Marine Mammal Monitoring Programme Field Assistant Applications are invited for two paid Research Assistant positions working on a marine mammal monitoring programme in Co. Mayo on the west coast of Ireland. The marine mammal monitoring programme is grant aided by Shell E&P Ireland through RSK Environment Ltd with support funding from Science Foundation Ireland under MaREI (Marine Renewable Energy Ireland). Background: Under a development plan for the CORRIB gas field off western Ireland, Enterprise Energy Ireland Ltd. commissioned the Coastal & Marine Research Centre (CMRC), University College Cork to conduct an independent marine mammal monitoring programme in northwest Ireland in 2001/2002. Research was undertaken in Broadhaven Bay (candidate Special Area of Conservation - cSAC), County Mayo and its adjoining coastal waters. The programme of marine mammal monitoring was continued in 2005, and has been continuous since 2008 during the CORRIB development’s marine phases, to safeguard protected species from potential impacts. A valuable long-term dataset of marine mammal occurrence and distribution has resulted, through visual and acoustic efforts. Research efforts will continue until March 2018 with support from Science Foundation Ireland under MaREI building on efforts to date. Position: We are recruiting two research assistants for a 4-month and a 6-month position to join a project leader, and three interns to conduct marine mammal monitoring in Broadhaven Bay for the field season. The positions will be from June – September (4 month) and April – September (6 month) 2016. The candidates will ideally be an experienced researcher (MSc. Level) with previous marine mammal monitoring experience, employed through MaREI Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork and will be based close to the study area in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo. Office space and shared accommodation/field station will be provided for the team. Data collection will primarily be in the form of land-based surveys and PAM using C-PODs. The majority of the time when not in the field (data collection is very weather dependent in Ireland) will be spent entering and analysing data and producing reports. Key duties and responsibilities • To work under the direction of the Project Manager/Postdoc • To conduct shore-based marine mammal surveys • To assist with analyses of cetacean visual and acoustic datasets • To perform a variety of independent and team activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation and some interpretation of information/results. • To undertake tasks which may include recording results and preparing technical reports including conclusions and recommendations. • To present information on research progress and outcomes to others responsible for the research project. • To provide guidance as required to any research students or interns assisting with the research project, as agreed with the Project Manager/Postdoc • To contribute to the publication of findings. Criteria: • A minimum of an MSc in biology/ecology • Ability to work in the EU (citizen, resident or with work visa in hand) • Full-driver license and own car are essential • At least one year of marine mammal sighting experience both land and boat based • Experience with using a theodolite to track marine mammals (VADAR experience a plus) • Experience in using CPODs and working with acoustic data • Experience in using Excel, R and ArcGIS • Statistical analytical experience and modelling experience a plus • GIS skills/experience • Experience in writing reports/publications • Experience in working remotely and unsupervised • Proven ability to work as part of a small team • Proven ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time often in adverse weather • Good physical fitness • Good interpersonal skills The following skills are also desirable • Cetacean photo-id experience • JNCC MMO course • Safety at sea course • First aid course Duration and salary: Duration is for a 4 or 6 month period. The salary for this position (gross) is fixed at €21,850 per annum. Application: The closing date for applications is February 15th. Candidates should submit their curriculum vitae including references and a cover letter via email to Daniela Maldini: daniela.maldini@ucc.ie.