The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) is seeking applications from field assistants for the summer expeditions within the Red Sea Dolphin Project (http://redseadolphinproject.wordpress.com/info/).

The project is the first scientific survey completely dedicated to the study of dolphins and whales presence, abundance, distribution and habitat preferences in the Southern Egyptian Red Sea.

The 2011 summer season research will be conducted on board the 35m long HEPCA research vessel. The study area covers the Egyptian Red Sea from Marsa Alam all the way south to the Sudanese border (about 450km) in a strip of marine waters up to 50 Km wide. The majority of the time will be spent at sea or anchored in offshore reef (depending on sea conditions). Navigation at night might also be conducted. Every 10 days the boat docks for water and fuel supply and to embark/land eco-volunteers.

Summer survey is divided in two legs:
First leg:     4th of June - 3rd of July 2011
Second leg:    21st of July - 9th of August 2011

Candidates must be available for, at least, one leg. Application for both legs are preferred but applicants need to provide for their own accommodation and food expenses during the spell of time between the cruises.

Applicants are required to conduct visual and acoustic survey of cetaceans and should be ready to work long hours (from sunrise to sunset, and occasionally also during night-time navigation) in demanding weather conditions, 7 days a week. High motivation and ability to concentrate for several hours are essential.
 

Duties include:

·         Learn all research protocols;
·         Entry data in real time (databases are on Access and Base);
·         Crop, sort and manage fin images for photoID;
·         Perform underwater photo-identification data collection;
·         Assist with behavioural and genetic data collection;
·         Carry on Bleach Watch Monitoring (diving or snorkelling, training provided);
·         Clean and maintain equipment;
·         Hold lectures on various research and environmental topics;
·         Entertain, help and assist eco-volunteers on board;
·         Keep their own and common spaces clean and safe.

Previous experience in the field - preferably on marine mammals- is required.
Applicants must be patient, adaptable and sociable as they are expected to work and live as part of a team and share small spaces with up to 25 people (including researchers, crew and eco-volunteers) on board.
As meals are prepared by the crew and shopping made once every 10 days in remote areas, fussy eaters are discouraged from applying (vegetarianism can be accommodated).

Other requirement:

·         Proficiency in English, good writing, public speaking skills are a must;
·         Proficiency in swimming;
·         SCUBA diving license preferred but not required;
·         Basic computer literacy with a working knowledge PC operating system and proficiency with MS Office. Familiarity with software including Microsoft Access, Pamguard, Distance, GIS, Photoshop would be very helpful but not required.

Successful interns are kindly asked to bring their own laptop computer.

Successful field assistant will work in a beautiful and pristine marine subtropical area. This project will be an excellent opportunity to gain experience in visual and acoustic marine mammal survey, photo-identification, habitat sampling and general data collection, and develop practical skills.

Successful candidates will share double ensuite cabins and contribute to living and research expenses with a total amount of 300 Euro for the first leg, and 200 Euro for the second. Applicants will need also to arrange their own travel (and travel insurance) to Hurghada.  Transport from/to Hurghada and the field site is provided on arrival and departure.

Successful candidates are expected to come to Hurghada minimum 2 days before the start of the expedition to attend training sessions. In these days, they will be responsible for their own accommodation and food expenses.


To apply for a Red Sea Dolphin Project internship, send a brief email to maddalena@hepca.com stating name, contact information, availability and attach an updated and relevant CV.

Deadline for applications is April 10, 2011. Potential successful candidates will be contacted for an interview to be held at the end of April 2011.


Maddalena Fumagalli
Marine Biologist
HEPCA - Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation association
Hurghada New Marina - Building B2
Hurghada- Red Sea- Egypt
Tel:+2 065 344 50 35/ 065 3447728
maddalena@hepca.com
www.hepca.com