Volunteer Position in Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand

Volunteers are required to assist with ongoing study data examining the distribution of marine mammals in the Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds, NZ.

Species of interest include bottlenose, dusky, common and Hector’s dolphins as well as New Zealand fur seals.  This research forms part of a PhD study being

conducted under the auspices of the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University, Auckland (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz).

Background:

The Marlborough Sounds, a region of embayments and estuaries is located in the northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand.  The study site, Queen Charlotte Sound,

serves as the main passageway between the North and South Islands of New Zealand and is utilized by a range of vessels.  Several marine mammal species occur within

Queen Charlotte Sound including bottlenose dolphins (Tusiops truncatus), Hector’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori), common dolphins (Delphinus sp.),

dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) and killer whales (Orcinus orca). The aim of this project is to investigate the distribution and relative abundance of marine mammals

occurring within the Sound in order to provide part of a baseline study of the region. Behaviour, inter-specific interactions and potential anthropogenic influences will also be investigated.

Dates:

June 2012-June 2013, in three month increments

Location:

Picton, New Zealand

Responsibilities:

Field work will involve data collection from a platform of opportunity (13 m catamaran)

Responsibilities will include:

-         Diligent searching for marine mammals, identification to species, recording of group size, group composition and behaviour

-         Collection of various environmental parameters

-         Utilization of GPS equipment to collect sighting location data and effort tracks

-         Data entry of all fieldwork undertaken

-         Opportunistic Photo-ID

-         Additional responsibilities may be added as the season progresses

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have a science background and previous marine mammal field experience. This internship is well-suited for recent graduates or graduate students

of marine biology, zoology, ecology or similar fields. Preferred candidates will have some experience studying free-ranging dolphins.

He or she must:

-         Possess basic computer skills including MS excel

-         Be comfortable working on boats

-         Be responsible, focused and motivated

-         Be personable, possess a strong interest in science and a mature attitude toward marine mammal research

-         Be patient and flexible as many hours are spent in search of marine mammals

-         Be prepared to live in a small isolated town and to work independently

-         Make a 3 month commitment to the project

Unfortunately, no monetary compensation or compensation for housing is available for this position.

Application Process:

If interested please email c.cross@massey.ac.nz  with the subject line VOLUNTEER POSITION

Please LIST the following in a CONCISE message:

1)      Relevant experience or qualifications

2)      The time frame that you are available over the next year

3)      Reasons you want to help with this project

4)      The contact info of at least one professional reference that can confirm work ethic and experience

5)      Current place of residence

Please also attach CV or resume to the email

This is great opportunity to work in a unique environment while gaining further research experience and contributing to an important project.

Priority will be given to placing applicants that are available immediately. Thank you for your interest!

Sincerely,

Cheryl

Cheryl L. Cross
PhD Candidate
Coastal-Marine Research Group
Institute of Natural Sciences
Massey University
Private Bag 102 904
North Shore City 0745
Auckland
New Zealand

Tel:    +64 9 414 0800 EXT 41520
Mob:  +64 21 022 93719
Fax: + 64 9 443 9790