Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Internship Position for 2012
The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research (OBXCDR)/Nags
Head Dolphin Watch is currently accepting applications for the 2012 summer
season. One internship position is available. The research season is May 14 –
October 7. Successful applicants must be able to commit through the end of
August.
The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research is a 501 c(3)
non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of bottlenose dolphins in
the Outer Banks, NC. Our program’s goal is to gain an understanding of the
population size, movement patterns, and behavioral ecology of coastal
bottlenose dolphins in the sounds and coastal waters near the Outer Banks. The
OBXCDR currently conducts a photo-identification monitoring study of bottlenose
dolphins in Roanoke, Croatan, Albemarle, Pamlico and Currituck Sounds. Data is
collected via dedicated small boat surveys as well as opportunistically from a
local dolphin watch. This study is a continuation of the long-term study
initiated by the Nags Head Dolphin Watch in 1997. Information from the long-term
monitoring study will provide a basis for initiation of studies involving
habitat utilization, social associations, and anthropogenic effects on the
dolphins. Interns will gain experience in field data collection, photo-identification
of dolphins in the lab, and environmental education. For more information about
the OBXCDR, please visit: obxdolphins.org. Our research program is also
featured on Field Trip Earth under Outer Banks Dolphin Research at:
www.fieldtripearth.org/
The internship position will consist of bottlenose dolphin photo-identification,
opportunistic/dedicated field research, and environmental education.
Responsibilities include:
- Photo-identification
of dolphins in the lab, including photo sorting, grading, and matching,
sighting data entry, and assisting in maintenance of long-term photo-id
catalog using the MS Access database FinBase (40% of time)
- Mate/naturalist
duties aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch, including the implementation of
educational programs regarding dolphin biology and marine conservation as
well as additional mate duties. The mate/naturalist will also collect
opportunistic photo-identification data aboard the dolphin tours (photographing
dorsal fins, measuring environmental parameters, and recording sighting data
on datasheet), organize opportunistic data for inclusion in the photo-identification
catalog, and assist in general maintenance of field equipment. (60% of time)
- Assisting
with boat-based photo-identification surveys to examine seasonal
abundances of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke Sound. Responsibilities include operating small
vessel during transect surveys and sightings, collecting environmental, location,
and behavioral data for dolphin groups, and general maintenance of field
equipment. (July, October)
This internship requires a minimum commitment of 36 hours
per week, consisting of ecotours and lab photo-identification. The intern will
conduct mate/naturalist duties and opportunistic photo-identification aboard the
Nags Head Dolphin Watch for 3-4 days per week throughout the field season while
1-2 days per week will be spent building the photo-identification catalog in
the lab. Abundance surveys will be conducted during the months of July and
September; 3 surveys will be conducted each month. The intern will participate
in 1-2 surveys in July and 3 surveys in September.
Salary: This
internship is a paid position. Applicants will receive an hourly salary for
performing ecotours on the dolphin watch.
Housing: Although
housing is not provided, we will assist you in finding housing accommodations
in the Outer Banks. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to and
from the Outer Banks as well as to and from the field site.
The successful applicant would ideally have the following
qualifications:
- Minimum
of 18 years of age and currently or recently enrolled in a college-level
program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field
- Strong
interest in the marine environment and conservation
- Ability
to swim
- Basic
computer proficiency in MS Office Access and MS Office Picture Manager
- Enthusiasm,
attention to detail, responsible, and dedicated
- Works
well in a team environment as well as individually
- Experience
in marine field data collection
- Experience
in photo-identification and working on boats preferred but not required
- First
AID/CPR certification preferred but not required
NOTE: The United States Coast Guard requires all passenger
vessels to be drug free work environments. In order to work aboard the dolphin
ecotours, the intern will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test and to
participate in random drug testing during the period of the research season.
Application Process:
Please submit cover letter, resume, and contact information
for 3 references via email to:
obxcdr@hotmail.com Use
“Dolphin photo-id internship” in the subject line of the email. All
applications will be reviewed; those received by February 15
th will
be given priority.
Jessica Taylor
Principal Investigator/Scientific Advisor, Outer Banks
Center for Dolphin Research
P.O. Box 7721
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948