Employment: Florida!

PART-TIME (20 hrs/wk) MANATEE RESEARCH BIOLOGIST

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS: $11.00/ hr, no benefits

LOCATION: Tequesta, FL

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties include answering pages and calls from a seven county area on the southeast coast of Florida (St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Dade, Monroe and Okeechobee counties). Recover manatee carcasses, conduct field necropsies on badly decomposed manatee carcasses, and transport fresh to moderately decomposed manatee carcasses to the necropsy facility in St. Petersburg. Participate in the manatee rescue network, including capture and transportation of injured manatees throughout SE Region to the appropriate rehabilitation facility. Photograph manatees for the Manatee Photo-Identification System (MIPS), assist in telemetry projects and aerial surveys, assist in outreach programs, general cleaning of equipment and vehicles, general maintenance of boats and trailers, data entry, and other tasks assigned by the supervisor. This position is designed as a part-time position, working on weekends, as well as unscheduled hours on short notice that! include evenings and holidays.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A bachelor's degree with a major in one of the biological sciences or a combination of relevant coursework and job-specific experience. A valid driver's license is required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Preference will be given to those applicants with a working knowledge of marine mammal biology, with the ability to work independently and as a team-member, accurately record data in the field, safely trailer and operate boats up to 22 feet in length, back trailers safely and accurately, and to swim with sufficient skill to save one's life in the event of an emergency. Preference will be given to those with knowledge of basic camera operation (including zoom lenses and polarizing filters), word processing and database software skills, able to think logically and apply problem-solving techniques, and effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Applicant must obtain a boater safety certification within the first six months of employment. Applicant must be able to lift 50 lbs.

This position is open until filled, with an immediate start date.

Please send a letter of interest, CV, and three references to Christy Hudak at Christy.Hudak@myfwc.com

Christy Hudak
Research Associate
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Tequesta Field Lab
19100 SE Federal Hwy
Tequesta, FL 33469
561-575-5407

Volunteering: Manatees in Florida!

Manatee Tracking Project Research Intern or Volunteer

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Marine Mammal Research Group is looking for one motivated intern or volunteer to serve for the upcoming winter-spring session in St. Petersburg, FL.

Position description:

The intern's primary responsibility is to assist researchers in the Manatee Behavioral Ecology and Movements Program with tracking manatees along the East Coast of Florida by following tagged individuals from land and small boats to record behavioral observations. The principle aims of this study are to characterize manatee use of warm-water refugia and essential winter foraging habitat using state-of-the-art satellite-linked GPS technology.

Other duties include telemetry equipment maintenance, data entry, miscellaneous office tasks, and public outreach as needed.

Interns are expected to work a minimum of 3 days a week. Hours are generally Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, but some evening and weekend hours may be required. Applicants should understand that this job requires them to be wet, dirty and outdoors in all weather conditions. This position is unpaid, housing is not provided and interns must provide their own transportation to and from the office.

Lodging and transportation are provided while at the field site. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in manatee captures, currently scheduled for mid-December. Field work is expected to last through March, followed by work on equipment and data in the lab. Training will be provided in operating small watercraft, radio-tracking, manatee behavioral observations, and in mapping and interpreting Argos and GPS satellite telemetry data. Opportunities to assist with other manatee research projects may be provided dependent upon the candidate's interests and abilities.

Qualifications:

- Must be college junior or senior for internship credit; volunteers do not need to meet this qualification

- Must have basic computer proficiency

- Some field research experience with animals preferred

- Should be comfortable speaking to the public while in the field

- Ability to trailer and operate watercraft up to 22' in length is desired, but training will be provided

- Experience with radio telemetry tracking gear is desirable, but training will be provided

- Must be able to swim

- Preference given to applicants who possess a valid US driver's license

Application Process:

We are currently accepting applications for the winter 2009-spring 2010 session (December 2009- May 2010). Internships, which ideally last three to four months, require a minimum ten-week commitment. Starting and ending dates are flexible. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying. Please send an electronic or hard copy of your resume with your cover letter, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient if not applying for internship credit), a list of three references, and contact information to the following address. Electronic submissions are preferred.


TO APPLY:
Robin Allen
Internship Coordinator
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3095
Interns@MyFWC.com

Check out our website at http://research.myfwc.com

Volunteering: Australia!

