Seeking experienced field assistants for research on tropical dolphins in north-west Australia Dates: September - November 2012. Project title: Abundance estimation, residency and genetic connectivity of snubfin and humpback dolphins in the Kimberley region, Western Australia. Institution: Cetacean Research Unit, Murdoch University - www.mucru.org Overview: I am seeking two experienced field assistants to assist with boat-based photo-ID and biopsy sampling in north-west Australia over the period September-November 2012. *I require one assistant for the 3 month duration of the project, and one assistant from late October to the end of November only (~ 5 weeks)* This project aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, residency and genetic connectivity of Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in northern Western Australia. This is an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research, while contributing to a project with a high conservation and management value. Location: Two different sites on the tropical northern coast of Western Australia, with approximately one month spent at each location. These are remote locations far from urban areas and amenities. Accommodation will comprise shared basic cabins or tents, with camp kitchen and bathroom facilities. The team departs from/returns to the city of Perth. Duties: Searching for dolphins, driving the boat, taking photos, making and recording field observations, equipment cleaning and basic maintenance, data entry, a fair share in communal cooking and housekeeping duties, and generally working hard and having a great time. Expect up to 11 hours on the water for multiple consecutive days, and up to a week between days off. Prerequisites: Experience of working on and driving a small boat (essential); experience of photo-ID survey techniques (highly desirable); no history of debilitating seasickness (essential); be team-oriented, have a good sense of humour, patience, and an enthusiastic attitude to hard work, long hours and collecting data on the natural environment (essential); experience of field research on small cetaceans (highly desirable). Expenses: This is an unpaid position. However, food and accommodation at field sites are provided at no cost to assistants. Assistants are responsible for their own travel costs to Perth (or Broome, if joining the project mid-season). Please send a CV, a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience, and contact details of two relevant referees to alex.brown@murdoch.edu.au by Friday 03 August 2012. Many thanks, Alex Brown alex.brown@murdoch.edu.au <mailto:*j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> PhD Candidate, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Murdoch University, South Street, Perth WA 6150 www.mucru.org Blogs: http://mucru.org/blogs/kimberley-dolphin-research-project/kimberley-insh ore-dolphin-fieldwork-underway/ <http://mucru.org/blogs/kimberley-dolphin-research-project/kimberley-ins hore-dolphin-fieldwork-underway/> http://mucru.org/blogs/a-productive-month-on-the-dampier-peninsula/ <http://mucru.org/blogs/a-productive-month-on-the-dampier-peninsula/>