Volunteers needed for dolphin research Overview: A great opportunity is open for marine mammal enthusiasts to participate in hands-on research with dolphins in North Stradbroke Island, Southeast Queensland, Australia. The project aims to study the surface and acoustic behaviour of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and the potential effects of anthropogenic noise in their environment. Volunteers will help measure different aspects of the dolphins’ behaviour by using a variety of instruments to track their movements, identify individuals and record behaviour. This study is part of my doctoral studies and is supervised by Dr. Helene Marsh (James Cook University), Dr. Guido J. Parra (University of Queensland) and Dr. Michael Noad (University of Queensland). Conditions: Research will begin on the third week of April of this year and will extend to December 2007. Volunteers are expected to participate for a minimum of three months. The research team will be camping in a town called Amity Point, located at North Stradbroke Island, within Moreton Bay, adjacent to the Brisbane City area, in Southeast Queensland. We will camp for two weeks at a time, every month and share cooking duties. Although the project provides a communal research tent for the team, volunteers are free to bring their own tent and camping gear, for privacy purposes. The project will cover accommodation and food costs for these two camping weeks in the island. The other half of the month, however, will be responsibility of the volunteer. Research periods are not set in stone, as we depend largely on weather conditions. Thus, camping plans may vary each month and may extend for more than two weeks. The project will cover only transportation costs in and out North Stradbroke Island. All other transportation costs involved in arriving to Brisbane or Australia are responsibility of the volunteer. Eligible Criteria: The prospective applicant will satisfy the following criteria: • Science background: Have a background in biology, zoology, marine biology, animal behaviour or a related field. Knowledge on cetaceans will be a plus but not essential. • Long-term commitment: Be able to commit for a minimum of 3 months. • High degree of flexibility: Fieldtrips to the island are highly variable due to weather patterns. • Financially sustainable: Project will only cover living costs during fieldtrips and transportation costs in and out North Stradbroke Island • Adaptability: Camping conditions may sometimes be harsh. To enjoy camping experiences, one must be able to adapt to all possible contingencies. • Teamwork experience: Successful behavioural studies depend mainly on the ability to work as a team among the different components of the group. • Previous experience (preferable but not essential): This research will use a series of instruments to study dolphin behaviour. Previous experience using these devices would be beneficial for the project: a. Theodolite or total station for surveying purposes b. Digital camera for photo-id purposes c. Video camera d. Boating e. First aid • Good attitude: Long fieldtrip periods can affect moods and change behaviours. By maintaining a positive attitude at all times the research team can enjoy every moment of the research experience, and help others do the same. • Play an instrument (definitely not essential): Playing an instrument releases stress, helps listening to others and creates team unity. It is only a plus, not a limiting factor; so do not hesitate in applying for this position if you do not play. Benefits: • Travel and explore new places • Meet interesting people • Get involved in dolphin research • Gain fieldwork experience • Learn to use different research instruments: Theodolite, digital camera, video camera, sonobuoys, etc. • Help advance our knowledge of dolphins to improve their conservation • Enjoy the outdoors • Enjoy the culinary talents of others and express your own. Contact: If interested or got queries, please contact research leader and send him your resume by Thursday, the 22nd of March (Please include dietary choice for planning purposes: i.e. carnivore, vegetarian, vegan, etc.): Alvaro Berg Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Lab School of Veterinary Science University of Queensland St. Lucia, QLD 4072 Phone: 04 2311 9472 Email: alvaro_berg@hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/