The Sea Watch Foundation, a
non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, conservation, and public
education is seeking applications for the following:
RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER
COORDINATOR IN CARDIGAN BAY 2011
This position is
responsible for assisting the Monitoring Officer in the running of the
“Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project” and coordinating the
project volunteers. The project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and takes
care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise
and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay,
monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population
structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification,
land-based and acoustic surveys.
Start Date: April 11th 2011
End Date: October 17th 2011
Responsibilities will include but
are not limited to:
Coordinate between the Monitoring Officer/Sightings
Officer and the project volunteers – in charge of the volunteer house and
the volunteer weekly office rota.Assisting the Monitoring
Officer/Sightings Officer in
volunteer basic training of land- and boat based surveys, photo ID
studies, Database entry and more.Assisting the Monitoring Officer in all
phases of the
research.Undertaking a personal research project supervised by
the Monitoring Officer – research topic will be chosen according to Sea
Watch Foundation requirements and applicants’ interests.
Requirements:
The successful applicant is expected to have a BSc degree (or
more) in biology, marine biology, zoology, chemistry, or related field and able
to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. A strong interest
and knowledge of British cetaceans and boating experience are beneficial.
The applicant must be proficient with database and word processing software and
be willing to learn new software applications. Specific experience in Access
and/or GIS would be advantageous. The preferred candidate should have a proven
track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with
other researchers but also be able to supervise small groups of people as they
will be coordinating at least 6 volunteers. They must also be self-motivated
with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. This
post brings the opportunity to submit work for scientific publication. This
position is unpaid but accommodation expenses will be covered.
To apply:
Please send your CV, a
cover letter and contact details of two references reporting any relevant
experience you have to Daphna Feingold
([email protected]).
Deadlines: 31st of January
2011.
Please specify RESEARCH
ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR into your subject title.
Applicants will be
notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2011.
The Sea
Watch Foundation
The Sea Watch Foundation is a
registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better
conservation
of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain
and Ireland,
by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats
they face. At Sea Watch Wales,
we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine
wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by
the Countryside Council for Wales,
Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and
we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council.
Research
The
purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations
inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain
information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals
and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various
projects including:
Estimating the
abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and
grey seals within Cardigan Bay using
distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveysMaintaining and
updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in
Wales
in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life
histories.Acoustic monitoring of
bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using
automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones.Setting up a library of
underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic
research in the area.
We further aim to raise awareness
and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the
habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and
its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the
public in cetacean identification and survey methods.
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