Tourism impacts on the New Zealand fur seal at differing breeding colonies throughout New Zealand:

    We are looking for volunteers to participate in the New Zealand fur seal and Tourism research project at four focal breeding colonies along the south island of New Zealand (Banks Peninsula, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, and Cape Foulwind). Data are collected from multiple platforms including shore, tour vessels and kayak.  Skills that will be obtained include behavioural data collection from a research vessel, behavioural data collection from shore, collection of photographic, video and behavioural data from shore and tour vessels, and additional research tasks and data entry and analyses.   

      We are seeking candidates with previous experience working with Pinnipeds or animal behaviour, although prior experience is not required. You must be comfortable working in the field in a variety of conditions and with a small group of international scientists and students. As travel to field sites requires hiking, applicants should be comfortable working outside for up to 8 hours, walking on steep terrain, and able to hike for up to an hour each way. A portion of this project requires camping and kayaking for up to a week at a time.

    The next field season begins November 15^th  2010 and runs through March 2011  Additional field seasons include the following November through March 2011-2012. Minimum duration of volunteer positions are two months, with a 3-month commitment preferred.

    This is a great volunteer opportunity for university credit or personal interest. All travel expenses to field sites will be covered by primary investigator. Project funding is limited and you must be able to provide your own transportation to the field site, housing, food and cell phone. Base of operation will be located in Akaroa New Zealand.

To apply, please provide a letter of interest, C.V. and contact information for 3 references to:  Jenipher Cate at jrc135@uclive.ac.nz .

Thank you,

Jenipher Cate, MSc

University of Canterbury

Marine Mammal Behaviour