Volunteer Opportunities Available BACKGROUND: I am looking for two dedicated volunteer research assistants to assist with the data collection for my doctoral research project. The aim of this project is to assess the responses of the South Island Hectors dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori) to vessel activity (including tourism operations) in Akaroa Harbour, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. Akaroa Harbour is also part of the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary. I am looking for enthusiastic, hard-working and reliable individuals who possess a strong interest in marine mammals to assist me during the scheduled field season, which runs from the beginning of November 2005 to end of March 2006. Volunteers who are able to commit for a minimum of 4 weeks are encouraged to apply. Field work can be demanding but you will have a great opportunity to observe the smallest and rarest marine dolphin in the world in a unique environment. This is also an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in relation to observations/field work with marine mammals. Such experience will prove valuable to anyone hoping to pursue a career in marine mammal science, animal behaviour and eco-tourism. FIELD WORK: Field work will involve land-based surveys of Hectors dolphins from various sites around Akaroa Harbour and Banks Peninsula. Some of the locations of the field sites are more remote than others. The hands-on work will involve behavioural observations of dolphins. Dolphins and vessels movement and interactions will also be determined using a theodolite and recorded with a laptop using real time theodolite tracking system. Data will be collected both in the absence and presence of vessels. Volunteers should be prepared to work long hours and be expected to participate in data collection, data entry and general logistical support. Data collection will mainly consist of recording group position, size, composition and behaviour as well as weather conditions. LOCATION: Banks Peninsula is a unique place, home to many marine mammal species and other wildlife. Check out Akaroa website: http://www.akaroa.com/ for more information of the area. EXPECTED COSTS: There is no fee for this project. Accommodation and transportation to the field sites will be organised. At this stage due to limited funding, volunteers will be expected to participate in accommodation and food expenses. Volunteers will also have to fund their own travel to Akaroa or alternatively to Christchurch. APPLICANTS SHOULD: - Be responsible, independent, and conscientious, - Be enthusiastic, have a good team spirit and genuine interest in marine mammals. - Have a background in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field, - Have previous field experience. This would be advantageous but is not a prerequisite, - Have good communication skills, - Have good English language skills - Have basic IT skills - Have a driving licence. APPLICATIONS Applications should include: - Current CV or resume, - Details of your availability - Contact details of at least one referee - A brief description of yourself including your interest in marine mammals and what you may hope to gain from this experience. Additional questions or enquiries can also be made to the email address provided below. If you are interested, please send your application by email or regular mail to Emmanuelle Martinez at: Akaroa Research on Effects of Vessel Activity Coastal Marine Research Group Massey University at Albany Private Bag 102 904 North Shore MSC New Zealand Email: areva @paradise.net.nz The deadline for applications is October 1st 2005. Thanks. Emmanuelle **************************************************************************** Emmanuelle Martinez Coastal Marine Research Group Ecology, Zoology and Environmental Sciences Institute of Natural Resources Massey University at Albany Private Bag 102 904 North Shore MSC New Zealand Phone: +64 212159800 (mobile) +64 9 414 0800 ext 41197 (University) Fax: +64 9 443 9790 (University) CMRG website- http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz **************************************************************************