Dear Marmam subscribers,

A reminder that completed applications for the Cedar Key Dolphin Project are due by February 23rd:

The Cedar Key Dolphin Project (CKDP) has been conducting surveys of resident bottlenose dolphins around the Cedar Keys, Florida, for more than 20 years. The project goals include investigating the ecology, social structure, and communication of the local population, with a focus on documenting a unique foraging behavior, Driver-Barrier foraging, which is the only known example of a role-specialized behavior in a delphinid species. Research takes place in Cedar Key, Florida and the surrounding coastline, 3 hours north of Tampa and 60 miles west of Gainesville. For more information regarding the project, please visit our website:  www.cedarkeydolphinproject.org

The CKDP is now taking applications for full-time field assistants for the 2024 field season this upcoming summer, between mid June to the end of September (exact dates to be determined). Applicants available for the full period will be given priority. Please note that we receive far more applications than the number of positions that we can offer, therefore the selection process is highly competitive.

Assistants will be expected to work on a boat on all good weather days (up to 7 days per week), for up to 12 hours at a time. Typical weather conditions in summer include 95 degree heat, high humidity, and no breezes. When the weather does not permit fieldwork, work will consist of photo-identification, data entry, and equipment maintenance. Assistants can expect to spend 40% of their time in the field and 60% in the lab. Goals of the upcoming field season include collecting audio and drone-based video data. Assistants may also be asked to assist in local marine mammal stranding response via partner organizations.

This is a volunteer position. Shared housing and food will be provided, but assistants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to Florida.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• At least 18 years old
• Able to swim
• Can lift 25 to 50 pounds
• Flexible, mature, and hard-working
• Able to work well in small groups with a positive attitude (the team work and live together for the duration of the season)
• Willing to learn a variety of field and lab skills
• Applicants of the following qualifications will be given priority:
• Available for the full field season (mid June to end of September)
• Currently enrolled in a related undergraduate or graduate program, or recent graduate
• Prior field experience with photo-ID and boat handling

 How to apply (complete both steps):

1.     Complete an application form via the project website: https://www.cedarkeydolphinproject.org/field-assistant-application.html

2.     Submit all required application materials (CV, cover letter, and contact for 3 references) as a single PDF file via email with the subject line “2024 Field Assistant Application” to ckdolphinproject@gmail.com, CC’ing Field Manager Jolinde Vlaeyen (jolinde.vlaeyen@gmail.com).

Completed applications are due by Friday, February 23rd. Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered. A short-list of applicants will be asked to conduct a short, informal online interview in early March. For more information or to ask any questions, please email ckdolphinproject@gmail.com.

Best Wishes,

The Cedar Key Dolphin Project