The Curtin University Great Australian Bight Right Whale Study (GABRWS) is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to assist as a research intern during the 2016 season.
This position is available for 6 weeks: July 15 – August 31 2016. We ask that intern is able to commit for the entire period.
This study contributes to the long term monitoring of southern right whales in the Great Australian Bight, South Australia, now in its 26th year.
Duties will include cliff based census of aggregation area, photo identification, data entry, matching of photo ID to the long term catalogue. There may also be opportunity for involvement in underwater acoustics program and theodolite behavioural study.
Work is completed at the Head of Bight, in the Great Australian Bight South Australia. This area is remote and isolated with limited resources.
This is an unpaid position and you will be responsible for the cost of your own transport to and from Ceduna, South Australia. Flights arrive daily to Ceduna from Adelaide, where you will be met and driven to the study site (approx. 3.5 hour drive).
Food, travel and accommodation expenses will be covered during the internship.
Accommodation is very basic and includes shared kitchen/living/office space and a private room in the form of a converted sea container with bed, shower and toilet.
Required skills:
- Reliable, motivated, positive attitude
- Ability to work and live closely with others as part of a small team
- Strong work ethic with the ability to work unsupervised
- Undergraduate degree in marine biology/conservation biology or a related major (honours preferred)
- Field research/survey experience
- Computer and written skills
- Fluent in English
- GIS (preferred)
- Theodolite operation and data analysis (preferred)
- Marine mammal research background (preferred)
Preference will be given to individuals with experience in right whale photo identification and matching, although this is not essential and training will be provided.
To apply please send a CV with reference and cover letter (no more than 1 single sided A4 page) to rhiward@hotmail.com
Applications due by 15 May 2016.
For further information on the study visit www.gabrightwhales.com or www.facebook.com/GABRWS/
For more information on Curtin University’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology visit cmst.curtin.edu.au
Thanks, The GABRWS Team
Rhianne Ward
PhD Candidate | Centre for Marine Science and Technology
Curtin University