April 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond
by Hal Whitehead 12 Jun '26

12 Jun '26

The following paper has just been published: Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond. by: Hal Whitehead and John K.B. Ford Journal of Theoretical Biology 456: 279-294 Abstract: Culturally-transmitted ecological specialization occurs in killer whales, as well as other species. We hypothesize that some of the remarkable demographic and ecological attributes of killer whales result from this process. We formalize and model (using agent-based stochastic models parametrized using killer whale life history) the cultural evolution of specialization by social groups, in which a narrowing of niche breadth is spread and maintained in a group through social learning. We compare the demographic and ecological results of cultural specialization to those of a similar model of specialization through natural selection. We found that specialization, through either the cultural or natural selection routes, is adaptive in the short term with specialization often increasing fitness. Generalization, in contrast, is rarely adaptive. The cultural evolution of specialization can lead to increased rates of group extirpation. Specialization has little effect on group size but tends to reduce population size and resource abundance. While the two specialization processes produce similar results, cultural specialization can be very much faster. The results are generally consistent with what we know of the formation and maintenance of specialist ecotypes in killer whales, and have implications for the persistence, nature and ecological effects of these apex predators. You can read a .pdf at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/labpub.htm Hal Whitehead Dalhousie University hwhitehe(a)dal.ca

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Update to SOCPROG
by Hal Whitehead 01 Jul '24

01 Jul '24

A new and updated version of SOCPROG, SOCPROG2.9 (both compiled and uncompiled downloads) is available at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/SOCPROG/social.htm SOCPROG is a MATLAB-based package of programs for the analysis of animal social structures, movements and populations. The compiled version does not need MATLAB itself. This version is compatible with MATLAB2018b (although it will likely work well on recent and soon-to-be-released versions of MATLAB). It fixes a few bugs and adds functionality compared to previous versions (especially association complexity). Thanks Hal Whitehead, Dalhousie University, Canada

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Re: [MARMAM] Manatee Position in Melbourne Beach, FL
by Greer, Bill 21 Aug '23

21 Aug '23

https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-F… This position will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery efforts of marine mammal carcasses for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) East Central Field Laboratory. The incumbent will serve as member of FWC’s manatee necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on manatee and other marine mammal carcasses, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. This position will recover marine mammal carcasses for necropsy from the East Central region (coastal and inland waterways of southern Volusia County through Indian River County) of Florida and assist in manatee rescue and transport operations in the East Central region as well as assist with manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed. This position will be responsible for preparation and labeling of sample containers, carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. This position will be responsible for managing the East Central region’s intern and volunteer network which includes identifying candidates, interviewing, tracking their effort and training when needed. This position will be responsible for deployment, retrieval, maintenance and data collection of temperature probes throughout the winter months. This position will be responsible for assisting with other East Central regions projects such as photo identification and assisting with basic maintenance of vehicles, trailers and vessels as well purchasing needs and other tasks as assigned by supervisor. This position will assist with aerial surveys for manatees as needed. This position will have an assigned work schedule of Tuesday to Saturday (8:00 am-5:00 pm) and will be asked to respond to marine mammal emergencies and carcasses outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. This position will serve in a rotation with other East Central staff members for the purpose of covering the East Central Region during state holidays. 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 Minimum Requirements: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management. **Preference may be given to candidates who have experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management; having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience; having photo-id collection experience in the field; or experience working alongside volunteers/interns. 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 Application Process: Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com<http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/>) by the closing date listed. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time you are applying online, faxed, or mailed to People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida Employment Application Form. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. If a conditional offer of employment is made, you will be required to provide identification and proof of citizenship or authorization to work in the United States for the hiring authority to which application is made. 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: Melbourne Bill Greer Marine Mammal Biologist Melbourne Beach Marine Mammal Lab 4020 South Highway A1A Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951 Cell (321) 626-7367 Office (321) 953-5037 [FWC LOGO1] Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-3922 From: Greer, Bill Sent: Friday, October 18, 2019 7:44 PM To: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca Subject: Manatee Position in Melbourne Beach, FL https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-F… Bill Greer Marine Mammal Biologist Melbourne Beach Marine Mammal Lab 4020 South Highway A1A Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951 Cell (321) 626-7367 Office (321) 953-5037 [FWC LOGO1] Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-3922

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New Online Training Course: An Introduction To Integrating QGIS/GIS And R For Spatial Analysis - 6th to 8th May 2020
by cdmacleod＠gisinecology.com 20 Jan '23

