SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON SOUTHERN AUSTRALIAN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS IN METROPOLITAN ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA Fieldwork dates: Volunteers are currently needed starting IMMEDIATELY until 30th June 2013, and for the 1st - 30th August 2013. Application deadline: Friday 10th May 2013 Project title: Ecology of the endemic southern Australian bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops australis) in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. Institution: Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL); Flinders University; South Australia www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au> Overview: I am seeking experienced field assistants to assist with boat-based photo-ID and biopsy sampling of bottlenose dolphins in metropolitan Adelaide in South Australia, starting IMMEDIATELY until the 30th June and for the 1st - 30th August 2013. * Commitment to the full duration of this time will be highly favoured. This project aims to collect baseline information on the abundance, habitat use and social structure of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops australis) in metropolitan Adelaide to improve the scientific basis for their conservation and management. This is an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research and contribute to a project with very high conservation and management value. Duties: Searching for dolphins, driving the boat, photo identification, assistance in biopsy sampling, recording field observations, equipment cleaning and, data entry (incl. fin matching). Expectations: Field assistants need to be adaptable and patient as weather is highly dependent. Field work will vary between weekdays and weekends, and assistants will need to be prepared for early morning departures (6-7AM) and long days (6-8 hours) on the water for multiple consecutive days. Expect up to a week between days off, as field work is weather dependent. If the weather isn't right we will NOT be conducting the surveys and will be postponed. Between field days there will be the opportunity for data entry and fin matching of identified individuals. Prerequisites: * Experience of working on a small boat (highly desirable, Coxswain certificate will be highly favoured); * Experience of photo-ID survey techniques (highly desirable); * Experience of field research on small cetaceans (highly desirable); * Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field (desirable) * No history of debilitating seasickness (essential); * Be team-oriented, patient, and have an enthusiastic attitude to hard work, long hours and collecting data on the natural environment (essential); * Fluent in English (highly desirable). Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions, and research assistants will be responsible for their own travel to South Australia and their living expenses. If you are interested, please send a CV, a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience, and contact details of two relevant referees to nikki.zanardo@flinders.edu.au<mailto:nikki.zanardo@flinders.edu.au> by Friday 10th April 2013. Kind Regards, Nikki ------------------------------------------------------------------- Nikki Zanardo PhD Candidate Cetacean, Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab & Molecular Ecology Lab School of Biological Sciences Flinders University * Tel +61 8 8201 2357 | * nikki.zanardo@flinders.edu.au<mailto:nikki.zanardo@flinders.edu.au> * www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> | * www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au My Page: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/nikki.zanardo