June 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

50 to 30-Hz triplet and singlet down sweep vocalizations produced by sei whales in the western North Atlantic Ocean
by Christopher Tremblay 11 Jun '19

11 Jun '19

Hello All, On behalf of my co-authors I would like to announce the following JASA article publication: “50 to 30-Hz triplet and singlet down sweep vocalizations produced by sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) in the western North Atlantic Ocean” available at: https://doi.org/10.1121/1.5110713 Abstract: The life history, distribution, and acoustic ecology of the sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) in the western North Atlantic Ocean remains poorly understood. In this study an array of bottom-mounted recorders captured previously undocumented low frequency 50 to 30-Hz triplet and singlet down sweep vocalizations in close association with signature 82 to 34-Hz sei whale down sweep vocalizations. Spatiotemporal correlations of acoustically tracked sei whales confirm the original vocalizations are produced by sei whales. The 50 to 34-Hz down sweep call types were characterized with a suite of five spectral and temporal measurements. The pattern and repetition of the full acoustic suite is suggestive of song structure and warrants further investigation. The discovery of vocalizations attributed specifically to sei whales enables historic acoustic records to be re-evaluated for the presence of this species throughout its range. All the best, Christopher J Tremblay University of Maine School of Marine Sciences 5741 Libby Hall Room 207 Orono, ME 04469

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Fall Internship - Virginia Aquarium
by Sarah R. Mccormack 11 Jun '19

11 Jun '19

The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting Stranding Response Intern applications for Fall 2019. The application deadline is June 26, 2019. Internship duration is September 5, 2019 – January 3, 2020. Please note that all positions are non-compensatory and housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit. Position Overview Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) interns promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Once accepted, interns will be assigned to a focus area of either necropsy or rehabilitation. Interns will be cross-trained in all aspects of stranding response, however, daily tasks will be assigned to interns according to focus area. Stranding work is unpredictable, therefore experiences will vary by internship session. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session. Duties * Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field. * Participate in all aspects of post-mortem examinations: cutting and sampling, data collection, photographing, carcass removal, and cleaning. * Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen and associated supplies. * Assist staff with new admits and daily treatments of patients. Restrain animals for exams, collect vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, take photographs, administer medications, and perform wound care. * Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning gear. * Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator trainings. * Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, and completing response paperwork. * Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff. Qualifications * Must be at least 18 years old. * Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or have recently graduated (within last two years). * Must be physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and walk long distances on the beach in adverse conditions such as extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, and wind. * Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team. * Should be comfortable around dead and decomposing animals. * Should be comfortable driving large pick-up trucks and vans (preferred). Willing to learn how to drive response vehicles, if accepted (required). * Background in biology and familiarity with stranding response (preferred). * Experience with DSLR cameras and Microsoft Access (preferred). Position Requirements * Attend VAQS orientation and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving. * Possess a valid driver’s license. Internship Learning Objectives Develop fundamental hands-on stranding response and rehabilitation skills: * Perform post-mortem examinations on sea turtle and marine mammals. * Perform basic health assessments of rehabilitation patients, including vitals collection, wound treatment, administering medications, and blood processing. * Complete Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) and Level A forms. * Enter stranding data in Microsoft Access. Intern Schedule Intern is expected to be available 3-4 days per week, 8am-4:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected. Minimum Commitment Required 24 hours per week for the duration of the internship. Intern Supervisor/Mentor VAQS Volunteer Manager and project supervisor. Work Location Virginia Aquarium’s Marine Animal Care Center Application Requirements If applying via email, please send application to interns(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:interns@virginiaaquarium.com> and copy vaqstranding(a)gmail.com<mailto:vaqstranding@gmail.com>. A complete Stranding Response Intern packet must include the following components. Incomplete applications will not be considered. * Cover letter including preferred focus area (necropsy or rehabilitation) and internship expectations. While we will do our best to accommodate intern preferences, staff will make the final focus area determination. There is some flexibility with internship start/end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter. * Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form. * Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference. Letters can be sent separately to vaqstranding(a)gmail.com<mailto:vaqstranding@gmail.com> * <mailto:vaqstranding@gmail.com> Resume * College transcript(s) For more information about the application process, please visit: https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/about-us/Pages/internship-application.aspx Sarah McCormack Stranding Technician Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Stranding Response Program 757-385-6485 (office) 757-385-7575 (stranding hotline) [cid:29d558a3-8de6-4378-848c-0bee3300a2b1]

