Volunteers needed for photo-identification work on bottlenose dolphins,
Normandy, France We are looking for several volunteers to help with
photo-identification work at the office and field work on bottlenose dolphins
from the beginning of April 2011 until November 2011.Context :The organization
GECC (Groupe d’Etude des Cétacés du Cotentin – Cetacean study team of the
Cotentin) aims at monitoring marine mammals in the french channel and at
educating the public.The bottlenose dolphin is the most commonly observed
species. Photo-identification work started in 2004, more than 600 individuals
have been identified so far. We are also doing biopsy sampling since a few
months. This year, a 3 year project on the study of the population is starting
as well as a PhD work. Photo-identification enables us to estimate demographic
parameters, analyze social structure and work on habitat use. Moreover, we will
also work on genetics, trophic relationships and polluants thanks to biopsy
samples. Position descriptionVolunteers will be mainly involved in
photo-identification work at the office. Field work is weather dependent, so
volunteers need to be prepared to spend several days in a row at the office,
matching dolphin dorsal fins.Then, there are dolphin surveys whenever the
weather forecast is good. You will help with collecting photos, as well as
collecting data during biopsy sampling and acoustic recording (photos,
behaviour).Surveys can be very long (up to 14 hours during summer), so you must
be prepared to spend long days out at sea on a small boat, wake up very early,
and do surveys the weekend if the weather is good. After the surveys, you will
help with data entry (weather, samples, photos,...).The data collected and the
photo-identification matching work will be used for a PhD work. Required
qualifications- A background in environmental or biological sciences-
Be enthusiastic and self-motivated- Conscentious, precise and
patient (for photo-identification work, you’ll match a catalog of more than 600
individuals)- Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office-
Have previous experiences of work at sea or spend time on a boat-
Ability to work as part of a small team- Basic french speaking
skillsPreferred qualifications- Having a boat driving license and boat
operation experience is a big advantage- Previous experiences with
photo-idenfication and marine mammal monitoring surveys are a plusVolunteers
are expected to stay for a minimum of 2 months between the beginning of April
until the end of October (due the training involved for photo-identification
and field work). Accomodation is provided in Cherbourg (Cotentin, Normandy,
France) but you’ll be responsible for your own food (there’s a kitchen) and
travel costs to Cherbourg.For more information and to apply, please send a CV
and a cover letter to : [email protected] skype or a phone interview could then
be arranged.Marie Louis _______________________________________________
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