Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Internship Position for Fall 2011
The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research (OBXCDR) is currently accepting
applications for the 2011 fall/winter season. One volunteer internship position
is available. The research season is October 9 – January 14. Successful
applicants must be able to commit for the majority of the season.
The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research is a 501 c(3) non-profit
organization dedicated to the conservation of bottlenose dolphins in the Outer
Banks, NC. Our goal is to gain an understanding of the population size,
movement patterns, and behavioral ecology of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the
sounds and coastal waters near the Outer Banks. The OBXCDR currently conducts a
photo-identification monitoring study of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke,
Croatan, Albemarle, Pamlico and Currituck Sounds. Data is collected via
dedicated small boat surveys as well as opportunistically from a local dolphin
watch. This study is a continuation of the long-term study initiated in 1997.
Information from the current long-term study will provide a basis for
initiation of studies involving habitat utilization, social associations, and
anthropogenic effects on the dolphins. Interns will gain experience in field
data collection and photo-identification of dolphins in the
field and lab. For more information about the OBXCDR, please visit:
obxdolphins.org
The internship position will consist of field research and photo analysis of
bottlenose dolphin fin photos. The successful applicant will gain valuable
experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individual
bottlenose dolphins based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of MS
Access databases for archiving field data.
Responsibilities include:
• Photo-identification of dolphins in the lab, including photo
sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, assist in
maintenance of long-term photo-id catalog using the MS Access
database FinBase (75% of the time)
• Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys of
bottlenose dolphins, including operating small outboard vessel
during surveys, collecting environmental, location, and behavioral
data for dolphin groups, conducting focal follows to study habitat
utilization and social associations (25% of the time)
There is no compensation for this internship position and successful applicants
will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the
internship. Although housing is not provided, we will assist you in finding
housing accommodations in the Outer Banks. This internship requires a minimum
commitment of 24 hours per week.
The successful applicant would ideally have the following qualifications:
• Minimum of 18 years of age and currently or recently enrolled in a
college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or
related field
• Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation
• Ability to swim
• Basic computer proficiency in MS Office Access
• Enthusiasm, attention to detail, responsible, and works well on a
team
• Field research/small boat operation/boat trailering experience
preferred but not required
• First AID/CPR certification preferred but not required
Application Process:
Please submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references
via email to:[email protected] Use “Dolphin photo-id internship” in the
subject line of the email. All applications will be reviewed; those received by
August 1st will be given priority.
Jessica Weiss Taylor
Principal Investigator/Scientific Advisor
Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research
7517 Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
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