Dear Marmam subscribers, The Cedar Key Dolphin Project (CKDP) has been conducting surveys of resident bottlenose dolphins around the Cedar Keys, Florida, for more than 20 years. The project goals include investigating the ecology, social structure, and communication of the local population, with a focus on documenting a unique foraging behavior, Driver-Barrier foraging, which is the only known example of a role-specialized behavior in a delphinid species. Research takes place in Cedar Key, Florida and the surrounding coastline, 3 hours north of Tampa and 60 miles west of Gainesville. For more information regarding the project, please visit our website: www.cedarkeydolphinproject.org The CKDP is now taking applications for full-time field assistants for the 2022 field season this upcoming summer, between May and July. Applicants available for the full 12-week period will be given priority. Please note that we receive far more applications than the number of positions that we can offer, therefore the selection process is highly competitive. Assistants will be expected to work on a boat on all good weather days (up to 7 days per week), for up to 12 hours at a time. Typical weather conditions in summer include 95 degree heat, high humidity, and no breezes. When the weather does not permit fieldwork, work will consist of photo-identification, data entry, and equipment maintenance. Assistants can expect to spend 40% of their time in the field and 60% in the lab. Assistants may also be asked to assist in local marine mammal stranding response via partner organizations. This is a volunteer position. Shared housing and food will be provided, but assistants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to Florida. Applicants must meet the following requirements: -At least 18 years old -Physically fit and able to swim -Flexible, mature, and hard-working -Able to work well in small groups with a positive attitude (the team work and live together for the duration of the season) -Willing to learn a variety of field and lab skills Applicants of the following qualifications will be given priority: -Available for the full field season (May, June, and July) -Currently enrolled in a related undergraduate or graduate program, or recent graduate -Prior field experience with photo-ID and boat handling How to apply: 1. Complete an application form via the project website: https://www.cedarkeydolphinproject.org/field-assistant-application.html 2. Submit all required application materials (CV, cover letter, and contact for 3 references) as a single PDF file via email with the subject line “2022 Field Assistant Application” to ckdolphinproject@gmail.com, CC’ing Field Manager Becca Hamilton (rebeccahamilton64@gmail.com). Completed applications are due by February 20th. Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered. A short-list of applicants will be asked to conduct a short, informal skype interview in early March. For more information or to ask any questions, please contact Field Manager Becca Hamilton: rebeccahamilton64@gmail.com Best Wishes, The Cedar Key Dolphin Project