Call for applications for Research Assistant positions for the Puerto Rico Humpback Whale Project with The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center Research Season: December 28, 2016 - May 01, 2017 Applications accepted through October 10, 2016 Four (4) full time Research Assistants (RAs) positions are available for the seventh season of data collection during winter of 2017 to assist in on-going research focusing on North Atlantic humpback whales wintering off Puerto Rico, USA These are volunteer positions. Housing and meals are arranged and RAs will be required to contribute a small amount per week towards living expenses and internet access. Qualifications: You must have a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or related field. Former interns and students participating in any MCERC program are encouraged to apply. Priority is given to applicants with an upbeat, hardworking and positive attitude. The ability to take direction and live in close quarters with up to 10 people is a key to a successful field season. A stellar academic average is a plus, but is not a requirement and should not discourage interested people with less than perfect academic scores from applying. A strong desire to learn new skills, mentor other students, and promote a positive attitude towards stewardship is essential for candidates. Please be self-motivated, energetic, patient, and enthusiastic! You must enjoy working with a group from around the globe and be respectful of cultural differences. Experience in boat operations and cetacean research is a plus. All RAs are required to be proficient swimmers and snorkelers. Commitment: RAs must be available full time from December 28, 2016 until May 01, 2017. This is a low density area for humpbacks. The ability to maintain land based observations for hours (or even a full day) without seeing a whale requires commitment and patience. Vessel based data collection will be from a small boat and is dependent on a team that is able to work well in close quarters and is not prone to getting sea sick. Commitment and dedication should be applied to computer tasks as they can become monotonous. Day to day tasks will include posting updates to FaceBook, updating the MCERC website, maintaining the field house, and other tasks as needed. Training will begin November 01, 2016 via meetings over the internet prior to arrival in Puerto Rico. RAs must be willing to dedicate effort from home during this period of time, including reading publications, installing and learning required software, and group meetings. This position is not limited to people residing in the USA. Recent graduates from a Bachelor's degree program are strongly encouraged to apply as these positions are designed to build and strengthen skills. More information is available on the MCERC Education Hub ( www.Marine-Eco.org/mcerc-moodle), including instructions how to submit an application packet. You can access the document from the Home Page. To submit an application through the Education Hub; Send an email to MCERC.mail@gmail.com requesting access to the Education Hub. If you participated in any MCERC programs in 2016, your pass codes are still valid! }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> Mithriel MacKay Ph.D. Executive Director & Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center Inc. Spring Hill, Florida Research station: Boqueron, Puerto Rico, USA website www.Marine-Eco.org email Mithriel@Marine-Eco.org Education Hub www.Marine-Eco.org/mcerc-moodle Facebook www.Facebook.com/researchcenter Twitter @MCERCMarineEco Director of Research and Education Saltwater Inc. Anchorage, Alaska, USA www.Saltwaterinc.com Mithriel.MacKay@SaltwaterInc.com