20 Jan '23

We will be running a new online training course called 'An Introduction To Integrating QGIS/GIS and R For Spatial Analysis' between the 6th and 8th of May 2020. It will be held via the Zoom video-conferencing platform. This course is aimed at those who wish to learn how to use and integrate QGIS (the leading freely available GIS software package) and R (the leading freely available data analysis software package) for spatial analysis. It will be taught by Dr. Colin D. MacLeod, the author of 'An Introduction To Integrating QGIS And R for Spatial Analysis [1]' (Pictish Beast Publications) and a renowned expert in using GIS in biological and ecological research. He is also a co-author of the recenntly publised 'An Introduction To Basic Statistics For Biologists Using R [2]', which is a practical guide to carrying out the analysis of biological data in R. The course assumes no prior knowledge of either QGIS/GIS or R, and so is open to complete beginners as well as those how know how to use one of these software packages, and wish to learn how to integrate it with the other. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 16 people. The course for this three day course will cost GBP 395 per person (with a discounted rate of GBP 300 for students, the unwaged and those working for registered charities). To book a place, or for more information, visit http://gisinecology.com/online-course-an-introduction-to-integrating-qgis-g… or email info(a)GISinEcology.com. GIS and statistical analysis are two of the most fundamental software tools for marine mammalogists wishing to conduct spatial analyses, which is, itself, a cornerstone for the management and conservation of marine mammal species. However, GIS and statistical analyses have their own sets of software packages, and sometimes it can be difficult to know how to integrate the two. This course will provide an introduction to the integration of QGIS (the leading freely available GIS software package) and R (the leading data analysis software packages used by biologists) to create a combined tool set that makes the most of the strengths of each of these individual software packages. It will consist of a series of background sessions on using GIS and R for spatial analysis, mixed in with practical sessions where you will learn how to use QGIS, how to use R, and how to integrate two to complete a spatial analysis project. This last part will include working through an example project, starting with creating a high quality map for publication through creating raster data layers of environmental variables, joining data together based on their spatial relationships and analysing the combined data set using R (including creating summary statistics, conducting linear regressions and conducting generalised additive modelling - GAMs). While it will primarily be based around QGIS, this course is taught using software-independent approach, and it is also open to those who wish to learn how to use ArcGIS to do biological GIS. When you attend this course you will receive a free copy of An Introduction To Integrating QGIS And R for Spatial Analysis [1] (GIS For Biologists Workbooks) as the practical exercises in that course are based on the ones contained in that book. NOTE: If you wish to use ArcGIS software for this course, alternative materials will be provided for the practical sessions. ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates; RRP: £24.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== Links: ------ [1] http://gisinecology.com/an-introduction-to-integrating-qgis-and-r-for-spati… [2] http://gisinecology.com/stats-for-biologists-1

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UF Spring online course - Aquatic Wildlife Health
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 08 Nov '21

08 Nov '21

Hi All, Registration is currently open for Spring 2020. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program, is offering the following course for those that may be interested. Class begins Jan 6th and runs through Wednesday April 22nd. Registration will remain open until Friday, Jan 10th. Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the natural history, anatomy, physiology, behavior and common health issues of aquatic species: whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions, manatees, sea turtles, crocodilians, fish and invertebrates. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Interim Director Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure.

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Summer Online Course - Manatee Health
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 24 Mar '21

24 Mar '21

Hi All, The University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Aquatic Animal Health Program would like to send notice that registration for our summer online course is open. Manatee Health and Conservation is an online course (3 credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. More information about this class can be found here. Students enrolled at any College or University within the US or internationally can take this course. For more information about this classes or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu> ). The first day of the semester is Monday May 13th. Sincerely, Dr Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Interim Director Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure. ________________________________

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New publication: Resistance and susceptibility of dolphins to cetacean morbillivirus (Kimberley Batley)
by Kimberley Batley 17 Mar '21

17 Mar '21

Dear all, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Batley KC, Sandoval‐Castillo J, Kemper CM, Attard, CRM, Zanardo, N, Tomo, I, Beheregaray, LB, Möller, LM (2018). Genome-wide association study of an unusual dolphin mortality event reveals candidate genes for susceptibility and resistance to cetacean morbillivirus. Evolutionary Applications. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12747 Abstract: Infectious diseases are significant demographic and evolutionary drivers of populations, but studies about the genetic basis of disease resistance and susceptibility are scarce in wildlife populations. Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is a highly contagious disease that is increasing in both geographic distribution and incidence, causing unusual mortality events (UME) and killing tens of thousands of individuals across multiple cetacean species worldwide since the late 1980’s. The largest CeMV outbreak in the Southern Hemisphere reported to date occurred in Australia in 2013, where it was a major factor in a UME, killing mainly young Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). Using cases (non-survivors) and controls (putative survivors) from the most affected population, we carried out a genome-wide association study to identify candidate genes for resistance and susceptibility to CeMV. The genomic dataset consisted of 278,147,988 sequence reads and 35,493 high quality SNPs genotyped across 38 individuals. Association analyses found highly significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies amongst cases and controls at 65 SNPs, and Random Forests conservatively identified eight as candidates. Annotation of these SNPs identified five candidate genes (MAPK8, FBXW11, INADL, ANK3, and ACOX3) with functions associated with stress, pain and immune responses. Our findings provide the first insights into the genetic basis of host defence to this highly contagious disease, enabling the development of an applied evolutionary framework to monitor CeMV resistance across cetacean species. Biomarkers could now be established to assess potential risk factors associated with these genes in other CeMV affected cetacean populations and species. These results could also possibly aid in the advancement of vaccines against morbilliviruses. The PDF is freely accessible at https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12747 Regards, Kimberley Batley, on behalf of all co-authors Kimberley Batley PhD candidate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) Molecular Ecology Lab (MELFU) College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University P +61 8 8201 3865 | E kimberley.batley(a)flinders.edu.au www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> | www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au<http://www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au/>

