The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) is recruiting to fill two Dolphin Photo-identification & Behavioural studies Internships for the Summer of 2005. The BDRI study a bottlenose dolphin population on the North-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy). Interns would assist with aspects of the field work, photographic identification of individual animals, and data compilation. An internship with the BDRI requires a lot of motivation and enthusiasm, but it may feel frustrating to some.
Internships Tasks Include:
a. Interns will assist the researcher by photographing dolphin dorsal fins to aid with individual identifications. b. An intern will record environmental data at the dock and in the vicinity of dolphins. c. An intern will record all dolphins sighting information on a data tape-recorder or data sheet including any pertinent comments regarding the encounter as noted by the Researcher. d. A volunteer will determine latitude and longitude by using a Global Positioning System receiver and keep track of all relevant times. e. A volunteer will record group & individual activity patterns during behavioural surveys. f. A volunteer may videotape dolphin encounters. g. Volunteers will assist in unloading and cleaning all equipment, as well as transcribing and analyzing data, reviewing dorsal fin photos and data entry at the field station.
Interns would spend about 25% of time assisting with matching of photographic identifications, 50% assisting with field work , and 25% other data compilation tasks. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of bottlenose dolphin researchers. We support non-invasive and non-disruptive research. There is no compensation for this internship position and successful applicants will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Accommodation can be arranged for internships (approx 50 Euro per week). Volunteer positions are available from mid June - July until September - October 2005; commitment for a minimum of 5 weeks is required. Priority will be given to internships volunteers available for longer periods. Ideal internship applicants will be advanced undergraduates or a recent graduate of a scientifically oriented university program in behavioral or biological sciences. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology, have potential interests in future graduate study in marine mammal science, and is an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and the research literature in this field. Previous experience with dolphin research is not required. Instead, enthusiasm, and interest in research and conservation issues are necessary. Preference will be given to the selection of interns who have well developed computer skills, statistical analysis and boat-based field experience. BDRI interns participating in field work activities are normally asked to contribute to all aspects of the research programme, including the upkeep of materials, house- or boat-keeping, cooking, cleaning, dealing with volunteers, etc. BDRI interns should sign a statement where they accept the research and working conditions taking full responsibility for the risks. Moreover, the interns is in charge of providing an insurance that covers the risks of the student itself when engaged in the field work. To apply for an internship, please send a resume or CV, a letter of interest identifying your reason for applying. Applications and further information on BDRI can be obtained on our website: http://www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I Interested applicants should correspond by email to: Bruno Díaz López B_D_R_I@yahoo.com We anticipate filling these internship positions by the last week of June 2005.
Bruno Díaz López
BDRI Director / Research Biologist
The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute http://www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I B_D_R_I@yahoo.com Golfo Aranci Nº4 Sassari- Italy
Tel: 00 39 346 0815414
Internships Tasks Include:
a. Interns will assist the researcher by photographing dolphin dorsal fins to aid with individual identifications. b. An intern will record environmental data at the dock and in the vicinity of dolphins. c. An intern will record all dolphins sighting information on a data tape-recorder or data sheet including any pertinent comments regarding the encounter as noted by the Researcher. d. A volunteer will determine latitude and longitude by using a Global Positioning System receiver and keep track of all relevant times. e. A volunteer will record group & individual activity patterns during behavioural surveys. f. A volunteer may videotape dolphin encounters. g. Volunteers will assist in unloading and cleaning all equipment, as well as transcribing and analyzing data, reviewing dorsal fin photos and data entry at the field station.
Interns would spend about 25% of time assisting with matching of photographic identifications, 50% assisting with field work , and 25% other data compilation tasks. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of bottlenose dolphin researchers. We support non-invasive and non-disruptive research. There is no compensation for this internship position and successful applicants will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Accommodation can be arranged for internships (approx 50 Euro per week). Volunteer positions are available from mid June - July until September - October 2005; commitment for a minimum of 5 weeks is required. Priority will be given to internships volunteers available for longer periods. Ideal internship applicants will be advanced undergraduates or a recent graduate of a scientifically oriented university program in behavioral or biological sciences. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology, have potential interests in future graduate study in marine mammal science, and is an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and the research literature in this field. Previous experience with dolphin research is not required. Instead, enthusiasm, and interest in research and conservation issues are necessary. Preference will be given to the selection of interns who have well developed computer skills, statistical analysis and boat-based field experience. BDRI interns participating in field work activities are normally asked to contribute to all aspects of the research programme, including the upkeep of materials, house- or boat-keeping, cooking, cleaning, dealing with volunteers, etc. BDRI interns should sign a statement where they accept the research and working conditions taking full responsibility for the risks. Moreover, the interns is in charge of providing an insurance that covers the risks of the student itself when engaged in the field work. To apply for an internship, please send a resume or CV, a letter of interest identifying your reason for applying. Applications and further information on BDRI can be obtained on our website: http://www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I Interested applicants should correspond by email to: Bruno Díaz López B_D_R_I@yahoo.com We anticipate filling these internship positions by the last week of June 2005.
Bruno Díaz López
BDRI Director / Research Biologist
The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute http://www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I B_D_R_I@yahoo.com Golfo Aranci Nº4 Sassari- Italy
Tel: 00 39 346 0815414
