Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistant/Intern
Openings - Summer 2009
Connecticut, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas
The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is
currently seeking two interns for the summer of 2009. These internships have
both field and office components, both of which are mandatory, and total 9-12
weeks.
DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the
meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions
focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. As a team, DCP
research scientists study four groups of dolphins in three countries. Interns
are needed at our Bimini, Bahamas research site, where we study Atlantic
spotted and bottlenose dolphins.
Responsibilities
In the field:
¨ Travel to and assist for 3-4 weeks at our Bimini research site (exact
dates TBD, likely beginning mid-July)
¨ Assist gathering data (general observations, photographs, underwater
video) during 4-6 hour/day boat excursions
¨ Complete photo-identification of dolphins from still photography and
video as well as other data analysis tasks
¨ Assist with on-board and outreach education
At the office:
¨ Travel to and assist office staff for 6-8 weeks at our Connecticut
office (exact dates TBD, likely prior to field component)
¨ Process and analyze data, including, but not limited to:
photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, conducting
detailed focal follows from video data for behavioral analyses, and acoustic
analysis of dolphin sounds (using Raven)
¨ Assist in the development and implementation of education programs for
schools and the general public
Requirements
Successful interns must have basic computer skills and working knowledge of
Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Current enrollment in a degree-seeking
program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats
and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required.
The successful candidates will be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a
time in varying conditions. They will also be proficient swimmers with the
desire to improve free-diving skills. They will be able to work as a team both
at the office and in a fairly remote and isolated field setting. Good writing
and public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to details. Interns must
be at least 18 years of age.
Expenses and Compensation
This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own
transportation to Bimini and Connecticut. There is a $1,000.00 fee which will
cover expenses in the field, including room and board. Room, board and
transportation while in Connecticut is the responsibility of the intern,
although assistance in securing this may be available.
Interested applicants should review information at this link:
http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1266&Itemid=309
Send a completed application (downloadable and detailed at the link above) to
[email protected].
Applications are due 15 February 2009. Interviews (in-person or via telephone)
may be arranged for selected candidates.
For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo at
[email protected].
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Kelly Melillo
Research Associate, Bimini Research Manager
Dolphin Communication Project
www.dolphincommunicationproject.org
www.thedolphinpod.com
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