Common dolphin Photo-ID Volunteer Position in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand A volunteer is needed to assist with a PhD study investigating the abundance, social structure and site fidelity of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. This PhD project is part of the ongoing research of the New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (NZCDP) and the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (<a href="redir.aspx?C=98b79602c29c479a8073f0ea879cb4e1&URL=http%3a%2f%2fcmrg.massey.ac.nz" target="_blank">http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz</a>). PROJECT BACKGROUND: The Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, is an important habitat for common dolphins that are present in the Gulf all year and use the region extensively for foraging, and as a calving and nursery ground. Common dolphins have been found to consistently inhabit coastal waters making them vulnerable to the impacts of pollution, tourist interactions, recreational use and adjacent urban population growth. The aim of this project is to investigate the abundance, site fidelity and social structure of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. DATES: June 2012 October 2012 LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand FIELDWORK: The volunteer position entails assisting during field surveys and analysis of common dolphin fin photo identification. The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individual common dolphins based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of MS Access databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills (data analysis, photo-ID). Due to the training required, applicants should be available for a minimum of 2 months, however all applicants will be considered. The placements commence in June 2012. Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. RESPONSIBILITIES: Photo-identification of dolphins in the lab, including photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, assist in maintenance of long-term photo-id catalogue using a MS Access database and Finscan. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office analysing of photographs and matching them with the photo-identification catalogue (75% of the time). Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys of common dolphins from a local dolphin watching vessel, collecting environmental, location, and behavioural data for dolphin groups (25% of the time). This is a volunteer position, so there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses, travel costs and visa. PREREQUISITES: Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research Fluently speak English Be sociable, enthusiastic, and have a positive attitude Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of 18 years of age. The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who have some background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related fields Basic computer proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel and Access) Field research including photo-identification experience is preferred but not required Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research is preferred but not required Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable working on boats First AID/CPR certification preferred but not required APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to me, using photo-id position as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Early application is recommended, as applications will be examined in order of reception. All the best, Cheers ---------------------------------- Krista Rankmore PhD Candidate Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City 0745 Auckland New Zealand Tel: +64 (0) 9 414 0800 EXT 41520 Mob: +64 (0) 22 025 6290 Fax: + 64 (0) 9 443 9790