The Shark Bay Dolphin Research Alliance (sharkbaydolphins.org) is seeking two field assistants for the 2016 field season (late-June through November) in Shark Bay, Western Australia.

We seek an assistant for the Dolphin Innovation Project, which operates out of the small township of Useless Loop in the western gulf of Shark Bay. The assistant is required from late-June until the end of August (just over two months).

We also seek a field assistant for the Dolphin Alliance Project, based in Monkey Mia in the eastern gulf of Shark Bay. The assistant is required from late-June through the end of November (just over five months).

In both projects, we will be conducting boat-based surveys and focal follows, collecting a combination of photo-ID, acoustic, behavioural and genetic data from the resident dolphins. These different aspects will be the focus of the field effort at different periods throughout the field season.

Weather permitting, days on the water can be long and tiring in variable conditions, but you will encounter dolphins that form complex alliances, and those that exhibit remarkable foraging specialisations, as well as the myriad of other wildlife (e.g. sharks, rays, turtles, dugongs) inhabiting this remote World Heritage Area. On windy days, you will be working on photo-matching and processing, data entry, and the long-term database.

We seek assistants who have demonstrable prior field experience, including familiarity with conducting photo-ID and the handling of small (<6m) boats, and those who are comfortable assisting with the collection of small skin/blubber samples using a remote biopsy system. You will need to be a hard-working, easy-going, team player, as we live and work in close quarters for extended periods. Given our remote location, it can be very difficult to accommodate strict dietary requirements. 

These are volunteer positions and you need to make your own way to Shark Bay, but food and accommodation (in caravans or dongas) on-site is covered by the Shark Bay Dolphin Research Alliance. Since it takes time to train field assistants, preference will be given to those who can commit for the entire time for each of the respective projects.

If you’re interested and capable, please send a letter of interest, CV/resume and email contacts for two referees to information@sharkbaydolphins.org by Mon. 29^th Feb, 2016.

All the best, 

The Shark Bay Dolphin Research Alliance team.