a variety of research projects 
that will help you explore what you may want to do long term. With 
state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, participants will be trained to get 
involved with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based 
surveys onboard research vessels, land-based observations, laboratory work 
(photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, 
video analysis, database work, etc), and strandings (response, rescue, 
necropsy, and data collection). 

While you will benefit from specialized research training, you will need the 
drive to make the most of our research programs working side by side with the 
chief biologist (Dr. Diaz Lopez), and other experienced researchers (S. 
Methion, PhD cadidate & marine ecologist and Oriol Giralt, Phd candidate & 
marine biologist). The BDRI is a very international environment, and the 
everyday working language is English. Laboratory work days typically last six 
hours and field days occur several times per week (weather dependent). There 
will be two days off per week. 

HOW TO APPLY – Research experiences are open to all applicants 18 years of age 
or older. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, 
coupled with motivation and interest in marine research make the most qualified 
individuals. Start and end dates are flexible depending on the needs of the 
institute and the intern’s availability, but the position requires a minimum of 
30 days continuous commitment sometime between January 2019 through to end 
November 2019. 

BDRI internships are not paid and this training experience requires a tuition 
fee which is used to off-set the cost of training, use of research equipment, 
facilities and research vessels, accommodation in an apartment with other 
participants, and other expenses (access to wifi, kitchen utensils, 
electricity, taxes, insurances, etc). Successful applicants will be responsible 
for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, 
Galicia, Spain). 

Interested candidates should submit an e-mail to: sever...@thebdri.com ,and we 
will provide you further information about the program. Approved applications 
are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until 
filled (maximum 12 vacancies). 

For more information about BDRI's research projects, please visit 
 or our Facebook page 
https://www.facebook.com/thebdri> 

Some of our ex-interns shared their BDRI internship experience at: 
https://youtu.be/UAuO2XasBnw 

Scientific articles published by the BDRI in the last two years (for a full 
list of publications please visit: 
) 

- Diaz Lopez, B & Methion, S. (2018) Does interspecific competition drive 
patterns of habitat use and relative density in harbour porpoises? Marine 
Biology (2018) 165:92. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-018-3345-8 
- Methion, S. & Diaz Lopez, B. (2018) Abundance and demographic parameters of 
bottlenose dolphins in a highly affected coastal ecosystem. Marine and 
Freshwater Research https://doi.org/10.1071/MF17346 
- Diaz Lopez, B., López, A.,