The Marine Mammal Research Group of Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, is currently looking for two volunteers during the summer season 2010. The boat-based surveys will be carried out in the Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park, 200 km north of Sydney, from 15th February to 15th March 2010. Interns will participate in the field on a daily basis collecting behavioural and ecological data of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field training and analysis with experienced dolphin researchers.

Prerequisites:

Ideal internship applicants are at least undergraduates of a scientifically oriented university subject. Participants should have a motor boat driving license or at least very good boat driving skills. Volunteers must commit for the entire four weeks.

Accommodation and food are provided during the stay but applicants are responsible for all travelling expenses to and from the field site.

Interested applicants should contact Andre Steckenreuter:

astecken@gse.mq.edu.au

Regards,

Andre Steckenreuter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PhD Candidate
Marine Mammal Research Group
Graduate School of the Environment
Macquarie University 2109 NSW Australia

Ph: 0410862189
Email: astecken@gse.mq.edu.au

Volunteering: Sea Watch Foundation in Wales!!

Sea Watch Foundation Voluntary Education and Awareness Assistant opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2010

The Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk) is seeking an education and awareness assistant to take part in the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project in New Quay, West Wales which manages the conservation of a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, the largest in the UK.

Monitoring of harbour porpoise and grey seal populations is also part of the project. This position will suit a volunteer that has a strong interest in marine conservation and recognises the importance of educating and raising awareness by involving the public.

The assistant will be responsible in aiding the Sightings Officer with the following duties:

- Participate in presentations and create activities to take to local schools
- Write news reports and articles
- Assist in the organisation and participation of annual event, National Whale and Dolphin Watch
- Come up with new educational initiatives
- Talk to the public about the marine environment and conservation of cetaceans
- Assist in the organisation of training courses

The assistant will also have the opportunity to be involved in the research, helping the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer, and will be expected to take part in the following tasks:

- Land-based surveys
- Boat-based surveys
- Photo-identification studies
- Database entry
- Acoustic monitoring
- Behavioural studies

The field season will begin in April until October 2010, which has been split into four separate periods of six weeks each. One assistant is required for each period however preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole six month field season. The assistant will be based in New Quay, West Wales.

Accommodation is provided at a rate of approximately ?55/week in a house sharing with marine research volunteers. The assistant is responsible for their own travel and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required.

Volunteering periods for summer 2010:

Period 1
26/04 - 6/06,

Period 2
7/06 - 18/07,

Period 3
19/07 - 29/08,

Period 4
30/08 - 10/10

Important skills/qualifications

Essential:

- A strong interest in marine conservation and education
- Confidence to interact with the public
- Good verbal and writing skills
- Must have initiative and bring their own ideas and personality to the position
- Strong commitment to volunteering work
- An ability to work in an organised and reliable manner
- An ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation

Desirable:

- A background in marine biology/environmental science or similar
- A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans
- Good IT skills (Office package)
- Prior experience in public speaking
- Prior experience in boat-based survey work
- Willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather

Assistants also have the opportunity to learn about other research aspects such as cetacean observation and identification, line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals.

To apply:

Please send your CV, covering letter and contact details of two references, reporting any relevant experience you have and specifying the period(s) you would prefer to volunteer for to Gemma Veneruso (gemma.veneruso@seawatchfoundation.org.uk)

Deadline:
31st of January 2010.

Please
specify EDUCATION ASSISTANT APPLICATION into your subject title.

Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2009.

Employment: Kenya!!!

GVI is currently recruiting for the Marine Research Field Staff vacancy based at our expedition in southern Kenya where we have been undertaking population research on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in and around the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area since 2006. The area is Kenya’s principal location for dolphin-watching tourism throughout the year and is visited by humpback whales between July and October.

GVI works in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service to monitor population size and distribution of cetaceans with the objective of supporting MPA management and related tourism activities. Additional projects assess in-water sea turtle distribution and local fishing activity. The position involves boat-based research for which RYA Powerboat handling level 2 or equivalent qualification is a requirement, management of the photo-identification catalogue, data analysis and reporting, training and supervision of international volunteers and Kenyan students, logistic and management support of the wider expedition which encompasses coastal forest research, education and sustainable development initiatives amongst rural communities.

Please visit the following link for further details and online application: http://www.careersabroad.co.uk/fulldescription.aspx?id=991

For any additional enquiries please contact Graham Corti graham@gviworld.com

Graham Corti
Regional Director
graham@gviworld.com

Kenya: +254 (0) 726 769854

International: +44 (0) 7812 177551

PO Box 10 - 80409 Shimoni, Kenya

http://www.gvikenya.blogspot.com

Volunteering: Right Whales in Cape Cod!!