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Sealcentre Pieterburen Vet Internships 2019 & 2020
by Ana Rubio García | Zeehondencentrum 10 Jun '19

10 Jun '19

Dear all, We are pleased to announce: VETERINARY DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP – SEALCENTRE PIETERBUREN The Sealcentre Pieterburen, the Netherlands, has an exciting opportunity for * two Veterinary Interns* to work in our Veterinary and Seal Care Departments. Both positions last one year, one is scheduled to start in October 2019, and the other in April 2020. Previous marine mammal or wildlife experience is a plus. The Sealcentre’s Veterinary Department includes two full time veterinarians and two veterinary interns. We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic candidate who will join our team and will work closely in a team setting with staff and volunteers to assist with all aspects of veterinary care and husbandry of sick and injured seals. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: daily care of animals, transport of live/dead marine animals, maintenance of daily nutritional and medical records, sampling for various research projects, and data entry. Additional duties and projects may be assigned by staff. The interns are required to find their own transportation to Pieterburen and we provide housing (gas, electricity, water and internet included), meals, and health insurance. These positions are unpaid. The interns should expect to be scheduled to cover a variety of shifts including weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays. The ideal candidate should be mature and motivated, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent observational and communication skills (a fluent English level is required). Due to Visa requirements we are currently only able to accept applicants with a European passport. The deadline for applications is July 15th 2019. Interested applicants should submit a copy of the CV, an intention letter, and two recommendation letters. Note that the application materials should be in English. Applications and questions should be submitted to vet(a)zeehondencentrum.nl indicating in the subject VETERINARY INTERN 2019/2020. For more information about the Sealcentre Pieterburen visit www.zeehondencentrum.nl Kind regards *Ana Rubio García* *Head of the Veterinary & Research Department* Mobile phone: +31 (0)6 12 981154 Email: ana.rubiogarcia(a)zeehondencentrum.nl Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen. Healthy sea, happy seal. Hoofdstraat 94a 9968 AG Pieterburen T +31 (0)595 526 526 E: info(a)zeehondencentrum.nl I: www.zeehondencentrum.nl [image: cid:image004.jpg@01D1D2D4.6A844C90] P Please consider the environment. Think before printing.

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Oiled Wildlife Response Online Training - Level 2 course now available
by Chilvers, Louise 09 Jun '19

09 Jun '19

Massey University and the University of California at Davis announce the release of their Level 2 online oiled wildlife response course – Rehabilitation and Facilities development (https://owrt.org/) for marine mammals, reptiles and avian wildlife. The course follows on from the Level 1 Foundations in oiled wildlife response and has eight online modules including: Topic 1: Introduction Topic 2: Field Stabilisation Topic 3: At the gate Topic 4: Intake Topic 5: Pre-wash Stabilisation Topic 6: Wash – Rinse – Dry Topic 7: Conditioning Topic 8: Release All modules cover response options for marine mammals, reptiles and avian wildlife, with specific reference to Best Practice for Marine Mammal Response and Standards for Rehabilitation Facilities for Marine Mammals. B OWRT online courses are developed by the only two Universities in the world with comprehensive oiled wildlife readiness and response programs. These world leaders in higher education are also at the forefront of oiled wildlife and marine mammal research – advancing knowledge of best practice in the management and care of oiled wildlife. UC Davis and Massey University have led more than 70 oiled wildlife responses throughout the world, meaning this OWRT has been developed and delivered by highly experienced oil response researchers, trainers, and practitioners. OWRT Courses are accredited by the New Zealand Veterinary Nurses Association. For more information and to enroll please visit our website https://owrt.org/ [cid:image001.png@01CF660D.E08F7620][WB U cmyk] Professor B. Louise Chilvers, B Agr Sci (Hons), PG Dip GIS, PhD Director Oiled Wildlife Response Wildbase Institute of Veterinary Sciences IUCN-SSC Pinniped Specialist Groups + 64 6 356 9099 ext 83273 +64 21 048 4246 B.L.Chilvers(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:B.L.Chilvers@massey.ac.nz> IVABS, Tennent Drive, Massey University, New Zealand 4442 IVABS, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand 4442 http://wildbase.massey.ac.nz<http://wildbase.massey.ac.nz/> https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barbara_Chilvers To learn more about oiled wildlife response see our website Massey.ac.nz/wildbaseowr<http://massey.ac.nz/wildbaseowr>

