Leopard Seal Volunteer Position, Remote Internship

 

A volunteer is required to assist with ongoing research into the occurrence, residency and movement of leopard seals around New Zealand. The role consists of desktop research, including data entry, photo-identification, emails and support with various ongoing research projects.

 

This study is part of an ongoing project for the Marine Megafauna Group at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research and is being undertaken in collaboration with LeopardSeals.Org.

 

DETAILS OF ROLE:

This role involves:

1) Data organisation and entry into the New Zealand Leopard Seal Database (i.e., into Microsoft Word and Excel software).

2) Photo-identification of individual leopard seals as part of the New Zealand Leopard Seal Catalogue.

3) Liaison with various stakeholders (e.g., Iwi), agencies and organisations where leopard seals reside (e.g., marinas), government departments (e.g., Department of Conservation & Ministry of Primary Industries) and members of the public where required.

4) Remote assistance with various leopard seal research projects being conducted throughout New Zealand as and when it is required (e.g., literature reviews, cross referencing data, extracting data from databases and from published literature).

 

LOCATION:

There is no requirement to reside in a particular location as the volunteer work can be conducted remotely. Weekly check-ins and other additional meetings will be held with the project coordinator via Zoom.

 

DATES:

September 2020 - February 2021.

 

A minimum commitment of three months is required, and priority will be given to those who can commit to longer periods. While hours can be flexible to accommodate part-time work, applicants who are available on a full-time basis (i.e. 38 hours per week), will be given priority.

 

LOGISTICS:

As this is a volunteer position, there is no monetary compensation or living provisions provided. As there is no requirement to reside in New Zealand, the successful applicant is responsible for their own costs. The applicant will be expected to provide their own computer.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent graduates and graduate students who have some background in biology, marine biology, ecology, zoology or related fields. Computer proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) is a requirement.

 

The successful applicant will be trustworthy, willing to work with a well-established team but also be able to work without direct supervision.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Email your CV to krista.hupman@niwa.co.nz and outline why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist, your qualifications and relevant experience.