* INTERN COORDINATOR FEBRUARY – NOVEMBER 2019* *BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH PROJECT IN IMPERIA, ITALY* *The project* The dolphins research project “Delfini del Ponente” is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins in the Western Ligurian Sea. Due to the morphology of the seafloor, this area is not a usual habitat for this species and historically, sightings have a been more rare and sporadic than in the Levantine side of the region. The continental shelf is, in fact, very short and high depths (around 2000 m) are reached quite close to the shore making the area suitable for other cetacean species but not for bottlenose dolphins, which tend to remain in waters with depth not exceeding 200 m. Despite this knowledge of the range of the species, an interesting change has been noted in recent years in the area. Reports of bottlenose dolphins by boats, fishermen and whale watching vessels are almost tripled compared to previous seasons. Therefore, the project aims to monitor bottlenose dolphins in the region to understand the extent of this change and what drove it. It is structured on an annual basis, in order to obtain data not only on the distribution during the summer, but also changes during the different seasons. *WHERE:* Imperia, Italy *WHEN:* 1 February – 30 November 2019 Minimum required: *3 months* The intern coordinator is responsible for assisting biologists during all the research activities and coordinating the interns and high school students participating in the project. *Skills/qualification:* · Minimum age of 18 · Degree or on-going studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred) with strong motivation to work hard in marine mammals research · Speak, read and write in fluent English · Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent · Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys · Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun, able to swim and work in hard weather condition both in nearshore and offshore waters · Be prepared to spend many hours on the office (generally 6 hours per day) · Be sociable and willing as they are expected to live and work in an international team · Boat driving licence or experience in handling small boats (preferred) · The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with other participants but also must be able to supervise small groups of. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, enjoy marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travelling and exploring the beautiful Liguria region while supporting cetacean research and conservation. Fieldwork will be made in coastal waters (Western Ligurian Sea). Surveys will be conducted onboard dedicated vessels (5-6 m inflatable boat) 10-12 times per month. Training will focus on collecting photo for photo-ID purposes, environmental, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Fieldwork will help participants in gaining first-hand experience in collecting data on free-ranging cetaceans and improve skills on cetaceans boat-based surveys as well as on the use of the photo-ID technique. Surveys are weather dependent and they can change during the period. *Other Information* This position is unpaid but accommodation is provided. The intern coordinator will share an apartment with the interns. Successful applicants will be responsible for organising and paying for their own travel arrangements to and from Imperia of their own travelling to and from Imperia. *How to apply: * Send your CV and a cover letter (please indicate the preferred period, date of arriving and departure, previous experience and skills , and at least one letter of reference) to *info@costabalenae.it <info@costabalenae.it>* addressed to Davide Ascheri *no longer than the 5th of December.* Successful applicants could be contacted for a skype interview. For any further enquiry and detail, please send an email to *info@costabalenae.it <info@costabalenae.it>* Davide Ascheri Biologist - Costa Balenae Whale and Nature Watching *info@costabalenae.it <info@costabalenae.it>*