We are looking for volunteers to participate in the Sperm Whales and Tourism research project at Kaikoura, New Zealand.  Data are collected from multiple platforms including shore, tour vessels, aircraft, and research vessel based platforms.  Skills that will be obtained include behavioural and acoustic data collection from a research vessel, behavioural data collection from shore using a surveyor's theodolite, collection of photographic, video and behavioural data from aircraft and tour vessels, and additional research tasks and data entry and analyses.

We are seeking candidates with previous experience working with cetaceans from research vessels or from shore, although prior experience is not required.  You must be comfortable working in the field in a variety of conditions and with a large, international team of scientists and students.

The next field season begins July 15th and runs through October 2010.  Additional field seasons include Dec-Feb and April-June 2011.  Minimum duration to volunteer is two months, with a 3-month commitment preferred.

Project funding is limited and you must be able to provide your own transportation to the field site, housing, food and cell phone (limited communications costs with the research team leader will be covered).  Information on the cost of housing in New Zealand can be found at http://www.kaikoura.co.nz. 

To apply, please provide a letter of interest, C.V. and contact information for 3 references to:  manuelpinguinhas@gmail.com with a copy to ophelie.sagnol@hotmail.fr.

Thank you,

Manuel Fernandes and Ophélie Sagnol