SEEKING EXPERIENCED FIELD ASSISTANTS for research on tropical dolphins in north-west Australia Fieldwork dates: commences 31 March 2013 for 10-12 weeks (ends mid-June). Application deadline: Monday 18 Feb 2013. Project title: Abundance, residency and genetic connectivity of snubfin and humpback dolphins in the Kimberley region, Western Australia. Institution: Cetacean Research Unit, Murdoch University - www.mucru.org Overview: I am seeking experienced field assistants to assist with boat-based photo-ID and biopsy sampling in north-west Australia for approximately 10-12 weeks from 31 March 2013. * Commitment to the full duration of the project is strongly preferred; a minimum commitment of 5 weeks may also be considered * This project <http://mucru.org/research-projects/snubfin-and-humpback-dolphins-in-the -kimberley-region-western-australia/> aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, residency and genetic connectivity of inshore dolphins in northern Western Australia. The main focal species are Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis). This is an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research, while contributing to a project with a high conservation and management value. Location: We meet in the town of Broome on the tropical northern coast of Western Australia, then visit two different sites on the adjacent Dampier Peninsula. Approximately 5 weeks are spent at each location. These are remote locations far from urban areas and amenities. Accommodation will comprise shared basic cabins or tents, with camp kitchen and bathroom facilities. Duties: Searching for dolphins, driving the boat, taking photos, making and recording field observations, equipment cleaning and basic maintenance, data entry, a fair share in communal cooking and housekeeping duties, and generally working hard and having a great time. Expect early starts, hot weather, up to 11 hours on the water for multiple consecutive days, and up to a week between days off. Prerequisites: * Experience of working on and driving a small boat (essential); * Experience of photo-ID survey techniques (essential); * Experience of field research on small cetaceans (highly desirable); * No history of debilitating seasickness (essential); * Be team-oriented, patient, and have an enthusiastic attitude to hard work, long hours and collecting data on the natural environment (essential). Expenses: This is an unpaid position. However, food and accommodation at field sites are provided at no cost to assistants. Assistants are responsible for their own travel costs to/from Broome (direct flights available from Perth). Please send a CV, a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience, and contact details of two relevant referees to alex.brown@murdoch.edu.au by Monday 18 February 2013. Alex Brown alex.brown@murdoch.edu.au <mailto:*j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> PhD Candidate, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch WA 6150 Blogs from previous trips: http://mucru.org/blogs/a-productive-month-on-the-dampier-peninsula/ <http://mucru.org/blogs/a-productive-month-on-the-dampier-peninsula/> http://mucru.org/blogs/snubfin-season/ <http://mucru.org/blogs/snubfin-season/>