Marine Mammal List Serve

Volunteer request

Date: November 2011 through March 2012

Tourism impacts on the New Zealand fur seal at differing breeding colonies throughout New Zealand.

Project Summary:

We are looking for volunteers to participate in the New Zealand fur seal and tourism research project at four focal breeding colonies along the south island of New Zealand (Banks Peninsula, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, and Cape Foulwind). This is a joint research effort by the New Zealand Department of Conservation and the University of Canterbury. Data are collected from multiple platforms including shore, tour vessels and kayak.  Skills that will be obtained include behavioural data collection from a research vessel, behavioural data collection from shore, collection of photographic and behavioural data from shore and tour vessels. Additional research tasks will include and data entry.

            We are seeking candidates with previous experience working with pinnipeds or animal behaviour, although prior experience is not required. Applicants should be comfortable working on boats. You must be comfortable working in the field in a variety of conditions and with a small group of international scientists and students. As travel to field sites requires hiking, applicants should be comfortable working outside for up to 8 hours, walking on steep, unstable terrain, and able to hike for up to an hour each way. A typical work week will consist of 4 days in the field, two days on a boat, and one day off. A portion of this project may require camping and kayaking for up to a week at a time, however that is subject to funding.

           The next field season begins November 1st 2011 and runs through the beginning of March 2012 (4 months). Minimum duration of volunteer positions is three months, with preferred commitment of the whole field season (4 months).

Project funding is limited and you must be able to provide your own transportation to New Zealand, housing, food and cell phone. Base of operation will be located in Akaroa, New Zealand. All travel expenses to field sites within the field season will be covered by the project.

This is a great volunteer opportunity for university credit, obtaining field experience, or personal interest.

To apply, please provide a letter of interest, C.V. available dates and contact information for 3 references to:  Jenipher Cate at jrc135@uclive.ac.nz .

Please refer all questions/inquiries to the above email address.

Thank you

Jenipher Cate, PhD candicate

University of Canterbury

Marine Mammal Behaviour

Private Bag 4800 Ilam, Christchurch New Zealand