Volunteer Internship Announcement Closing Date: April 20th, 2007 Project: Behavior and Ecology of Manatees & Dolphins in Drowned Cayes, Belize, Central America Principal Investigator: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph. D. Candidate, Texas A&M University Location: Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center, Belize Adventure Lodge, Spanish Lookout Caye Research Permits issued by: Conservation Division-Forestry Department, Belize Primary Funding Agencies: The Earthwatch Institute and the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness and Education Project Details: Available Online at http://www.sirenian.org/LogisticsIntern2007.html 2007 Summer Internship Dates: 14 May - 31 August 2007 (approximate dates for 2 interns) Qualifications: Science oriented upper level undergraduate, graduate, or post-doc. The successful applicant must speak English, be a strong swimmer, must be well organized and comfortable with coordinating logistics for groups of 8-20 people, must have some field experience, and must be comfortable working with volunteers and living under rustic/primitive conditions. A positive "can do" attitude, love of interacting with an eclectic group of people, patience in dealing with both the public (volunteers) and the scientists, and high self-esteem and fun-loving nature will be extremely important to a successful field season. First aid, CPR, and snorkeling experience are of added value as is a background in biology, zoology, wildlife ecology, environmental or marine science, or conservation biology. Accepting Applications Immediately CLOSING DATE: April 20th, 2007 - FIRM Introduction: Be prepared to work very hard in exchange for this opportunity to participate in a unique manatee & dolphin field research project in Belize. Our Logistics Interns have five principle responsibilities: (1) coordinate, train, and interact with a diverse group of Earthwatch volunteers; (2) coordinate camp logistics, schedule and delegate responsibilies to volunteers; (3) oversee collection and reduction of field data (including GPS data, photo & video recordings, and seagrass and other environmental samples); (4) input data and expenses into database (MS Access, MS Excel, MS Word); (5) assist with local educational outreach program. The intern will also be expected to lead snorkeling trips on the reef, deliver lectures, and/or lead discussions on a topic or issue related to this project. Examples might include: Marine Protected Areas, Use-Preservation Paradox, Conservation, Biodiversity, Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Coral Reef Ecology, Mangrove Ecology, Seagrass Ecology, Marine Invertebrates, Tropical Fishes, Marine Mammals, Marine Ecosystem Management, Endangered Species, Marine Reptiles, etc., etc., etc. Compensation: This is a volunteer position and the intern must purchase their own airfare to/from Belize ($600-$1000 depending on your departure city) and cover any travel expenses incurred when not on Spanish Lookout Caye. While at our camp, living expenses (room and board) will be provided. The interns will have time to travel around Belize (at their own expense) during breaks. To Apply: Carefully read and follow directions online at http://www.sirenian.org/LogisticsIntern2007.html Our 4 phase process to selecting interns include: 1. Email Caryn (caryn@sirenian.org) to get contact information for previous interns; communicate with at least 2 previous interns. 2. Submit an application by email as described on website not later than 20 April 2007. 3. If your application is selected for further consideration, we will send each of your references a questionnaire by 21 April 2007. 4. Upon receipt of answers to the questionnaire, IF we feel your strengths and weaknesses are a good match for ours, we will set up a telephone or personal interview by 26 April 2007. Invitations for the internship will be made by email or phone at least 14 days prior to the start date (~April 30th). Acknowledgments: The Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education, Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center, and the Earthwatch Institute provide financial support for our Logistics Internships. We are extremely grateful for their help in providing internship opportunities. Caryn Self Sullivan, Marine Scientist Email: caryn@sirenian.org, caryn@hpfoundation.org Personal Fax: 540.907.4597 Belize Cell: ++501 660.9148 or 606.3696 USA Mobile: 540.287.8207 TAMU-WFSC Ethology Lab: 979.845.0495 Virginia Office/Home 540.373.8205 ======================================= Belize Spanish Lookout Caye: ++501.220.4024 Belize HPF(BDC) Office: ++501.223.2333 (BDC 223.4526) SkypeIN: 540.322.2207 (local to Fredericksburg) SkypeID: carynselfsullivan http://www.sirenian.org/caryn.html ================================== Texas A&M University, Ph.D. Candidate Sirenian International, President & Co-Founder Earthwatch Institute, Principal Investigator Hugh Parkey Foundation, Marine Science Advisor The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world through research, education, and inter-cultural collaboration. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. Donate online at http://www.sirenian.org. The Hugh Parkey Foundation is dedicated to keeping Hugh's legacy alive by increasing marine awareness and conservation through education, sustainable tourism and research. Our model focuses on marine stewardship within the Belizean society and facilitates international outreach.