Right whale Internship posting: Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies

The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies is seeking an intern for the upcoming 2010 right whale survey season. This person will work with both the aerial survey and habitat survey teams, who operate between January and May every year, documenting the abundance, distribution and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay. The intern will primarily assist staff members with photographing right whales and collecting behavioral and
environmental data at sites in Cape Cod Bay.

The successful applicant will also be responsible for a number of lab-based photo-identification tasks, such as downloading images, database entry, and matching images to known animals using an online catalog. He/ she will be required to work a minimum of four full days per week. The intern will often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply.

Fieldwork will likely involve one to two surveys per week, between January 2 and May 15. Applicants must be available for the full field season.

Requirements:

- A degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences (required).

- Experience with digital SLR cameras.

- Experience in photo-identification of marine mammals, and matching of photographs (required).

- Data entry; basic computer skills in programs such as Excel and Word (required).

- Experience of working on boats. Must not suffer from seasickness.

- Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the winter fieldwork conditions are cold.

- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods.

- A valid US drivers license would be beneficial but is not essential.


Housing will be provided, as well as a stipend of $1000 for the whole internship period. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine mammal survey techniques, and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work with one of the world's most endangered cetacean species, the North Atlantic right whale.

PCCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in photo-identification, matching, data entry and analysis. Some experience in plankton sampling may also be gained. Details of our work can be found at the following links:

Habitat program:
http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/vbhabstudies.htm

Aerial program:
http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/aerialsur.htm

Application process:

Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient), and the contact information for three references via email to rleeney@coastalstudies.org ; please compile
these into one pdf file if possible.

The closing date for applications is November 15, 2009.

Ruth H. Leeney, PhD
Director, Right Whale Aerial Survey Program
Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies
5 Holway Avenue
MA 02657
USA

t: (508) 487-3623 ext. 111
www.coastalstudies.org
www.namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com
http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney

Volunteering: Florida!

Field Assistant Opportunity:

2 field assistants are needed for fieldwork for a PhD student's dissertation from the University of Massachusetts in dolphin feeding behavior, niche specialization, and predator-prey stable isotope and fatty acid studies.

The field season will run for approximately 5 months, from April through August, pending final funding. Research will take place in Cedar Key, Florida, 3 hours north of Tampa and 60 miles west of Gainesville.

Assistants will be expected to work on a boat 6 to 7 days per week, for up to 10 hours at a time. Typical weather conditions in summer include 95 degree heat, very high humidity, and no breezes.

Prior experience working on dolphins and habitats (photo ID, biopsy darting) is preferred but not required. Those with no experience should demonstrate their willingness to learn.

This is not a paid position. Assistants will have the option to obtain their own housing and food in Cedar Key. Housing is available with the PI, in this case assistants may be asked to contribute $75 per month towards food. More details are available.

Opportunities for part-time work in tourist-related positions in Cedar Key may be available to assistants-however it is their responsibility to obtain those jobs and assistants must make the field work a priority.

Priority will be given to applicants who can stay for the duration-a minimum commitment of one month is required.

Please send an email of inquiry to stefanie.gazda@gmail.com with the subject line as "Field assistants for 2010". Be specific about how much time you can commit to. A more in depth description of the position and its requirements will be emailed out-at that time candidates who are still interested should email their CV and informative cover letter to the above email address.

Stefanie Gazda

Employment: Alaska!

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE – MARINE MAMMAL BIOLOGY

This position is responsible for assisting the lead scientist in conducting research projects at the Alaska SeaLife Center and independently managing designated projects. Research will focus on biotelemetry studies of behavioral and physiological ecology and/or comparative health and physiology studies of pinnipeds and other marine vertebrates.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

· Assisting in all phases of assigned research projects, including functioning as the primary staff member for developing project plans, managing project budgets, and arranging project logistics

· Providing technical support in laboratory and field settings: animal capture, physiological sample collection and laboratory analysis, testing and use of non-invasive technology (e.g., ultrasound, thermal imaging, 3D imaging), application of biotelemetry instruments (e.g. time-depth-acceleration data loggers and GPS tracking devices), post-collection data processing including image analysis

· Reporting to lead scientist regularly on status of research projects

· Compiling data records, tracking disposition of samples, managing databases, performing statistical analyses

· Drafting reports and scientific publications and preparing and delivering public presentations including talks and posters

· Working directly with internal and external collaborators and contractors to meet project objectives

· May be required to participate in extended field research

· Boating experience beneficial

Requirements:

Master’s degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, chemistry, or related field.

