Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistant/Intern Openings - Summer 2009
Connecticut, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas
The
Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently
seeking two interns for the summer of 2009. These internships have both field
and office components, both of which are mandatory, and total 9–12
weeks.
DCP
looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning
of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions focus
primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. As a team, DCP research
scientists study four groups of dolphins in three countries. Interns are needed
at our Bimini,
Responsibilities
In
the field:
¨
Travel to and assist for 3-4
weeks at our Bimini research site (exact dates TBD, likely beginning
mid-July)
¨
Assist gathering data
(general observations, photographs, underwater video) during 4-6 hour/day boat
excursions
¨
Complete photo-identification
of dolphins from still photography and video as well as other data analysis
tasks
¨
Assist with on-board and
outreach education
At
the office:
¨
Travel to and assist office
staff for 6-8 weeks at our Connecticut office (exact dates TBD, likely prior to
field component)
¨
Process and analyze data,
including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other
DCP research sites, conducting detailed focal follows from video data for
behavioral analyses, and acoustic analysis of dolphin sounds (using
Raven)
¨
Assist in the development and
implementation of education programs for schools and the general
public
Requirements
Successful interns must have basic computer skills and
working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Current enrollment in
a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and
experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not
necessarily required. The successful candidates will be comfortable on a boat
for several hours at a time in varying conditions. They will also be proficient
swimmers with the desire to improve free-diving skills. They will be able to
work as a team both at the office and in a fairly remote and isolated field
setting. Good writing and public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to
details. Interns must be at least 18 years of
age.
Expenses and Compensation
This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible
for their own transportation to Bimini and Connecticut. There is a $1,000.00 fee
which will cover expenses in the field, including room and board. Room, board
and transportation while in Connecticut is the responsibility of the intern,
although assistance in securing this may be available.
Interested applicants should review information at this link:
http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1266&Itemid=309
Send a completed application (downloadable and detailed at the link above) to kmelillo@dolphincommunicationproject.org.
Applications are due 15 February 2009. Interviews
(in-person or via telephone) may be arranged for selected candidates.
For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo at kmelillo@dolphincommunicationproject.org.