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Summer-Fall training placement - Marine mammal research
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 08 Jun '19

08 Jun '19

On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) , I am pleased to announce that we have few available vacancies to apply for our Summer-Fall Training Placements. The mission of the BDRI since 2005 has been to study marine biodiversity and to educate students, decision-makers, and the public on scientific research and how to contribute to marine conservation. BDRI scientists conduct research across a wide range of subject areas such as the link between marine predators (cetaceans, otters, and marine birds) and their environment, cetacean society and population dynamics, the interaction between marine megafauna and human activities, and cetacean behaviour and acoustic communication. BDRI’s reputation for success rests solidly on its ability to carry out studies published in prestigious scientific journals. The BDRI performs systematic surveys to monitor charismatic marine mega-fauna (marine mammals and marine birds) in one of the most productive oceanic regions in the world (Galician waters, NW Spain), as it is a place with a great array of research questions to be answered regarding these animals and their environment. The incredible diversity of cetaceans present in these waters (up to 22 different species recorded) allows the BDRI team to have several ongoing research projects focused on the study of the ecology and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, Risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, pilot whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, and blue whales. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION - A training period at the BDRI offers an excellent opportunity for interested and motivated people to obtain field and laboratory experience in marine megafauna (cetaceans, marine birds, and otters) field research methodology and data analysis under the mentorship of experienced scientists. There’s a variety of research projects that will prepare participants for a professional career in the research of marine mammals, and conservation of the marine environment. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, participants will be trained to get involved with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based surveys onboard research vessels, land-based observations, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, etc), and strandings (response, rescue, necropsy, and data collection). The BDRI office is located in a pleasant research centre located in O Grove, Galicia (Spain). The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. BDRI internships are not paid and this training experience requires a tuition fee which is used to off-set the cost of training, use of research equipment, facilities and research vessels, shared accommodation, and other expenses. The fee reflects the real world costs and expenses that go into making the research program possible and the training placement worthwhile. For more information and details, please visit the page <http://www.thebdri.com> Feel free to send us an e-mail to: info(a)thebdri.com for any further information about the program. Scientific articles published by the BDRI team during this year (for a full list of publications please visit: <https://www.thebdri.com/papers.html>): - Methion, S., Diaz Lopez, B. (2019). Natural and anthropogenic drivers of foraging behaviour in bottlenose dolphins: influence of shellfish aquaculture. Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3116. - Diaz Lopez, B., Methion, S. (2019). Habitat drivers of endangered rorqual whales in a highly impacted upwelling region. Ecological Indicators, 103: 610 – 616. - Giralt Paradell O, Diaz Lopez B, Methion S, (2019) Modelling common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) coastal distribution and habitat use: insights for conservation. Ocean and Coastal Management. DOI:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2019.104836 - Diaz Lopez, B., Methion, S., & Giralt Paradell, O. (2019). Living on the edge: Overlap between a marine predator’s habitat use and fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic waters (NW Spain). Progress in Oceanography, 175: 115 – 223. - Diaz Lopez, B. (2019) "Hot deals at sea": responses of a top predator (Bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus) to human-induced changes in the coastal ecosystem. Behavioural Ecology 2 (3), 291-300. DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ary162 Bruno Diaz Lopez Ph.D Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain www.thebdri.com 0034 684248552 Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram. Mention us on Twitter. This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation.

