February 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH ASSISTANTS REQUIRED IN THE SHANNON ESTUARY, IRELAND
by Shannon Dolphins 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH ASSISTANTS REQUIRED IN THE SHANNON ESTUARY, IRELAND The Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation (SDWF) is seeking research assistants to conduct boat- and office-based bottlenose dolphin research May-September 2015 in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland. For more information about the SDWF see www.shannondolphins.ie and https://www.facebook.com/ShannonDolphinAndWildlifeCentre The SDWF is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation and research of dolphins and wildlife in the Shannon Estuary with offices based in the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre, an interpretive centre open to the public and used to promote educational awareness of the dolphins and wildlife in the Shannon region. The SDWF was established by Dr Simon Berrow in 2000 following pilot work carried out by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) from 1993. The SDWF has a strong research background and has collaborated with a number of Irish and international research groups. Long-term monitoring of the bottlenose dolphin population in the Shannon has been carried out using photo-id since 1993 and static acoustics since 2001. The Shannon River estuary is presently the only candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for bottlenose dolphins in Ireland and is home to a resident population of dolphins living year-round in the estuary. The SDWF is seeking voluntary research assistants for the 2015 field season to carry out dolphin research and education. Research assistants will be required to conduct monitoring surveys from dolphin-watching tour boats, spend a considerable amount of time on bottlenose dolphin photo-identification and related office tasks, and assist in the management of the dolphin centre on a daily basis. Photo-id training will be provided on the boats and in the office. Research assistants will also assist with a PhD project on bottlenose dolphin social and foraging behaviour on board the RV *Muc Mhara* when weather conditions allow for fieldwork. This research will consist of boat-based photo-ID and behavioural observations of bottlenose dolphins in the Shannon Estuary and presents an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research, while contributing to a project with a strong scientific aim and a high conservation value. There may also be opportunities for assistants to help with research conducted on board the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group’s research vessel *Celtic Mist* and to assist the IWDG with cetacean strandings should the opportunity arise. These positions provide an excellent opportunity to develop skills in cetacean research and education and to assist with one of the longest-running bottlenose dolphin population monitoring programs in the world. WORK PERIOD 16 May 2015 – 19 September 2015 We are seeking skilled research assistants to commence on 16 May 2015. Research assistants are required full-time for four months, finishing 19 September 2015. Because of the training required, preference will be given to applicants who can commit to three or four months. However, those available for a shorter period of time will also be considered. LOCATION Research assistants will be based in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland, a small town located in west Clare on the northern shore of the Shannon Estuary. The Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre is located less than 10 minutes’ walk from the town centre. West Clare is a beautiful place to work, but applicants are asked to be aware that it is also somewhat geographically isolated with limited facilities and variable weather patterns. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Conducting monitoring surveys from two dolphin-watching tour boats operating in the Shannon Estuary, collecting photo-id data and recording data on tour boat encounters with dolphin groups. Surveys involve one to four daily boat trips and are weather dependent – i.e. many days in a row if weather is good. 2. Photo-identification and database entry in the office, including fin identification, fin-matching, photo processing, sighting data entry and maintenance of our long-term photo-id catalogue. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office entering data and analysing and organising photographs, including working with historic archived photographs and related data. 3. Dolphin centre duties, including general administrative tasks, receiving visitors to the dolphin centre, engaging with and educating members of the public, managing merchandise, updating websites and supporting and promoting SDWF, and raising awareness and membership participation. Also, general maintenance of research equipment and facilities. Research assistants will also take part in various fundraising events for SDWF throughout the summer. 4. PhD research assistance (1) Field duties include conducting surveys and focal follows of bottlenose dolphins in the Shannon Estuary. Searching for and spotting dolphins, taking photos, recording video, making and recording field observations, photo-identification, driving the boat, equipment cleaning and basic maintenance, data entry. Expect early starts, cold weather, up to 10 hours on the water for multiple consecutive days, and up to a week between days off. (2) Office duties include photo-identification and database entry, including fin identification, fin-matching, photo processing, sighting data entry and maintenance of our long-term photo-id catalogue. Computer programs used for data are: FinBase, IMatch, Microsoft Access, Excel and Word. As boat-based research is highly weather dependent, it can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long, consecutive days, in the office during bad weather and in the field during good weather. Research assistants should be prepared to spend weeks at a time in the office when the weather is bad and many consecutive days on the boat when the weather is good. All volunteers will be given training in boat-based work and office tasks including observation and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins, photo processing and database entry. REQUIREMENTS Essential - Genuine interest in marine mammal biology, the marine environment and conservation - Basic computer proficiency in MS Office - Previous photo-identification experience or a strong desire to learn photo-id skills - Excellent verbal and communication skills - Enthusiastic with a positive attitude to hard work and long hours - Sociable and team-oriented with the ability to get on well with others in a small team (3-4 people) - Work well both in a team and independently - A detail-oriented work ethic with an ability to work in a meticulous manner - Conscientious, reliable, hard-working, and self-motivated - Flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent - Prepared to work long days in the field or office - Comfortable working on boats - No history of debilitating seasickness - Good English language skills - Must be 18 years or older Preferred but not essential - Enrolled in or completed a degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Animal Behaviour, Ecology, Zoology or related fields - Previous field research experience, especially in marine mammal research - Prior experience working on boats - A strong interest and knowledge of bottlenose dolphins and/or Irish cetaceans - Experience in interacting with the public - Familiarity with DSLR cameras and GPS equipment and software - Prior experience with MS Access and IMatch - Driving Licence (and possibility to bring your own car) - Possibility to bring your own laptop for data entry APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Research assistants will be based in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland and will be expected to work and live as part of a team. Unfortunately, there is no monetary compensation for these positions and a contribution of €300 per month towards accommodation and utilities is required. Accommodation is in a shared house within walking distance of the dolphin centre and town of Kilrush. Research assistants are responsible for their own food costs and travel expenses to and from Kilrush, Ireland. To apply, please send your CV (including two relevant referees and their contact information) and a covering letter with a brief description of yourself and what you hope to gain from this experience, details of why you would like to work on this specific project and any relevant experience you have to Isabel Baker (shannondolphins(a)gmail.com) by 26 February 2015. Please also specify the dates you expect to be able to join the project. Please put “SDWF Research Assistant” in the subject line of your email. APPLICATION DEADLINE 26 February 2015 The closing date for applications is 26 February 2015. However, early application is recommended. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake a Skype interview in March.

