Dear All, *Marine Mammal Placements* We are currently accepting internship applications for placement in marine mammal research for the season 2015. Archipelagos is a Greek non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to researching and defending the rich biodiversity of the Greek seas and islands, as well as of the NE Mediterranean region overall. The eastern Aegean region is home to a large number of endangered species and marine mammals. These critical habitats are in desperate need of protection as they are actively being threatened by harmful anthropogenic activities! The aim of this placement is to better understand and monitor habitat use, structure and population dynamics of cetaceans around eastern Aegean islands. As Interns, you will have the opportunity to learn and practice techniques during the scientific data collection. You will participate with multiple projects involving native populations of the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Occasional visiting populations such as cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) will also be surveyed. Interns will be responsible for: · Weekly boat and land-based surveys (weather dependent) · Performing photo-identification and matching techniques · Collecting environmental and anthropogenic data · Gathering acoustic data · Data entry and analysis · Raising awareness · Utilizing ArcGIS to map populations · Responding to animal first aid, which includes the rescue, necropsy and data collection of stranded animals (e.g., cetaceans, seals and sea turtles) Essential requirements: · A minimum duration of 3 months · Minimum of 18 years of age or older · Willingness to work hard and have a genuine interest in marine research · Background in Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Oceanography or related field · Must be able to spend many hours on the boat. Field days might exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week (weather dependent) · Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs · Excellent verbal and written communication skills · Fluent in English · Must be able to work efficiently individually and as part of a team · Enthusiastic, responsible, diligent, detail oriented and flexible · Prior field research experience preferred, but not required This placement combines time at sea on Archipelagos’ research sailing boat, with time on land, on the Greek island of Samos where our marine research base is located. Possible relocation of the team might take place on the surround bases on the islands of Lipsi, Fourni and Ikaria. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this program, and must be prepared to spend some nights onboard when required. Participants should expect to spend some of their time in the field and in the lab working and analyzing data or maintaining the equipment. Archipelagos is a Greek non-profit, non-governmental organization, hence, there is no compensation for this internship positions. The internship’s fee (650 euros/month), which covers accommodation in the base’s guesthouse, food (3 meals/day), tuition, and other research related expenses throughout your participation (use of equipment, field trips, use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (Pythagorio, Samos, Greece). Internship start and end dates are flexible. Starting date for the field season 2015 is the 20th of April. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled (maximum 16 vacancies). To apply: - Send your application together with your CV, a cover letter, and a recommendation letter via email to: admissions@archipelgo.gr - *Please specify MARINE MAMMAL PLACEMENT 2015 into your subject title* For more information about Archipelagos’ research and conservation work, please visit: www.archipelago.gr or our Facebook page. Thank you, Kiara Gomez