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New paper on bowhead whales
by info＠sevenseasmarine.nl 08 Jun '19

08 Jun '19

NEW PAPER:Encouraging encounters: unusual aggregations of bowhead whales Balaena mysticetusin the western Fram Strait Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to announce the following paper recently published in Endangered Species Research De Boer MN, Janinhoff N, Nijs G, Verdaat H (2019) Encouraging encounters: unusual aggregations of bowhead whales Balaena mysticetus in the western Fram Strait. Endang Species Res 39:51-62. <https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00948> Abstract The subpopulation of the bowhead whale Balaena mysticetusin the East Greenland-Svalbard-Barents Sea is endangered and until recently was believed to number in the tens. Recent studies have suggested that this subpopulation appears to be increasing. Here, we report on unusual aggregations of bowhead whales within the Fram Strait. We present opportunistic and effort-corrected observations of bowhead whales made from a small expedition vessel during cruises in June (2015−2018). Bowhead whales were sighted on 85 occasions (220−227 whales). An aggregation in 2015 (n = 84 whales) and high numbers in 2018 (n = 104−110) exceeded all previous records. The index of whale abundance was significantly higher in open water-leads (1.08−1.14 whales km−1 of survey effort) compared to areas with drift-ice (0.51−0.53 whales km−1). The highest abundance index was measured in deep waters where the bottom slope was relatively steep. Our findings highlight the temporal and spatial consistency of this species in areas with relatively loose ice cover (open water-leads) and steep slopes. It is unknown how global warming and resultant changes in ice-extent are going to affect bowhead whales within the Strait and whether they will find new feeding grounds due to an expanding open-ocean habitat. These slopes may become increasingly important to bowhead whales and Arctic top predators as a spring/early summer feeding ground. These relatively large numbers of bowhead whales are encouraging and can help direct future research monitoring programs to study the population ecology of these endangered whales. The paper is Open Access and can be downloaded from Endangered Species Research: <https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v39/p51-62/> <https://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2019/39/n039p051.pdf> Kind Regards, Marijke de Boer, Ph.D <Marijke.deboer(a)wur.nl>Wageningen Marine Research, Den Helder, Netherlands

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Job Posting for Data Specialist/Stranding Network Coordinator
by Jenny Atkinson 07 Jun '19

07 Jun '19

Position: Data Specialist and Stranding Network Coordinator Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, USA The Whale Museum is seeking a person to fulfill the role of Data Specialist/Stranding Network Coordinator. Year-round, Full-Time salaried employment with benefits. Established in 1979 as the first U.S. museum dedicated to whales living in the wild, The Whale Museum's mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. Our facility is located on San Juan Island, northwest of Seattle, Washington. This remote island is accessible only by ferry, boat or plane. This position manages the long-term scientific data that supports the research and provides the substance for education programs and exhibits. Current projects focus on: maintaining longitudinal data sets that track Southern Resident orcas' movement patterns through a 40+ year sighting database; 38 years of marine mammal stranding data; over 25 years of vessel monitoring & trends data; acoustics monitoring data; and a museum collections database of artifacts and recording media. Partnerships with other organizations and researchers are critical to our work. Current partnerships include, but are not limited to, NOAA-Northwest Region, The SeaDoc Society, and John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program. This position works closely with the Executive Director as the Data Specialist to manage several databases, including marine mammal sightings; and as the Stranding Network Coordinator to coordinate the efforts of the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network. This includes coordinating responses for live and dead stranded mammals, managing the necropsy program including maintenance of equipment and supplies, archiving tissue samples and shipping for testing. The successful candidate will also be the primary vessel operator for our stranding boat, the R/V Buzzard. The main field season for stranding network duties occurs between May and October, but responses can occur anytime throughout the year. This position also trains and supervises a volunteer network of approximately 50 people, mentors 2-4 seasonal interns, oversees grant management and routinely moves marine mammals or other items in excess of 50 pounds. A large portion of this job is computer-based, primarily data entry and analysis, database management, and writing. The successful candidate will be highly flexible as response work can occur any time, day or night. Qualifications: a Master's Degree or 5 years' experience in a relevant field, excellent communication skills (oral and written), excellent attention to detail, excellent computer/technological skills (i.e., Microsoft Office particularly Access & Excel, ARC-GIS mapping), grant writing, experience with field work (specifically Stranding Network field response), experience with conflict resolution & public communication, and project management experience. Boating experience with Washington State Boater Education Card are required; diving experience is a plus. A varied skill set and flexibility are major assets. The position will start in mid-July with the opportunity for a brief training period with the outgoing employee. Active review of submitted applications will begin immediately, but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Electronic submissions are encouraged. It is suggested that a PDF compiled with the requested information be submitted. Send cover letter, resume and up to five references (either reference letter or contact information for each reference) to: Jenny L. Atkinson, Executive Director The Whale Museum P. O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Email: jenny(a)whalemuseum.org <mailto:jenny@whalemuseum.org> Website: www.whalemuseum.org <http://www.whalemuseum.org> Jenny L. Atkinson Executive Director The Whale Museum P. O. Box 945 (62 1st St., N.) Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Phone: (360) 378-4710 ext. 26 Website: <http://www.whalemuseum.org/> www.whalemuseum.org Mission: to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research.