Preferred skills/experience: familiarity with principles of biotelemetry, experience with laboratory and field research of animals, especially in the areas of integrative physiology and behavioral ecology, experience with spatial analyses and mapping software (GIS).

This is a permanent, full-time position. The SeaLife Center offers a competitive wage (DOE) with great benefits, in a beautiful setting. Seward is a tourist destination, located on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, boasting incredible recreation opportunities. Imagine partaking in world-class halibut and salmon fishing, rafting, and kayaking in Resurrection Bay. Experience icebergs calving from glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park. Hike the 200 miles of trail in the Chugach National Forest, encountering wildlife like moose, black and brown bears, bald eagles, and Dall Sheep.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Apply by: November 6, 2009

Send resume & application (downloadable at www.alaskasealife.org) to

Human Resources,
Alaska SeaLife Center,
P. O. Box 1329,
Seward, AK 99664-1329,

or fax 907-224-6320, or email to HR@alaskasealife.org.

Applications received by October 8 should indicate whether the applicant will be attending the Society for Marine Mammalogy conference in Quebec City for possible informal interview.

www.alaskasealife.org

Employment: Marine Mammal Observer!

Marine Mammal Observers: ESLC102

Location: Worldwide

Are you and experienced MMO with a proven track record? We are looking for applications from qualified personnel to carry out maritime projects worldwide working to specified guidelines.

The Exploration Logistics Group, based in the United Kingdom, is a group of specialist companies providing field support services to clients operating in remote or hazardous environments worldwide.

The Group is involved in a variety of field logistics activities and has several subsidiaries providing further services. Consequently, we are always interested in receiving applications from committed individuals who are skilled project managers, logisticians, engineers, safety
advisors, marine mammal observers, driving instructors and mountaineers.

As a Marine Mammal Observer you will have previous experience in the following areas:

* Ability to provide species avoidance and mitigation advice
* Excellent species identification abilities
* PAM training and experience is also preferred
* Report writing both daily and final

A current Offshore Survival certificate is essential for this role and a valid first aid certificate would be preferred. Experience of at least six months is required for this role, for more information please contact Lisa Cortez at Exploration Logistics on lisac@exlogs.com

Lisa Cortez
Manpower Support Manager
EXLOGS SAFETY SERVICES

Tel:+44 1594 545100
www.exlogs.com

International events: African Marine Mammal Colloquium!

The African Marine Mammal Colloquium is being hosted by the Mammal Research Institute (University of Pretoria) and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.

The AMMC will create a forum whereby all interested people in the region can come together to present briefly their own, or their organisation's, marine mammal-related research, or conservation projects. Focus will be on fostering interaction and collaboration.

Location: Kleinbaai, Western Cape, South Africa

Date: 18-20 May, 2010

Structure: Two and a half days. Formal presentations (mornings) and open workshop & discussion time (afternoons & third morning). All participants are required to present.

Cost:
- Prices to be finalised by January 2010, but will be R1500 or less. Payments due at the end of Feb 2010.
- We will attempt to reduce costs for student attendees and/or provide some travel sponsorship for those most in need.
- Price includes: Accommodation (3 nights), all meals and participation costs.
- Price excludes: Transport from Cape Town city or international airport. Drinks at own cost.

Further details will be available via the Mammal Research Institute website in due course.

Please email: marinemammalogy.southernafrica@gmail.com if you are not already on the mailing list (i.e. you only received this message through a mail server such as MarMam/SANCOR), and would like to be included for direct updates.

LINKS

Mammal Research Institute:
http://www.up.ac.za/zoology/MRI/

Dyer Island Conservation Trust:
http://www.dict.org.za/


Meredith Thornton
Mammal Research Institute
University of Pretoria

Based at: Iziko Museums of Cape Town
25 Queen Victoria Street Cape Town
PO Box 61 Cape Town 8000 South Africa
Telephone +27 (0)21 481 3854
Facsimile +27 (0)21 481 3993
Fax to email 0866357818
Websites:
http://www.up.ac.za/zoology/
http://www.iziko.org.za