Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Internship Position for Fall 2011 The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research (OBXCDR) is currently accepting applications for the 2011 fall/winter season. One volunteer internship position is available. The research season is October 9 – January 14. Successful applicants must be able to commit for the majority of the season. The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of bottlenose dolphins in the Outer Banks, NC. Our goal is to gain an understanding of the population size, movement patterns, and behavioral ecology of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the sounds and coastal waters near the Outer Banks. The OBXCDR currently conducts a photo-identification monitoring study of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke, Croatan, Albemarle, Pamlico and Currituck Sounds. Data is collected via dedicated small boat surveys as well as opportunistically from a local dolphin watch. This study is a continuation of the long-term study initiated in 1997. Information from the current long-term study will provide a basis for initiation of studies involving habitat utilization, social associations, and anthropogenic effects on the dolphins. Interns will gain experience in field data collection and photo-identification of dolphins in the field and lab. For more information about the OBXCDR, please visit: obxdolphins.org The internship position will consist of field research and photo analysis of bottlenose dolphin fin photos. The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individual bottlenose dolphins based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of MS Access databases for archiving field data. Responsibilities include: • Photo-identification of dolphins in the lab, including photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, assist in maintenance of long-term photo-id catalog using the MS Access database FinBase (75% of the time) • Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys of bottlenose dolphins, including operating small outboard vessel during surveys, collecting environmental, location, and behavioral data for dolphin groups, conducting focal follows to study habitat utilization and social associations (25% of the time) There is no compensation for this internship position and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the internship. Although housing is not provided, we will assist you in finding housing accommodations in the Outer Banks. This internship requires a minimum commitment of 24 hours per week. The successful applicant would ideally have the following qualifications: • Minimum of 18 years of age and currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field • Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation • Ability to swim • Basic computer proficiency in MS Office Access • Enthusiasm, attention to detail, responsible, and works well on a team • Field research/small boat operation/boat trailering experience preferred but not required • First AID/CPR certification preferred but not required Application Process: Please submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references via email to:obxcdr@hotmail.com Use “Dolphin photo-id internship” in the subject line of the email. All applications will be reviewed; those received by August 1st will be given priority. Jessica Weiss Taylor Principal Investigator/Scientific Advisor Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research 7517 Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959