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workshop
by Thierry Jauniaux 07 Jun '19

07 Jun '19

Dear MARMAM member The program of the 13th annual necropsy workshop has been modified with an extra presentation of dolphin CT-SCAN examination. An entire dolphin will be examined by CT-SCAN. After, a talk will be presented by A. Gillet (University of Liege) on the use of CT-SCAN images to understand and model cetacean swim. Few places are still available for this workshop (program in attachment): Information and contact: Anne WLASOWSKI <a.wlasowski(a)uliege.be> Regards T. Jauniaux Thierry Jauniaux, DMV, PhD Dept of Veterinary Pathology University of Liege Associate Professor Diplomate of European College of Zoological Medicine (Wildlife population Health)

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Job Announcement: Marine Mammal Biologist with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
by Panike, Anna 07 Jun '19

07 Jun '19

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Working Title: OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 77907457 Position Number: 77907457 Salary: 17.00/hr Posting Closing Date: 06/19/2019 Location: Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory - St. Petersburg, FL This is OPS (Other Personal Service) position. It is considered a full-time position, working 40 hrs /week. The position is grant funded through February 2021 and employment is not guaranteed beyond this date. Occasional overtime hours may occur. Hours worked over 40 per week, Friday to Thursday, are considered overtime and are paid @ 1.5 times the regular wage. DESCRIPTION This position will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery of marine mammal carcasses for the Northwest field station (Northwest region: coastal and inland waterways of Manatee County to Escambia County) and assist with carcass and necropsy responses along Florida's Gulf Coast as needed. This position will serve as member of FWC's marine mammal necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on marine mammals, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. The incumbent will be responsible for carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. The position will assist in marine mammal rescue and transport operations in the Northwest region and assist with marine mammal rescue and capture operations along Florida's Gulf Coast as needed. This position will be responsible for assisting with NFWF award administration including writing quarterly and annual grant reports, quarterly budget requests, reimbursement requests. and purchasing of grant funded equipment. The incumbent will assist with managing cetacean stranding data for MMPL responses, assist with managing marine mammal section cetacean database, assist with managing NOAA stranding database and completes routine uploads to NOAA-NMFS data diplomat, complete and update level A cetacean information, assists with filling cetacean data requests, assist with managing samples collected from stranded cetaceans, assists with managing histological samples collected from marine mammals processed by the MMPL, and assist with editing manatee rescue and mortality reports. The position will work holidays in rotation with other MMPL staff members for the purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies as needed or assigned and will respond to marine mammal stranding's outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. **Preference may be given to individuals who have live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience and individuals who have grant report writing experience. Experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management, is preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal legislation protecting manatees * Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of research and analysis * Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques * Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses * Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques * Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers and watercraft vessels * Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26' in length and smaller * Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions * Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs., and be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself * Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions * Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships * Be comfortable speaking to the public * Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver's license within a month of employment Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing date listed. Go to: https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com (enter 77907457 in the keyword search field). Additionally, applicants are required to complete the additional application questions and are encouraged to attach a cover letter, resume and three references with their People First application by the closing date. Further supporting documentation may be submitted in People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida application form. WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory * Workers' Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program - voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * Any form of paid leave * Paid holidays * Participation in the Florida Retirement System * Reinstatement rights or retention rights The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Nearest Major Market: Tampa Anna Panike Marine Mammal Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 3700 54th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Ph: 727-893-2904 Anna.Panike(a)myFWC.com<mailto:Anna.Panike@myFWC.com> Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