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Mystic Aquarium Special Project Internship
by Freeman, Kathleen 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Special Project Internship: Aquatic Research Website Update Mystic Aquarium has its own Research Department that primarily focuses on aquatic animal health and conservation of the marine environment. Our research and veterinary teams explore many aspects of marine animal health, husbandry, and ecology. We are seeking an efficient, motivated intern that can work independently to convey this valuable work to the public by updating the Aquatic Research sections of the Mystic Aquarium website. Ideal candidates are pursuing a course of study in public relations or communications, are creative, have strong oral and written skills and have the ability to interact professionally with aquarium staff and the general public. The intern would be responsible for interviewing our research scientists to update their biographies, updating the information for our ongoing research projects, and outlining future research and conservation goals; integrating this with Mystic Aquarium's new mission statement and strategic plan; and working with our Media and Public Relations team to revise the website. Special application packet deadline: March 31, 2015 Complete Instructions may be found on our website, http://www.mysticaquarium.org/get-involved/internships. Please review the "Internship Requirements" and "Instructions for Applicants" to complete your Application Packet. Kathy Freeman Internship Coordinator Human Resources Department Phone | 860-572-5955 Ext 306 kfreeman(a)searesearch.org<mailto:kfreeman@searesearch.org> [MA_Email.gif] [Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: FBicon]<http://www.facebook.com/mysticaquarium>[Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: twitterlogo]<http://twitter.com/mysticaquarium>[Description: cid:image007.png@01CBE934.31FFF3E0]<http://www.youtube.com/user/MysticAquarium>

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Ocean Science Consulting NZ DOC-approved MMO & PAM training course
by OSC NZ Course Coordinator 11 Feb '15

