The _Sea Watch Foundation <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/>_, a
non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, conservation, and
public education is seeking applications for the following:
*RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR IN CARDIGAN BAY 2012*
This position is responsible for assisting the Monitoring Officer in the
running of the /"Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project"/and coordinating the
project volunteers. The project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and
takes care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin,
harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring
their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population
structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification,
land-based and acoustic surveys.
*Start Date: April 2*^*nd* *2011 End Date: November 4th 2011*
_*Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:*_
*
Coordinate between the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer and
the project volunteers -- in charge of the volunteer house and the
volunteer weekly office rota.
*
Assisting the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer in volunteer
basic training of land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies,
Database entry and more.
*
Assisting the Monitoring Officer in all phases of the research.
*
Undertaking a personal research project supervised by the
Monitoring Officer -- research topic will be chosen according to
Sea Watch Foundation requirements and applicants' interests.
_*Requirements:*_
The successful applicant is expected to have a BSc degree (or higher) in
biology, marine biology, zoology, chemistry, or related field and able
to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. A strong
interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and boating experience are
beneficial.
The applicant must be proficient with database and word processing
software and be willing to learn new software applications. Specific
experience in Access and/or GIS would be advantageous.
The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team
player as the project will involve working closely with other
researchers but also must be able to supervise small groups of people as
they will be coordinating at least 6 volunteers. They must also be
self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently
and responsibly. This post brings the opportunity to submit work for
scientific publication.
*This position is**unpaid but accommodation expenses will be covered. *
*To apply:*
Please send your CV, a cover letter reporting any relevant experience
you have and contact details of two referees to Gemma Veneruso
(_gemma.vener...@seawatchfoundation.org.uk
<mailto:gemma.vener...@seawatchfoundation.org.uk>_).
*Deadline: 31st January 2012*.
Please specify RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR into your
subject title.
Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 24th February 2012.
*The Sea Watch Foundation*
The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research
charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins
in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in
scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea
Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and
conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by
the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation
Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the
local management authority, Ceredigion County Council.
Research
The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal
populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid
the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local
marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects
including:
*
Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins,
harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using
distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys
*
Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically
identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their
abundance, social structure, movements and life histories.
*
Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises
in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs)
and hydrophones.
*
Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order
to develop bio-acoustic research in the area.
We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of
the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage
respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future
generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean
identification and survey methods.
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