POSITION: Volunteer research assistants (2) for seahorse movement study ORGANIZATION: Project Seahorse (www.projectseahorse.org) LOCATION: southern Portugal DEADLINE: open until filled CONTACT: Iain Caldwell ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
SUMMARY OF POSITION: Project Seahorse is seeking 2 volunteer research assistants for a study of movement and spatial use by the long-snouted seahorse in southern Portugal. This is one of the densest populations of seahorses in the world, providing a unique opportunity for study. One volunteer will dive with the lead biologist and the other will be responsible for driving the dive boat and providing support for the divers. Volunteers applying for the SCUBA position must be certified divers and available to work for approximately 3 months between mid-May and mid- August. Work will mainly involve underwater measurement, tagging, and relocation of seahorses, followed by behavioural observation. Divers must provide their own SCUBA gear and proof of a current dive medical and dive insurance. Those applying for the boat-tender position must have experience driving boats and a boating license. They must be available for at least 2 months starting in June. Work will mainly involve driving the dive boat to dive sites and providing support to the divers. Boat-tenders may also be required to successfully complete a boat licensing exam after arriving in Portugal. Fluency in Portuguese would also be an advantage for this position. Both successful applicants will also be required to assist in the creation of artificial seagrass habitats as part of the study. Positions may also include data entry, equipment maintenance, and other various tasks. Although research will often involve long days, the experience of conducting field research with these amazing creatures in a beautiful setting will be rewarding. This field experience will also be an asset for other potential positions involving scientific research. All volunteers are responsible for the cost of their return airfare to Portugal, travel/health insurance, and other associated travel costs. Project Seahorse will cover local travel costs once volunteers arrive in Faro, Portugal as well as accommodation and tank refills. SCUBA POSITION: Required qualifications: - SCUBA certification - Availability for a 3 month period between mid-May and mid-August - Interest in behaviour/ecology research in the marine environment - Capable of living in rustic field conditions, and working long hours Desired qualifications: - Advanced SCUBA training (20+ dives) - Fluent in Portuguese - Previous research experience (animal observations, habitat measurement) - Experience with underwater surveys - Overseas traveling experience BOAT-TENDER POSITION: Required qualifications: - Boating license - Availability for a 2 month period between June and August - Interest in behaviour/ecology research in the marine environment - Capable of living in rustic field conditions, and working long hours Desired qualifications: - Experience driving dive boats - Experience supporting divers - Fluent in Portuguese - Previous research experience - Overseas traveling experience - SCUBA certification Diving equipment required (for SCUBA position and possibly boat tender): -Mask & snorkel -Fins for booties (not socks) -Booties -Full wetsuit (at least 5 mm) -Weight belt (Project Seahorse will provide weights) -Dive knife -Buoyancy compensation device (BCD) -Regulator with content gauge and depth gauge If you are interested in being considered for either position please send a resume/CV and cover letter (explaining why you are interested to volunteer and summarizing you most relevant qualifications) to Iain Caldwell ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Candidates will be selected as applications are received and those interested should apply ASAP.
