RESEARCH ASSISTANT NEEDED FOR BOAT-BASED FIELDWORK IN THE ISLAND OF ISCHIA, NAPLES, ITALY Oceanomare-Delphis Onlus conducts a long-term studies on the distribution, habitat use, population parameters, social structure, bioacoustics and human induced impact on seven different cetacean species in the waters off the Island of Ischia, Italy. The Ischia Dolphin Project focuses on the area of the canyon of Cuma, a deep submarine system of canyons located north of the island of Ischia, Naples, Italy. This area covers about 35 Km2 between the islands of Ischia, Procida and Ventotene and the Italian mainland, and is well known for its pelagic biodiversity. It is important for seven cetacean species: fin whale, sperm whale, long-finned pilot whale, risso’s dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, short-beaked common dolphin and striped dolphin. Data is collected during boat-based surveys and applying different methods (photo-identification, behavioural sampling, bioacoustics) in order to describe the different aspects of cetaceans’ ecology. The Ischia Dolphin Project is mostly supported by the financial contribution of project participants or volunteers. Thus, besides the team members and the assistant(s), 1 to 6 volunteers will be always present on board to help out in the field work. Volunteers change on a weekly basis. CONDITIONS Surveys are boat based and the research platform is a 17.7 sailing vessel, Jean Gab, an oceanic wooden cutter built in 1930. Jean Gab is generally moored in Casamicciola Harbour (island of Ischia). Ischia is the largest of the islands of the Gulf of Naples (surface 47 square km, perimeter 39 km), and together with the islands of Capri, Procida e Vivara forms the Phlegrean Archipelago. Accommodation is provided on board with the volunteers and the other team members. Food is also provided. The assistant is responsible for his/her own travel and personal expenses and travel insurance. Internet connection is available on board. PERIOD The field season runs from June to mid-October. Researchers and research assistants rotate every month and therefore the assistant is required a minimum commitment of one month. DUTIES Assistants should be ready to work long hours (from 7am to sunset or beyond depending on project needs). For research reasons the team members may decide to spend one or more nights in a different harbour than Casamicciola, in a sheltered bay or out at sea. Surveys are undertaken when weather and sea conditions are favourable. On adverse weather days assistants may be asked to help with data entry and other tasks. Assistants are expected to participate in the following duties: - data collection (behavioural sampling, photo-id) - data entry in real time using the Logger system (IFAW software) - acoustic monitoring - coordination and management of the volunteers - sailing operations - tidying up the vessel before and after each survey - general maintenance tasks (cleaning, cooking, doing the shopping) Onboard everybody (volunteers, assistants and team members alike – but for the skipper who has other responsibilities) share daily “household” duties including: shopping, cooking, washing dishes and general boat keeping. Moreover, at the end of each week everybody must help in thoroughly cleaning the boat before the new train of volunteers arrive. Applicants must consider that life onboard of a sailing vessels like Jean Gab is a choice: simple, communal and eco‐compatible lifestyle conserving energy and resources. QUALIFICATIONS Scientific research at sea is tough and challenging work, so being a Research Assistant is not for everyone! Applicants should: - have a background in marine biology/environmental sciences or similar; - have prior experience in photo-identification and behavioural data collection on cetaceans; - have good computer skills (Office package). Familiarity with the IFAW software Logger 2000, Whistle Detector and Rainbow Click is preferred, but not essential as long as the applicant demonstrates a strong willingness to learn; - be in good physical conditions, comfortable in hot weather and with spending relatively long periods under the sun or in rough seas. Sailing skills are helpful but not essential; - have experience in steering a small inflatable boat (not essential); - be enthusiastic, hard-working, team oriented, able to share small living space on board; - be adaptable, flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly dependent on weather conditions and animal behaviour; - have good English language skills. For more detailed information about the project contact me or go to www.oceanomaredelphis.org/drupal/node/70. TO APPLY Please send you CV, cover letter, contact details of two referees, specifying the period of your availability and any dietary requirements (i.e. vegetarian, vegan, etc.) to Monica Mariani (monica@oceanomaredelphis.org). Thanks, Monica Mariani