11 Feb '15

Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is running a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) training course, which has been approved by the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC), as being consistent with standards in the ‘2013 code of conduct for minimising acoustic disturbance to marine mammals from seismic survey operations’ (the Code). *The knowledge, skills and experience derived from the PAM element of the course is also applicable worldwide, rendering trained PAM course graduates the ability to work as PAM Operators internationally*. OSC’s DOC-approved course was the first combined MMO and PAM training available in the world for working in NZ waters. The first course ran successfully in May 2014, and will be available to candidates again in March 2015. The Code is regarded widely as international best practice, particularly concerning the establishment of observer training and performance standards. To meet DOC’s requirements, OSC have developed the most comprehensive and intensive training course on the market today. There is a current shortage of trained MMO and PAM Operators for New Zealand waters, so successful graduates will therefore have a significant commercial advantage. OSC’s high quality course involves responsive personal (including one-to-one) tuition throughout, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art PAM equipment during classroom theory and practical sessions, and field practice aboard a survey vessel at sea. OSC is a technology-focused marine science R&D company with over a decade of experience in supplying commercial and scientific MMO and PAM services to the offshore and other marine-related industries worldwide (www.osc.co.uk) Based in Scotland, OSC also has a branch in New Zealand servicing the Asia-Pacific region (www.osc-nz.co.nz) Our course instructors are highly experienced and degree-level qualified scientists, practiced MMOs and PAM Operators, and authors of the 'Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook’ (www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.co.uk) which forms the manual for the course. OSC’s knowledge and expertise is second-to-none, so this course is the obvious choice for anyone wishing to train and prepare as a competent MMO and PAM Operator to work in the field anywhere in the world (please note additional local qualifications and experience may be required). The next course will be run in New Plymouth, New Zealand, for eight days from 23–30 March 2015. All candidates must have their own equipment, including reticle binoculars, handheld GPS, ID guide, and a laptop preloaded with NZ data forms, software required for your GPS, and PAMGuard. *To register for the course, please send your CV and a brief description of why you want to attend this course to courses(a)osc-nz.co.nz. The deadline for applications is 27 February 2015.* Upon acceptance to the course, there are two payment methods available: 1) A non-refundable and one-off full-course payment of $4,650NZD per candidate can be paid immediately, or no later than three weeks before the course start date (i.e. on or before 2 February 2015); or, 2) A non-refundable deposit of $550NZD paid immediately, plus a further $4,650NZD paid in full after 2 February and before the course start date (i.e. a total payment of $5200NZD will apply for late registrations). The deposit or full payment is required to secure your position. Course costs do not include accommodation or food, and candidates are required to make their own travel arrangements to and from New Plymouth. Once payment has been received, each candidate will receive an author-signed pre-release copy of the 'Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook’, which must be read prior to attending the course. Please note that this is not simply an ‘attend-and-pass course’. In accordance with DOC’s requirements, successful candidates must achieve ‘results of 75% and above’, although we will provide further reassessment procedures for those initially scoring less than 75%. This high pass mark is a key selling point for successful candidates; furthermore, for candidates who preform exceptionally, OSC may have opportunities for employment and/or scientific research (http://www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers/) We look forward to seeing you on our course soon. -- MMO & PAM Course Coordinator OSC NZ Ltd PO Box 106767 Auckland City 1143 New Zealand T: +64 9 927 7614 W: www.osc-nz.co.nz

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Job Posting: Environmental Scientist/ Planner - HDR Alaska
by Bryan, Michael 10 Feb '15

10 Feb '15

Dear Colleagues: HDR Alaska currently has an opening for an Environmental Scientist/ Planner to join our team in Anchorage. The primary duties of the Environmental Scientist/Planner entail research and preparation of documents relevant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other permitting and compliance documents for infrastructure development projects in Alaska. Projects primarily include planning, environmental permitting, and compliance for oil and gas, transportation, mining, and public projects. The Environmental Scientist/Planner's responsibilities will include preparation, planning, and analysis/review of technical studies and publications for the preparation of MMPA Incidental Take Authorization (ITA) permit applications, ESA biological assessments (BA), NEPA documents, federal permit applications and related documents, mitigation and monitoring plans, and deliverables related to the MMPA and ESA. Additional duties may include data interpretation and analysis, and the ability to plan, direct, or monitor projects with a high degree of technical complexity. Work will be conducted independently as well as on teams, with local and national technical oversight. The candidate will be involved in agency coordination and direct interaction with clients and project managers. The candidate may be responsible for project management including developing and managing budgets schedules and quality of products. This is a full-time regular position. Keyword(s): Environmental Planner, Environmental Scientist, BS, MS, environmental science, planning, compliance, MMPA, ESA, NEPA. Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Marine Sciences, Environmental Science/Planning/Engineering, or related field. 8+ years of experience in complex environmental permitting/ planning/ compliance projects is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of MMPA, ESA, permitting, and NEPA process. Experience preparing IHA applications, BAs, and agency consultation and coordination. Strong technical and scientific writing skills. Technical expertise in the design, implementation, interpretation, and presentation of data for environmental studies and investigations. Proficient with MS Office. Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills. Strong conceptual organizational problem solving and research abilities. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Staff management experience beneficial. In-order to apply for this position, please click on the web-link below. Or you can go to the Career Section on our website www.hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com> and reference Job Number 137866. https://hdr.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=137866&lang=en Michael Bryan West Region Director of Employment ASSOCIATE HDR 8404 Indian Hills Drive Omaha, NE 68114 D (402)399-4872 M (402)689-3412 michael.bryan(a)hdrinc.com hdrinc.com/follow-us<http://hdrinc.com/follow-us>

