Volunteers Needed in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand Wanted: Volunteers for September, October and November 2012 Enthusiastic and reliable volunteers are required to assist me in the field as I continue my study on marine mammal habitat use in Admiralty Bay, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. This project is being conducted through the University of Auckland and the Cawthron Institute of Nelson, New Zealand. This would benefit anyone who wants experience in working with boats, theodolites, photo-ID work and marine mammal observation. Ideally however, the volunteers will have had some experience in some of these areas already in addition to a background in marine biology. Duties will include assistance in the field for data collection, data entry/processing and logistical support, in addition to sharing of cooking and cleaning duties. The coming field season is 13 weeks from approximately 27th August – 26th November (probably this time period but will be confirmed closer to the time), and I currently require either 2 volunteers who can commit to the whole time (preferable), or a series of volunteers to cover this timeframe. Preference will be given to those who can commit to longer periods. For more information on the Admiralty Bay/French Pass area go to http://www.frenchpass.com/. Provided: Food and board in Admiralty Bay, Marlborough Sounds will be provided in exchange for your assistance. Please note that this is volunteer work and you will not be paid, but you will gain valuable work experience in the above areas. What you need to provide: Your own transport at least as far as Nelson, Picton or Blenheim, New Zealand. Your own clothes and field gear e.g. wet-weather gear, warm clothing, sturdy shoes. Reliable assistance and a positive attitude while enduring long hours in the field. Essential Skills: Volunteers must: -Be able to commit to a minimum period of 4 weeks on the project -Work well with others -Be able to live in close quarters with others in a small, isolated community -Be enthusiastic, hard-working, motivated and willing to work and learn -Be committed to working long hours for several days in a row -Be physically fit and able to work in outdoor conditions -Possess good English language skills -Be safety conscious -Be a non-smoker What’s involved: This project involves data collection both by boat and theodolite work. Boat trips will only be day-trips (not overnight) on a 4.5m rigid hull inflatable boat and involve working along transect lines recording the locations of any dolphin groups observed and taking photographs for identification of individuals and limited behaviour work. Theodolite data will be recorded from a hilltop near the shoreline, and will require spending the day on an exposed cliff top scanning the bay with binoculars for dolphin groups and recording data with the theodolite and laptop computer. Applications For more information on the project or to apply, please contact Katie Halliday via email at khal250@aucklanduni.ac.nz In your application please include a current CV with relevant experience stating whether you have experience in boat and/or theodolite work and details of your availability during the above time period. Thank you for your interest.