Two Volunteer Field Assistants Needed for Project on Ningaloo Reef (Australia)

There are two openings for field assistants to join a funded coral reef fish field project on Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia this coming February and March. The project “Physiology, Life History, and the Pace of Life: Understanding the Role of Cryptobenthic Fishes in Coral Reef Ecosystems” is looking for two volunteer field assistants with the following qualifications:

  • Current Passing Dive Medical Evaluation (April 2024 or more recent)
  • Current First Aid Certification
  • Current Advanced Resuscitation Certification
  • At least 60 hours of logged SCUBA dives. The station will likely ask to see your logbook.
  • A MERL-Recognized Diving Credential (ADAS Restricted Scientific Diver OR Recreational qualification equivalent to ISO 24801-3. Examples include PADI Divemaster, SSI Dive Guide, NAUI Assistant Instructor, NASE Divemaster, IDEA Europe Divemaster, etc.
  • Australian Driver’s License (Manual)
  • Ability to travel to Exmouth without needing to obtain an Australian visa

Successful applicants will work at the Minderoo Exmouth Research Lab (MERL) in Exmouth, WA alongside a PhD student from the University of Texas, USA.

Expectations:

  • Successful applicants will stay at MERL for the full duration of the project and will assist in all research components, including cryptobenthic reef fish collections via SCUBA, fish identification and sample processing, basic aquarium work and fish care, oxygen consumption measurements using respirometry, and possibly otolith extraction and polishing.
  • Safe, conservative diving activity on all dives, including adhering to the dive plan and not exceeding specified depth and time limits.
  • A positive, respectful, collegial attitude and a willingness to help other members of the research team with whatever tasks come up.
  • Patience and flexibility, as fieldwork plans can change suddenly.

Bring your own dive equipment, including fins, wetsuit, dive computer, BCD, regulator, mask, and gloves. Tanks and weights will be provided.

What you can expect:

  • Project funds will cover your transportation to and from Exmouth and your food and housing costs while at the station.
  • Significant scientific dive experience, totaling at least 30 dives.
  • Experience with cryptobenthic reef fish collection and identification.
  • Live fish care experience in a regulated scientific setting.
  • Experience with intermittent-flow respirometry, an important technical skill for studying fish physiology and energetics.
  • Commensurate with your contribution to the project, the opportunity to co-author a peer-reviewed paper based on the work conducted.

Trip Dates: Feb. 18th – Mar. 27th, 2025

How to Apply:

  • 1-page cover letter detailing your qualifications, relevant experience, and motivation for joining the project
  • CV/Resume
  • Send documents to neill@utexas.edu by 12:00 pm AEST on October 10th, 2024
  • Zoom interviews with qualified applicants will be conducted in October.

 

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