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Marine Scientist opportunity (Virginia Beach, VA)
by Yager, Keegan 10 Feb '15

10 Feb '15

HDR EOC's Virginia Beach, VA office is currently in need of a Marine Scientist focused on Marine Species Monitoring projects worldwide. The ideal candidates will have Project Manager consulting expertise along with an extensive marine science background with specific interests focused on marine mammal abundance, distribution, behavioral responses to stimuli, and/or understanding the effects of underwater sound on marine mammals. This individual must possess excellent communication skills, a demonstrated history of reliability, strong work ethic, solid time management skills, and a demonstrated history of team-oriented performance. This position will assist in a wide range of project management and team support roles with our current clients. The ability to manage multiple projects from conception, planning, budgeting, reporting, and completion is key to succeeding in this role. Anticipated concentration of work assignments would be concentrated on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Ocean areas. Must be detail oriented to perform work accurately in a team-oriented environment and have the demonstrated ability to direct the work of a variety of scientists; in addition to participating in offshore monitoring activities aboard small boats, aircraft, and large ships. Successful candidates must have a minimum of 3+ years of experience managing scientific research projects focused on marine mammal biology in a consulting or university-related research capacity; ideally this would include a background of direct interface with customers in a combination with Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance. Knowledge of U.S. Navy training, oil and gas development, construction noise monitoring, or offshore renewable energy activities a plus. Masters Degree or higher in Marine Biology or a related field required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated history of reliability, strong work ethic, solid time management skills are all musts. Travel up to 20% may be required. Applicant's employment is contingent up on their ability to obtain clearance at the 'Secret' level. For more information or to apply go to the link below: https://hdr.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=137608 Keegan Yager Regional Recruiter HDR 11 Stanwix St, Suite 800 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 keegan.yager(a)hdrinc.com hdrinc.com/follow-us<http://hdrinc.com/follow-us>

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Research assistants / Interns (paid) needed for southern right whale project in Patagonia, Argentina
by Daniel P. Zitterbart 10 Feb '15

10 Feb '15

We are looking for 2 research assistants or interns (this is a paid position) for out project SAMBAY (San Antonio Model BAY) for the period of ~8 weeks during August – October 2015. Exact dates will be determined soon. The SAMBAY project will measure southern right whale behavior and acoustic propagation properties needed to estimate animal density from passive acoustic monitoring. It is a collaborative project between the Ocean Acoustic Lab at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) and the MaryBio Research Foundation in Patagonia, Argentina. Based on the success of the field season and the performance of the research assistant there might turn up an opportunity for a thesis. Reviews will begin on March 1st and run until the positions are filled. Field season language will be English, but a basic understanding of German and/or Spanish is a plus. Please do not apply if you are not available for the full field season. Responsibilities of the research assistants The successful candidates will assist with: • Boat based data collection of whale behavior • Acoustic data recording and storage • Preliminary acoustic data analysis • Land based marine mammal observations • Line transect distance sampling • Photogrammetric image analysis • Whale tagging (using suction cup tags) • General assistance with everyday duties during a field season Qualifications Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: • Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies (BSc or MSc is both fine) • A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Statistical Ecology, Biophysics, Acoustics or any related field • A general interest in marine mammal acoustics • Basic computer proficiency, and the ability to learn to use new software quickly • A willingness to spend prolonged hours on a zodiac at low temperatures (down to 5°C) • A willingness to work for the full period (~8 weeks) for up to 10h per day (basically from dawn till dusk) • Ability to swim and physically fit • Works well in a team environment • Experience in marine mammal field research is good, but not required We will provide: • Transportation costs (flight to Argentina + transportation in Argentina) • Living costs (shared housing and meals) • Financial compensation (~680€ / month) • Training (depending on location of application even prior to field season) Please email your application (1-page motivation letter, attended course list, CV, field experience list and optional reference letters) as one PDF file to daniel.zitterbart(a)awi.de. For further information please contact me at daniel.zitterbart(a)awi.de -- +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dr. Daniel P. Zitterbart Alfred Wegener Institut phone: +4947148312212 Am Alten Hafen 26 27568 Bremerhaven mail: daniel.zitterbart(a)awi.de web: http://www.awi.de/People/show?dzitterb web2: http://biospy.org +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Marine Mammal Observers offshore Sakhalin 2015
by Marko.vanderVeen＠sakhalinenergy.ru 09 Feb '15

