The Sea Watch Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for various positions as part of the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project” in 2011. This project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and takes care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR This position is responsible for assisting the Monitoring Officer in the running of the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project” and coordinating the project volunteers. Start Date: April 11th 2011 End Date: October 17th 2011 Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Coordinate between the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer and the project volunteers – in charge of the volunteer house and the volunteer weekly office rota. Assisting the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer in volunteer basic training of land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies, Database entry and more. Assisting the Monitoring Officer in all phases of the research. Undertaking a personal research project supervised by the Monitoring Officer – research topic will be chosen according to Sea Watch Foundation requirements and applicants’ interests. Requirements: The successful applicant is expected to have a BSc degree (or more) in biology, marine biology, zoology, chemistry, or related field and able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and boating experience are beneficial.The applicant must be proficient with database and word processing software and be willing to learn new software applications. Specific experience in Access and/or GIS would be advantageous. The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with other researchers but also be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating at least 6 volunteers. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. This post brings the opportunity to submit work for scientific publication.This position is unpaid but accommodation expenses will be covered. MARINE RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS: The volunteers will help the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer by taking part in the following tasks: · Land-based surveys · Boat-based surveys · Photo-identification studies · Database entry · Awareness raising · Education initiatives · Acoustic monitoring · Assist with and participate in training courses and public talks Important skills/qualifications Essential: · an ability to work in a meticulous and reliable manner · strong commitment to volunteering work · willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather · good IT skills (Office package) · an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable: · a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar · a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans · prior experience in boat-based survey work · good verbal and written communication skills and in public speaking · experience in interacting with the public All volunteers will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. EDUCATION & AWARENESS ASSISTANT The assistant will be responsible in aiding the Sightings Officer with the following duties: • Participate in presentations and create activities to take to local schools • Write news reports and articles • Pilot a blog and manage it throughout the season as part of our ‘Adopt a Dolphin’ campaign • Promote Sea Watch campaigns • Assist in the organisation and participation of annual event, National Whale and Dolphin Watch • Come up with new educational initiatives • Talk to the public about the marine environment and conservation of cetaceans • Assist in the organisation of training courses The assistant will also have the opportunity to be involved in the research, helping the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer, and will be expected to take part in the following tasks in the field: • Land-based surveys • Boat-based surveys There may also be the opportunity to help with some other office based duties if any are of particular interest such as: • Photo-identification studies • Database entry • Acoustic monitoring • Behavioural studies Important skills/qualificationsEssential:• a strong interest in marine conservation and education• confidence to interact with the public• good verbal and writing skills• must have initiative and bring their own ideas and personality to the position• strong commitment to volunteering work• an ability to work in an organised and reliable manner• an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable:• a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar • a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans • good IT skills (Office package)• prior experience in public speaking• prior experience in boat-based survey work • willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather Research volunteers and the education/awareness assistant will be required from April until October 2011, for 4 separate periods of 6 weeks each. Preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole 6-months field season. Volunteers will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of around £55/week. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Volunteering periods for summer 2011: Period 1 25/04 – 5/06, Period 2 6/06 – 17/07, Period 3 18/07 – 28/08, Period 4 29/08 – 9/10 To apply: Please send your CV, a cover letter and contact details of two references reporting any relevant experience you have. For Research Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator and Research Volunteer applications please send to Daphna Feingold (daphna.feingold@seawatchfoundation.org.uk). Applications for the Education & Awareness Assistant should be sent to Gemma Veneruso (gemma.veneruso@seawatchfoundation.org.uk). Deadlines: 31st of January 2011. Please specify the name of the position into your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2011. THE SEAWATCH FOUNDATION The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. Sea Watch is internationally recognised for its work and regularly produces reports for a number of bodies worldwide. Visit http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk to see our achievements, publications and lots more. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories. Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones. Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods.