Bottlenose DolphinPhoto-ID Internship/Research Assistant Position for Fall 2019 The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research (OBXCDR)/Nags Head Dolphin Watch has an opening for a fallinternship. One internship position is available. The research season is August19 – November 1. Successful applicants must be able to commit through earlyOctober. The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to theconservation of bottlenose dolphins in the Outer Banks, NC. Our program’s goalis to gain an understanding of the population dynamics, movement patterns, andbehavioral ecology of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the sounds and coastalwaters near the Outer Banks. The OBXCDR conducts a photo-identificationmonitoring study of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke, Croatan, Albemarle, Pamlicoand Currituck Sounds. Data is collected via dedicated small boat surveys aswell as opportunistically from a local dolphin watch. This study is acontinuation of the long-term study initiated by the Nags Head Dolphin Watch in1997. Information from the long-term monitoring study will provide a basis forstudies involving population trends, habitat utilization, social associations,and ecology of the dolphins as well as aid in efforts to examine bottlenosedolphin stock structure and movement patterns along the U.S. Atlantic coast.Interns will gain experience in field data collection, photo-identification ofdolphins, and environmental education. For more information about the OBXCDR,please visit: obxdolphins.org. The internshipposition will consist of bottlenose dolphin photo-identification,opportunistic/dedicated field research, and environmental education.Responsibilities include: § Mate/naturalistduties aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch: This involves the implementation of educational programs,including public speaking aboard the eco-tours (using a microphone andone-on-one) to educate others about local dolphin biology and marineconservation, as well as additional mate duties. The mate/naturalist will alsocollect opportunistic photo-identification data aboard the eco-tours(photographing dorsal fins, measuring environmental parameters, and recordingsighting data), organize opportunistic data for inclusion in thephoto-identification catalog, and assist in general maintenance of fieldequipment. For additional information about the Nags Head Dolphin Watch,please see www.nagsheaddolphinwatch.com (30% of time) | | | | | | | | | | | Nags Head Dolphin Watch Outer Banks, North Carolina | | | § Photo-identification ofdolphins in the lab: This includes photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting dataentry, and assisting in maintenance of the long-term OBX photo-id catalog usingthe MS Access database FinBase. Additionaltime will also be spent completing an independent research project. Thisindependent project should be completed within the span of the internship. Thefinal product of this project will be a final project report (50% of time) § Boat-basedphoto-identification: The intern willassist with boat-based photo-identification surveys to examine abundances, sitefidelity, and prevalence of skin lesions of bottlenose dolphins in RoanokeSound. Responsibilities include operating a small vessel during transectsurveys and sightings, assisting with photo-identification, collectingenvironmental, location, and behavioral data for dolphin groups, and general maintenanceof field equipment. (20% of time) This internshiprequires a minimum commitment of 36 hours per week, consisting of eco-tours,lab photo-identification, and dedicated surveys. The intern will carry outmate/naturalist duties and opportunistic photo-identification aboard the NagsHead Dolphin Watch for 3-4 days per week throughout the field season while 1-2days per week will be spent conducting photo-identification in the lab. Transectsurveys will be conducted 3-5 times per month from August through November. Salary: Thisinternship is a paid position. Applicants will receive an hourly salary for thenaturalist position on the dolphin watch. Tips aboard the dolphin tours areexpected, but not guaranteed. Housing: Although housing is not provided, we will assist you in finding housingaccommodations in the Outer Banks. Interns are responsible for their owntransportation to and from the Outer Banks as well as to and from the fieldsites and lab. The successfulapplicant would ideally have the following qualifications: § Minimum of 18 years of age and recentlygraduated with an undergraduate degree in marine biology, biology, zoology, orrelated field § Strong interest in the marine environment andconservation § Ability to swim § Basic proficiency in MS Access, Word, Excel,and Picture Manager § Enthusiasm, attention to detail, responsible, independent,focused, and dedicated § Works well in a team environment as well asindividually § Experience in boating and marine field datacollection § Experience in environmental outreach preferredbut not required § Experience in photo-identification preferredbut not required § First AID/CPR certification preferred but notrequired § Due to employment aboard the dolphin eco-tours,all candidates must be U.S. citizens NOTE: The UnitedStates Coast Guard requires all passenger vessels to be drug free workenvironments. In order to work aboard the dolphin eco-tours, the intern will berequired to pass a pre-employment drug test and to participate in random drugtesting during the period of the research season. Application Process: Please submit coverletter, resume, and contact information for 3 references via email to:obxcdr@hotmail.com Use “Dolphin photo-id internship” in thesubject line of the email. Applications will be reviewed in the order received. Jessica Taylor Executive Director,Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research P.O. Box 7721 Kill Devil Hills, NC27948 Obxdolphins.org