Field Research Assistant x2 – Australian sea lions

Field Research Assistant x2 – Australian sea lions

Location
The study will be conducted on The Pages Islands, east of Cape Willoughby (Kangaroo Island). South and North Page islands make up the largest breeding colony of the species, and this trip is timed to coincide with month 4 of the breeding season.

Dates
To be confirmed, however volunteers should expect to be available from the beginning of June until at least the 15th. I expect to be on each island for 5 days.

Transportation
Volunteers will be expected to make their own way to Adelaide. Once there, I will provide transport (4WD) to Cape Willoughby on Kangaroo Island. From there, we will be moved by helicopter onto the islands. I will provide transport back to Adelaide once the trip is complete. Activities
I will be capturing and sampling approximately 150 sea lion pups on each island. This will require volunteers to assist in capture, restraint and processing of pups 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. I will also be capturing adult female sea lions and their pups for sampling. This work will require interacting with animals that weigh >100kg and the use of anaesthetics equipment. Volunteers should be comfortable and confident in working around large animals, and be prepared to follow instructions precisely

Requirements
You need to be physically fit with no medical conditions that require treatment on a regular basis. Private Ambulance Cover is MANDATORY, as the only means of evacuation is by helicopter. You must be able to operate in harsh environments (constant rain, high winds, cold or conversely heat, sun and dust), assist in all facets of the trip (cooking / cleaning as well as animal procedures).
You will need to demonstrate EXPERIENCE in remote area camping – this is NOT camping on a family holiday, or going away with mates for a weekend in the Ranges.

Equipment
We will be completely self-sufficient throughout the field trip. We will sleep in an old sealers cave on South Pages. You may bring a tent, however a swag (without that ridiculously large foam matt) may be more appropriate. You will also be required to bring a trangia stove or similar cooker (one that is effective in high wind). There is no means of pitching a tent on North Pages (nobody has worked for extended periods there), hence a swag or waterproof bivi bag (goretex or similar) are ESSENTIAL (and i cant provide one).
You will need waterproof jacket and trousers, long pants and shirt, warm clothing, sleeping bag, roll mat, head torch etc etc. All your equipment MUST FIT IN ONE PACK (no more). You can get GSM mobile coverage, and I will be taking a portable generator.

I will provide:
Food, water, cooking FUEL, transportation.

You will need to provide:
Everything else that you might need to survive for up to two weeks with no facilities. SUCCESSFULL APPLICANTS WILL BE ADVISED AS TO WHAT TO BRING.

If your equipment is not up to scratch, you wont be having a fun time (I can provide photos of broken tents etc). I have had people turn up with gear stuffed in carrier bags, tents that could sleep 10 people, and woefully inadequate clothing. If you don’t have access to good equipment, please do not apply.

In general, you can expect a very harsh living environment, and work that is both challenging and exhausting. On the positive side, you will be interacting with Australias only endemic pinniped on the largest breeding colony of the species in some of the most breathtaking scenery around.

Please read this information carefully. Further information provided on request. Previously unsuccessful applicants may apply again.

In the first instance, contact me with a CV and introductory letter explaining why you think you would be suitable for these positions at:

Andrew.lowther@westnet.com.au