Andrew Lother - University of Adelaide

Dates: Mid February – End March 2009
Locations: Three Islands in succession along the western coastline of the Eyre Peninsula, S.A

• Mid Feb – Nicholas Baudin Island (approx 1 week)
• Beginning March – Liguanea Island (approx 2 weeks)
• Mid March – Pearson Island (approx 2 weeks)

Activities:
I will be conducting field research on Australian sea lion colonies during the breeding season along the western Eyre Peninsula.  Work will involve sampling pups, capturing adult females and attaching / removing GPS tracking devices and performing surveys to estimate colony size.  This will require volunteers to assist in capture, restraint and processing of animals in all climactic conditions.  You will also be required to observe other animals in the nearby area to maintain the safety of those processing the pups.  This work will require interacting with animals that weigh >100kg and the use of anaesthetics equipment.

Requirements
I require 1 – 2 field assistants for each site.  Preference will be given to those people who can stay for more than one trip.  Volunteers must be physically fit, have no pre-existing medical conditions that require ongoing medication or prevent you from performing hard manual labour in some pretty average conditions.  Ambulance cover is essential.  The only way off in a hurry is by helicopter – and its expensive if you are not insured.

There are NO facilities whatsoever on any of my study sites.  You must possess your own personal camping gear (a decent tent, sleeping bag, rucsac, suitable clothing i.e  good boots etc). You must be used to living out of a rucsac for long periods of time. I will provide all cooking and eating equipment, food, water and ancillaries.  Further details will be provided on request.

There will be long periods of no activity – sometimes several days where we will do nothing, whilst waiting for an animal to come back onshore, or for the weather to subside so we can get on / off an island.  This work is not for people who get homesick / miss their girlfriends/boyfriends – once on an island, there is no leaving until the work is completed.  You will be a relaxed, easy going person who is comfortable working in very close quarters with people you haven’t met before.  You will be self motivated and willing to assist in cooking, cleaning etc without prompting.
If you have any interest / experience in wildlife photography or videography, let me know.

 

Transportation
I will not be coming east of Port Lincoln from 1st February – end of March (earliest).  For successful applicants, I will organise transportation from Adelaide to a suitable pickup location (Ceduna, Streaky Bay, Elliston, Port Lincoln etc) which may involve flights, buses etc.  However it is your responsibility to get to Adelaide.
On the occasion that I am weatherbound on an island, I will provide some form of accommodation on the mainland until I can collect you.

 

“Sounds hard – why bother ?”
You will be working on one of the rarest seal species in the world, in some of the most scenic areas of South Australia.  The work is challenging, rewarding and educational.  Living on islands, living out of a car, moving from remote location to remote location by charter boat and helicopter, the field work will appeal to those people who thrive on a varied and unfamiliar existence.

Salary

n/a

Contact Details

Contact:
In the first instance, please send a covering letter and resume to:
Andrew.Lowther@adelaide.edu.au Explaining how you fit the bill.  Successful candidates will be contacted throughout late December / January.  Transportation arrangements will be made towards end of January.

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