jueves, 22 de octubre de 2009

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

miércoles, 21 de octubre de 2009

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

Volunteering: Fin whale project in Gibraltar Strait!

The research group CIRCE (http://www.circe-asso.org) is seeking applications from 4 volunteers to help with fieldwork on fin whale research in the Strait of Gibraltar. Fieldwork will be held from 16 November to 20 December 2009 (5 weeks).

Fin whale project:

The fin whales observed in the Strait of Gibraltar are in migration between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and are still recovering from years of hunting. Due to the high and increasing maritime traffic in the Strait, at least 2 ship strikes have been observed with fin whales since 1999 and probably more remain unknown. Therefore, we need to assess for this population the risk of collision with tankers or ferries. We will use theodolite tracking from a land station to find the main routes for the fin whales as well as any behavioural changes in relation to boat movements.

Volunteers should be available for the entire period of 5 weeks. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once here, we will provide accommodation at the research centre and transport to the land station. You will be responsible for your food expenses, but we will arrange communal shopping/cooking so that these expenses will be low.

Activities will include land survey whenever the weather is good and helping with data management (data entry, photo-ID?) on rainy week days.

Successful applicants will:

- have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research

- be autonomous and quickly operational

- be able to live and work constructively with others in a team

- speak fluently Spanish and/or English

- be available for the entire 5-week period

Preference will be given to those who:

- have previous experience in theodolite handling, including tracking

- have previous relevant marine mammal field experience

Applicants should send an email introducing themselves to
pauline@circe-asso.org

The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV.


Applications will be accepted until 25 October 2009 and then your participation will be confirmed as soon as possible.

For more information, please contact pauline@circe-asso.org

All the best,

Pauline.

Pauline GAUFFIER

CIRCE (Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans)
Cabeza de Manzaneda, 3
11390 Pelayo-Algeciras (CADIZ)
SPAIN
http://www.circe-asso.org
Mobile: (+34) 658 199 045
pauline@circe-asso.org

International events: EAAM in Lisbon!

The European Association for Aquatic Mammals (E.A.A.M.), was founded in 1972 to congregate professionals and individuals interested in aquatic mammals and who devote a significant amount of time to maintenance and welfare of aquatic mammals, both in zoological environments and in the wild.

One of the best opportunities to join our efforts is the Annual Conference and as President Elect of the EAAM, it is my great honour to announce the:

38th Symposium of the European Association of Aquatic Mammals Hosted by Lisbon Zoo, Portugal March 12-15, 2010

We strongly encourage everybody with an interest in this field, to participate with knowledge and share their experience with a presentation. Lisbon is a very nice city and we’ll be spoiled by our host who are intensely organizing the “First Green Conference” for our association EAAM

Please check for general information and deadlines in January 2010 on the website of EAAM www.eaam.org

I look forward to receiving your paper soon and to meeting you all again in the next EAAM conference in 2010.

Sincerely,

Claudia Gili
President-Elect of EAAM
General Curator/Chief Veterinarian
Acquario di Genova - Italy