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Fall 2019 Internship Opportunity in Savannah, Georgia
by Perrtree, Robin 06 Jun '19

06 Jun '19

Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Laboratory (SSUDS lab) internships The SSUDS lab is located adjacent to the marsh on the campus of Savannah State University in coastal Georgia. The SSUDS lab, led by Dr. Tara Cox, studies spatial ecology and conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, marine and coastal policy and management, and human interactions with marine mammals. Current projects include: Human-interaction behaviors (particularly begging), stock structure and abundance estimates, catalog matching to other study areas in the SE USA, contaminant loads and genetics of common bottlenose dolphins. The SSUDS Lab selects volunteer interns during three seasons each year: * Winter/Spring (positions January to May, applications due by October 1st); * Summer (positions May to August, applications due by March 1st); * Fall (positions August to December, applications due by June 26th). Interns will support graduate research on common bottlenose dolphins living in the local waterways. There may be additional opportunities to help other marine science graduate students with diverse fieldwork. The SSUDS lab is currently accepting applications for Fall 2019 interns. There are 2-3 positions available. Application deadline is June 26th. Dates: August 5 - December 20 (Start and end dates are flexible) Location: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia Time: Interns are expected to commit to ~30 hours per week, and time will be split between lab and field work. Dolphin surveys will be conducted 2 days per month. Duties: Lab duties: photo-identification, data entry and double checking Field duties: assisting with small boat-based photo-identification surveys including sighting dolphins, recording data, photographing dorsal fins, and measuring environmental variables Stranding response: although strandings are rare and unpredictable, you may be asked to help with data collection and necropsies Class: Interns are welcome to sit in on the Marine Mammalogy course taught by Dr. Cox in the fall. Please note that hours spent in class do not count towards lab hours. Extra Opportunities: Local Volunteer Opportunities: Previous interns have taken advantage of their spare time to get involved with our network of marine science researchers in Georgia 1) Other SSU Marine Science Program Labs (field and lab research on shrimp, flatfish, oyster restoration, marine chemistry, etc.) 2) Tybee Island Marine Science Center (environmental education) 3) Skidaway Institute of Oceanography 4) GA DNR Non-game Division (cetacean, manatee, and sea turtle research) Qualifications: * Minimum age of 18 years old * Currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field * Strong interest in marine mammals, the environment, and conservation * Computer proficiency, especially MS Office; MS Access and ArcGIS experience a plus * Excellent verbal communication skills, fluent in English * Enthusiastic and dedicated, with strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor * Strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, and attention to detail * Works well in a team environment as well as individually * Ability to work long days in the sun/heat/cold on a small boat To apply please submit the following via email with the subject "SSUDS Internship" to perrtreer(a)savannahstate.edu<mailto:perrtreer@savannahstate.edu>. All attached files must be named starting with your last name (e.g. Lastname-SSUDS_application_fall_2019.doc, Lastname-transcript). Please combine your application materials into 1-2 files. * A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, how the experience will help you meet your long-term goals, and your dates of availability. * A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. * Current academic transcripts (unofficial are sufficient). * Names and contact information for two references. International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation This position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to Savannah, GA. If accepted, we can provide contact information for possible shared housing opportunities with SSU students or other interns. This is a great opportunity to work with scientists and graduate students in the field and lab while gaining experience with photo-identification and boat-based marine mammal surveys. Savannah State University offers a Master of Science in Marine Sciences; thus, successful interns may have future opportunities for graduate study in the SSUDS lab. For more information about Marine Sciences at SSU please visit: https://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/mar-env-science/marine-science/index.sht… ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Marine Sciences Technician Savannah State University Marine Science Research Center room 111 912-358-3301<tel:(912)%20358-3301> (office) 941-323-2750<tel:(941)%20323-2750> (cell)

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