Research Assistant – Shark Bay Dolphin Project (Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Australia)

I am seeking a dedicated research assistant for our upcoming field season (mid-September through mid-December) in Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia in conjunction with the Shark Bay Dolphin Project (http://www.monkeymiadolphins.org/) and Dr. Janet Mann’s lab of Georgetown University.

This research is part of an ongoing PhD project through Georgetown University studying the effects of reproductive senescence in female bottlenose dolphins and is part of a long-term study of dolphin behavior, ecology, and reproduction.Timeframe:
~3 months

Location:
Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia.

Monkey Mia is approximately 900km north of Perth and is part of the largest World Heritage site in Western Australia. Our field site includes wildlife such as sharks, rays, turtles, dugongs, whales, and of course resident bottlenose dolphins.

About:
This project is part of one of the longest running marine mammal research projects in the world with behavioral, life-history, ecological, and genetic research conducted since the mid 1980’s.

Assistance will be required with boat-based behavioral surveys and focal follows on the resident bottlenose dolphins. Weather permitting, days on the water can be consecutive, long, and tiring in variable environmental conditions. Days on land will require data entry and processing.

This is an unpaid, volunteer position and the successful candidate will need to make his/her own way to Perth. However, travel to Shark Bay will be covered, and food and accommodation will be covered once in Monkey Mia.

Responsibilities:
-Searching for and spotting dolphins
-Taking photos
-Collecting survey, focal follow, and photo-ID data
-Driving the boat
-Basic maintenance and equipment prep and cleaning
-Entry of dolphin sightings and environmental data

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will be a recent graduate with a science background and a genuine interest in marine mammal science. This position is well suited for recent graduates of marine biology, zoology, ecology, genetics, or similar fields looking to gain additional analytical and in-field experience.

He or she must:

-Be 18 years or older

-Possess basic computer skills
-Be detail oriented, flexible, and patient
-Possess excellent verbal and communication skills
-Work well both independently and in a team
-Be fluent in English
-Be willing to make the full 3 month commitment
-Have prior field research experience
-Be comfortable on a boat
-Be prepared to work long, consecutive days, including weekends
-Be willing to live in a collaborative environment and contribute to household responsibilities
Please note that given our remote location, it can be very difficult to accommodate strict dietary requirements. Vegetarianism is not a problem. Additionally, we live and work in close quarters so mature and respectful candidates are required.Application Process:
If interested please email Caitlin Karniski at cbk27@georgetown.edu with the subject line RESEARCH ASSISTANT.
Please include in the email:

1.     Letter of interest

2.     CV

3.     Email contacts for 2 references

Candidates will be evaluated until the position is filled.