Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistant
Summer 2009 Connecticut, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas
The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking two interns for the summer of 2009. These internships have both field and office components, both of which are mandatory, and total 9-12 weeks.
DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. As a team, DCP research scientists study four groups of dolphins in three countries.
Interns are needed at our Bimini, Bahamas research site, where we study Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins.
Responsibilities:
*In the field:
-Travel to and assist for 3-4 weeks at our Bimini research site (exact dates TBD, likely beginning mid-July)
-Assist gathering data (general observations, photographs, underwater video) during 4-6 hour/day boat excursions
-Complete photo-identification of dolphins from still photography and video as well as other data analysis tasks
-Assist with on-board and outreach education
*At the office:
- Travel to and assist office staff for 6-8 weeks at our Connecticut office (exact dates TBD, likely prior to field component)
- Process and analyze data, including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, conducting detailed focal follows from video data for behavioral analyses, and acoustic analysis of dolphin sounds (using Raven)
- Assist in the development and implementation of education programs for schools and the general public
Requirements:
-Successful interns must have basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
-Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required.
-The successful candidates will be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a time in varying conditions.
-They will also be proficient swimmers with the desire to improve free-diving skills.
-They will be able to work as a team both at the office and in a fairly remote and isolated field setting.
-Good writing and public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to details.
-Interns must be at least 18 years of age.
Expenses and Compensation
This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Bimini and Connecticut. There is a $1,000.00 fee which will cover expenses in the field, including room and board. Room, board and transportation while in Connecticut is the responsibility of the intern, although assistance in securing this may be available.
Interested applicants should review information at this link: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1266&Itemid=309
Send a completed application to kmelillo@dolphincommunicationproject.org.
Applications are due 15 February 2009.
Interviews (in-person or via telephone) may be arranged for selected candidates.
For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo at kmelillo@dolphincommunicationproject.org.
Kelly Melillo
Research Associate, Bimini Research Manager
Dolphin Communication Project
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