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New Publication: Calibrating and adjusting counts of harbor seals in a tidewater glacier fjord to estimate abundance and trends 1992 to 2017
by Womble, Jamie N 29 Apr '20

29 Apr '20

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my colleagues and co-authors, I am pleased to announce a new publication, Calibrating and adjusting counts of harbor seals in a tidewater glacier fjord to estimate abundance and trends 1992-2017, that was recently published in the journal Ecosphere. Womble, J. N., Ver Hoef, J. M., Gende, S. M., and Mathews, E. A. 2020. Calibrating and adjusting counts of harbor seals in a tidewater glacier fjord to estimate abundance and trends 1992 to 2017. Ecosphere 11(4): e03111. 10.1002/ecs2.3111<https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3111> Abstract: Long�\term monitoring for understanding status and trend of species of conservation concern is undeniably valuable, yet monitoring methods often evolve over time due to the development of new technology, fluctuations in funding, logistical constraints, and innovations in sampling methods or analytical approaches. Consequently, valuable insights into annual or decadal�\scale trends can be lost unless calibration between historical and current methods is developed. Glacier Bay National Park, in southeastern Alaska, hosts an important regional population of harbor seals, with the majority of seals pupping and molting on icebergs calved from a tidewater glacier in Johns Hopkins Inlet. Monitoring efforts to assess abundance and trends of harbor seals used counts of seals by shore�\based observers from 1992 to 2002, but transitioned to aerial photographic surveys in 2007 through 2017. To produce a rigorous long�\term evaluation of abundance and trends of harbor seals, we (1) conducted concurrent shore�\based counts and aerial photographic surveys in 2007 and 2008; (2) developed an analytical calibration between the two monitoring methods; (3) developed a haul�\out model to estimate the number of harbor seals in the water at the time of counts; and (4) estimated abundance and trends of harbor seals from 1992 to 2017 from the adjusted counts. Our calibration analysis revealed that during the pupping season in June, counts of harbor seals by observers from shore were consistently lower than counts from aerial surveys. During the molting season, counts by shore�\based observers were only slightly less than aerial photographic surveys, and there was an interaction between survey method and season. After calibrating methods, we found important decadal�\scale changes in trend. Over the 26�\yr period (1992�C2017), the estimated trend was negative; however, trends computed for rolling 10�\yr time intervals showed steep and significant declines ending around 2011, with leveling off and possibly some subsequent recovery. The most recent shorter�\term (2013�C2017) trends are negative again, rivaling the steepest decreases over the 26�\yr period. Our calibration between two monitoring methods improved continuity for long�\term monitoring for a species of conservation concern by taking advantage of new sampling methods and innovations in analytical approaches. The publication is Open Access and is available online at: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ecs2.3111 Please feel free to contact Jamie_Womble(a)nps.gov<mailto:Jamie_Womble@nps.gov> with questions or to request a PDF of the publication. Thank you, Jamie Jamie N. Womble, Ph.D. Biologist National Park Service, Glacier Bay Field Station Southeast Alaska Inventory & Monitoring Network Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve 3100 National Park Road Juneau, Alaska 99801 USA 907.364.1577 (phone) 907.957.1563 (mobile) 907.364.2606 (fax) https://www.nps.gov/articles/jamie-womble.htm<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.nps.gov/articles/jamie-womble.htm__;…> https://www.nps.gov/glba/learn/nature/seal.htm<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.nps.gov/glba/learn/nature/seal.htm__…> https://www.nps.gov/im/sean/seaotters.htm<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.nps.gov/im/sean/seaotters.htm__;!!J2…>

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New publication: Modelling fine-scale distribution and relative abundance of harbour porpoises in the Southern Bight of the North Sea using platform-of-opportunity data
by Thibaut Bouveroux 29 Apr '20

