Southern Right Whale research intern (6 weeks), Australia
Great Australian Bight Right Whale Study
(Head of Bight, South Australia)
The Curtin University Great Australian Bight Right Whale Study (GABRWS) is seeking a research intern for the 2019 season. This study contributes to the long term monitoring of southern right whales in the Great Australian Bight, South Australia, now in its 29th year. Work is completed at the Head of Bight, in the Great Australian Bight, South Australia. This area is very remote and isolated with limited resources. Duties will include cliff based census of aggregation area, photo identification, data entry and matching of photo ID to the long term catalogue.
This position is available for 6 weeks: July 13 – September 1, 2019. We ask that the intern is able to commit for the entire period. Some time commitment prior to the field season is also required for training and project contribution. This is an unpaid position and the successful applicant will be responsible for transport costs to and from Perth, Western Australia where they will be met and driven to the study site (two day drive). Food, travel and accommodation expenses will be covered during the internship fieldwork. 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:
- Undergraduate degree in marine biology/conservation biology or a related major (honours preferred)
- Marine mammal research background (preferred)
- Reliable, motivated, positive attitude
- Ability to work and live closely with others as part of a small team
- Ability to work in a remote and isolated area
- Strong work ethic with the ability to work unsupervised
- Field research/survey experience
- Computer and written skills
- Fluent in English
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 alice.morrison3@gmail.com by 5pm EST on 31 May 2019.
For further information on the study visit www.gabrightwhales.com or https://www.facebook.com/southernrightwhales. For more information on Curtin University’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology visit cmst.curtin.edu.au