09 Feb '15

Dear Marmam subscribers, Sakhalin Energy is looking for senior Marine Mammal Observers for onshore work on Sakhalin Island in the Russian Federation, this summer 2015. In particular the Company is seeking 5-6 MMO's experienced with operating theodolites for tracking of (Gray) whales in their nearshore feeding grounds during the Company's seismic survey planned offshore Sakhalin early this summer. Such monitoring is part of the environmental monitoring and mitigation plan proposed by Company. The ideal candidates will be able to bring theodolites & peripheral equipment (for digitisation of information collected) to Sakhalin. Timing of the work: June-July 2015 Duration: anticipated 30 days on Sakhalin island, excluding travel Place: Sakhalin island, in an onshore camp near the beach, with basic facilities For further details and to register your interest, please get in touch. The contact details are listed below. Kind regards Marko van der Veen Chief Geophysicist Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Yuzhno Sakhalinsk, Russia GMT+11 Office: +7 (4242) 664620

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Masters programmes at the University of St Andrews - Marine Mammal Science & Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems
by Sonja Heinrich 09 Feb '15

09 Feb '15

Master's programmes at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK - Marine Mammal Science & Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems We are currently accepting applications for our unique and intense one-year Master's programmes at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, UK for 2014/15 entry. The Master's in Marine Mammal Science (MSc MMS ) reflects the research interests and expertise of the staff at the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU). This unique Master's has a strong focus on quantitative methods and applied techniques and is designed to prepare students fully for a professional career involved with conservation of and research into marine mammals. Optional modules take full advantage of the research strengths of the SMRU covering biologging, bioacoustics, behaviour and population biology. The optional Antarctica field course involves a vessel-based field expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula (requires additional payment of a substantial expedition fee) - follow the upcoming third student expedition on our blog: http://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/antarctic. For detailed information on the Marine Mammal Masters including content, entry requirements and how to apply please refer to the MSc MMS website: http://bio.st-andrews.ac.uk/mms/. The Master's in Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems (MSc EMMS) is jointly delivered by the Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI) at St Andrews and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) at the West coast of Scotland, offering the best of both Scottish coasts. Students study marine environments from the tropics to polar regions as integrated systems, exploring interconnections between the physical environment, biodiversity and the impacts of human activity and resource use. Students can opt to join the Antarctic expedition (see above) or take a field course in scientific diving in Indonesia. For detailed information including content, entry requirements and how to apply please refer to the MSc EMMS website: http://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/biopostgraduate/ Applications for the upcoming academic year (starting September 2015) must be received by Friday, 03April 2015, and should be submitted online via the St Andrews Postgraduate Admission Portal: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/taught/. Please get in touch if you have further questions, via email: pgtaughtbiology(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:pgtaughtbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk> Best wishes from Scotland, Sonja Dr Sonja Heinrich Postgraduate Taught Convenor, Biology The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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Research Assistants neededin Findhorn, Scotland, for summer 2015
by North 58° Sea Adventures 09 Feb '15