29 Apr '20

Dear Marmam, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce our new paper: Bouveroux, Th., Waggitt, J .J. , Belhadjer, A., Cazenave, P. W., Evans, P. G. H., and Kiszka, J. J. Modelling fine-scale distribution and relative abundance of harbour porpoises in the Southern Bight of the North Sea using platform-of-opportunity data. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. The paper is available online under First View at http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315420000326 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315420000326>. ABSTRACT: Over the last 25 years, the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) has made a significant return to the Southern Bight of the North Sea and the English Channel due to a shift in distribution from northerly regions. Although the ecological drivers of this return are unclear, this species faces multiple threats in the region, including by-catch and habitat degradation. Ferry-based surveys were conducted year-round between November 2011 and June 2014 to assess the influence of environmental parameters upon the spatiotemporal distribution and relative abundance of harbour porpoises in the Southern Bight of the North Sea. A total of 1450 sightings of harbour porpoises were recorded during the 100 round-trip surveys carried out between Dunkirk (France) and Dover (England). Inter-annual and monthly variations in group size were observed, with largest groups recorded in 2014 (mean = 2.02) and in January (mean = 2.32). The relative abundance showed significant seasonal variation, with peaks recorded during winter months. An inter-annual increasing relative abundance was recorded during the study period. There was a seasonally dependent association with environmental variables, particularly depth, seabed roughness and current speed. Finally, predictions suggest large increases of the relative abundance in offshore habitats during winter months and over the study period. Please do not hesitate to contact me (tbouveroux(a)gmail.com <mailto:tbouveroux@gmail.com>) if you have any queries regarding to this article or to request a PDF copy. All the best, -------------------------------------- Thibaut Bouveroux, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow University of South Alabama Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL 36528 +1 (251) 895 3090 tbouveroux(a)disl.org <mailto:tbouveroux@disl.org>

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Seal Rescue Ireland hiring for Education Manager
by Gale Loescher 29 Apr '20

29 Apr '20

Seal Rescue Ireland: Education Manager Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a charity organisation which operates a busy marine animal rescue and rehabilitation centre located in Courtown, Co. Wexford. As the only facility that fully rehabilitates seals within the Republic of Ireland, SRI responds to strandings nationwide. Most reports are for young grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and common seal (Phoca vitulina) pups found sick, injured or orphaned across the Irish coastline. In addition, SRI pursues understanding and public engagement of ocean conservation and sustainability through education, community outreach and research programmes. SRI is currently accepting applications for their Education Manager position. This high paced, full-time position is for a minimum of 6 months, but longer time commitments are encouraged. This is an unpaid position to start, although compensation is provided in the form of all housing, food, utilities and basic necessities. After the initial training period, there is the opportunity for an additional performance based stipend. Seal Rescue Ireland is looking to fill this position as soon as possible. Applications are due on the 15th of May, 2020. Reports to: Operations Manager Job Summary: The Education Manager will be responsible for overseeing and developing SRI’s marine conservation and sustainability focused education programs for various audiences and groups of visitors. The Education Manager will need to be able to plan, develop and deliver educational programs, activities, games, and materials which are tailored to each group’s specific needs, ages, interests and curriculum. They will plan/attend community outreach events, school visits, birthday parties, fundraisers and networking events to promote awareness of SRI’s mission of marine conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. They will also give daily educational tours of the Centre and animal hospital, as well as providing customer care in the gift shop, and training interns on these duties. There may also be involvement in assisting with animal husbandry and maintenance of rehabilitation animals if desired. Requirements: Applicants must have a background and dedicated interest in areas of study such as Education, Child Development, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation, or a related field. Background knowledge of marine mammals is preferred but not required. Applicants must be organized, personable, self-motivated, resourceful and have experience facilitating events and lessons for large groups. Great networking and public speaking skills are a must. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and diplomacy whenever they are representing Seal Rescue Ireland. We are looking for a candidate that works well as a team and is comfortable around individuals of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds. Finally, applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays. Applicants must be fluent in English, as this position will require the successful applicant to speak in front of large groups. For non-native English speakers coming from European countries, we require a C1 level of English. Duties Include: - Manage and build on SRI’s education programs - Lead groups of children and adults in educational activities - Give educational tours of the facility to visitors and school groups to promote marine conservation - Create educational plans, events, activities and materials - Attend community outreach events to represent SRI’s mission - Plan and assist with fundraisers - Provide customer service to visitors in the gift shop and education centre - Train interns to give educational tours, lead activities, and provide customer service - Assist in the care and maintenance of the Center’s rehabilitation animals (if interested) - Provide assistance to the hospital staff as needed - Performs other duties relating to the SRI’s goals and mission statement as required. Application Deadline: 15th May, 2020 Please visit our website at (http://www.sealrescueireland.org/internships/) to download the application form. Then send completed with your resume, and cover letter to: intern(a)sealrescueireland.org Attention: Education Manager Registered Charity: RCN 20108519

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