09 Feb '15

Research Assistants needed in Findhorn, North East Scotland, for summer 2015. North 58° Sea Adventures is a family owned and operated business, operating from Findhorn Marina since 2012. North 58° aims to offer our trip boats as a platform for research in order to better understand the wildlife we encounter on our tours . We are seeking three voluntary research assistants to assist for a 10 week period from mid June to end of August). Research will comprise of sighting data, photo identification and behavioural studies, mainly of Bottlenose Dolphins and Seals’ but occasionally also Basking sharks, Minke whales and other dolphin species. Research will be conducted on our wildlife watching tours (either on short 2 hour trips or full day excursions. Successful candidates will rotate between 3 roles; 1) naturalist position on fauna tours, assisting guides and collecting data, 2) managing wildlife centre 3) data organisation. The roles will be rotated and bad weather days used as data catch up or days off. We are preferably looking for people that have; a.. A strong interest and education in Marine biology/ecology or other related field- specifically marine mammals and large marine vertebrate b.. Guiding experience- must be good at communicating with the public and have ability to interpret local and wildlife info to passenger guest c.. Observation Experience- including use of binoculars and DSLR cameras d.. Experience on boats- not susceptible to seasickness easily e.. Ability to work calmly and politely under pressure and in sometimes stressful situations f.. Ability to learn, be adaptive, hardworking, positive and outgoing as well as have a lot of patienc g.. Willingness to work long hours outdoors, in sometimes unfavourable conditions h.. Ability to work well as both a team and an individual i.. Physical fitness- working on RIBs can be bumpy and are therefore not recommended working platforms for anyone with severe back or knee problems. Accommodation Food and Travel Assistants will be responsible for their own travel costs, and personal expenses but accommodation will be provided throughout the research period. Accommodation is a large static caravan on site at Findhorn Marina. Each assistant will get their own room, however living area, kitchen, bathroom, etc will be communal with the other research assistants. You will be a moments’ walk from the Marina building where most land work will take place. This is an excellent opportunity for an early career biologist or naturalist to gain valuable fieldwork skills, as well as research techniques, on the water experience and public interpretation through guiding. How to Apply: Please email your cv, covering letter specifying any relevant experience and qualifications to Pippa Low (pippa(a)north58.co.uk) by the 31st of March. For further information regarding our company please visit www.north58.co.uk Kind Regards, Pippa Low Operations Manager Findhorn Marina +44(0)1309 690099 pippa(a)north58.co.uk

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Volunteers Sought to Assist Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, Scotland
by Conor Ryan 09 Feb '15

09 Feb '15

*Volunteers Sought to Assist HWDT * The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) are recruiting volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks over the forthcoming field season – between May and September. HWDT is a small, dynamic conservation organisation based on the Isle of Mull in Scotland which relies on the help of volunteers to accomplish tasks and activities. Shore-based volunteers contribute to the overall operation of the Trust, while paying volunteers assist with data collection aboard *Silurian*, the Trust’s research yacht. Volunteer tasks will include: · Attending events; raising the profile of HWDT through engagement with the public and distribution of HWDT resources · Assisting in HWDT’s Visitor Centre and shop; the premises are located on Tobermory’s busy Main Street and have a high footfall over the season. Tasks will include manning the shop, updating information displayed and engaging with visitors. · Assisting with educational activities · Coordinating beach cleans and cetacean watches · General office tasks; updating databases, sending out resources, etc. · Potentially assisting with strandings. Volunteers must be aged 18 or older. Volunteers do not need to have any prior knowledge of cetaceans - although this would be of benefit - as training will be provided. Volunteers must offer a minimum of 16 hours a week to HWDT and are expected to commit to a period of at least one month. HWDT's season runs from May until September and volunteers will be sought throughout. Unfortunately HWDT cannot offer to cover any expenses incurred during your time spent volunteering. However, Morven will be on hand to assist you with finding accommodation in Tobermory and help finding paid work if need be. *Requirements* *Essential:* - An ability to work in a conscientious and reliable manner - Enthusiastic, hard-working and self-motivated - A strong commitment to volunteer work - Excellent verbal and communication skills (engaging with the public is central to the role) - Basic IT skills (MS Office package, including Access) - An ability to get on well with others in a small team. *Desirable:* - A background in marine biology/environmental science or similar - A strong interest in and knowledge of British cetaceans - Experience in interacting and engaging with the public - A driving licence and own transport The closing date for applications is Friday 27th February with Skype interviews conducted in the week commencing Monday 9th March. Please submit your application, comprising a CV and cover letter, to Morven Russell volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org

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