Monash Biological Society
Newsletter 4.0
In this edition:
- Biological Society Salsa Night
- Study Opportunity - Molluscs Workshop
- Study Opportunity - Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation
- Scholarship - Arid Recovery
- Internship - Tropical Marine Ecology
- Internship - Leatherback Turtles
- Employment - Sub Antarctic Field Assistant
- Volunteering - Green Gym
- Volunteering - Brolga Catching
- Volunteering - WilsonsPromontoryNational Park 18th – 22nd May - Volunteers Required!
- Volunteering - Grampians Post Fire Research – Conservation Volunteer
- Volunteering - Ningaloo Community Turtle Monitoring Program
- OS Volunteering - Spectacled Bears Monitoring
- OS Volunteering - Internship at the Marine Mammal Centre
- OS Volunteering - Dolphin Research Internships
- OS Volunteering - OceanWatch
- OS Volunteering - SOS Tararrugas
- OS Volunteering - Great Kei Kubusi Wilderness Conservation
1. Biological Society Salsa Night
Hello Biol Soccets!
It is time for the most sensational dance-off of all time. For those of you out there who have seen the mating dance of an ostrich and think that it's amazing, then this is going to blow your mind!
We proudly present ...
THE BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY SALSA NIGHT
Where: The Night Cat, 141 Johnston St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, (03) 9417 0090
When: Sunday the 30th of May.
RSVP: To this email address so we know who to look for on the night!
Time: 6:30pm (might be an idea to get there a little earlier in order to guarantee yourself a place on the dance floor)
Cost: $15, which cover the beginners salsa class (7:30-8:30pm).
Make sure you put on your best dancing shoes and it might be a good idea to pre-book a dancing partner so that you're not stuck with someone with two left feet (like our Social Secretary).
All are welcome to this event and if you have any friends who may like this type of hip swinging, heart beating, Moroccan shaking, pelvic grinding dance-athon, then bring them along!
So come on down and have a pre-exam dance off. Vent any stresses by shaking them out on the dance floor.
Can't wait to see you all there
Ciao amigos
2. Study Opportunity: MolluscsWorkshop
AustralianMuseum scientists (Winston Ponder and Don Colgan) in conjunction with Andy Davis (University of Wollongong) will run one of the most comprehensive courses about molluscs and their biology you’ll find anywhere.
The twelve day intensive course will be based at the University of Wollongong, south of Sydney, NSW, Australia from Jan. 11 to 22 2010. It includes laboratory and field studies as well as lectures and seminars. For more information please visit:
This 300 level (8 credit point) course is available to undergraduate students, but postgraduate (see website) and local and overseas non-award participants (e.g., amateur naturalists, environmental managers etc.) are also welcome.
3. Study Opportunity - Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation
Undergraduate Study Abroad Opportunity in the Caribbean the Tropical Marine Biology and Conservation study abroad program is accepting applications for spring semester.
Students register for 17 semester hours: Coral Reef Ecology (4), Marine Ecology Field Research Methods (3), Advanced Scuba (1), Environmental and Cultural History of Bonaire (2), Marine Conservation Biology (3) and Independent Research in Marine Ecology/Biology (4).
The program description can be found using the following link:
The Field Methods and Advanced Scuba courses provide dive training that prepares students for AAUS certification at their home universities. Students will receive the following training in the Scientific Diving course: Open Water, Advanced Diver, Rescue Diver, Emergency First Responder, CPR + First Aid, Dan Oxygen Rescue, underwater photography and videography, night diving, and underwater navigation. Students will learn internationally recognized monitoring protocols including REEF and AGRRA.
Independent Research provides students with the opportunity to conduct a research project of their choice in marine science and to publish the results in a student journal, PHYSIS: Journal of Marine Science. A copy of the journal can be downloaded on the following page:
Prerequisites: Overall GPA 2.75 or better, 2 semesters of biology, chemistry, geology, ecology or environmental science and a nationally recognized open water SCUBA certification (or a PADI referral – you can do your check out dives in Bonaire).
The deadline for application to the fall semester program is 15 May 2009.
Interested students should contact Rita Peachey Director of CIEE Research Station Bonaire at or call 1-800-40-STUDY.
The study abroad office at your institution will assist you with registration.
4. Student Scholarship at Arid Recory
Interactions between dingoes, feral cats and foxes
Summary: Arid Recovery is an ecosystem restoration program north of Roxby Downs in South Australia centred around an 86 km2 reserve. The reserve has been fenced to exclude rabbits, cats and foxes, and four threatened species (bilbies, bettongs, bandicoots, stick-nest rats) have been successfully reintroduced to date.However, fenced reserves provide an unnatural barrier to the dispersal of animals across the landscape and one of Arid Recovery’s objectives is to re-establish species outside the reserve in buffer zones where feral predators are controlled.
This project explores the role of dingos in the suppression of cats and foxes in order to determine if dingos can be used as a control mechanism for feral predators. Cats and foxes have been fitted with GPS radio-collars within a 37 square km fenced pen. A pair of dingoes have been reintroduced to the pen and the effects of these dingoes on cat/fox survival, activity and abundance will be determined.
Dates: 12 weeks starting June 2009 (negotiable)
Location: Arid Recovery Reserve, Roxby Downs (550km north of Adelaide, SA)
Eligible applicants: Third year or graduates in zoology, science, environmental biology or related field. Project will involve extensive fieldwork in remote conditions.
Benefits: Return transport from Adelaide to Roxby Downs (additional transport upon negotiation), food and accommodation will be provided plus $130 per week living allowance for 12 weeks.
Applications or More information: Please send a written application outlining qualifications, skills and availability accompanied by a CV and contact details for two referees to Katherine Moseby, Arid Recovery, PO Box 150 Roxby Downs 5725 or email
Phone (08) 8671 8282
Fax (08) 8671 3287
Applications due Monday 1st June 2009, 5pm.
5. Internship - Tropical Marine Ecology
Job Title: Tropical Marine Ecology Internship Fall 2009Organization: CIEE Research Station Bonaire
Location: Bonaire, Netherlands AntillesWebsite:
Description: The CIEE Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation Program in Bonaire is a study abroad program for undergraduate students. The Tropical Marine Ecology Intern at the CIEE Research Station Bonaire will assist in program delivery, academics, research, group dynamics, logistics, dive safety, student transportation, and site security. Duties include assisting with: preparations for classes and labs as instructed by faculty, SCUBA diving in support of 3 CIEE courses, long-term research data collection on coral reefs, undergraduate student education and research projects, and record keeping for the dive safety program. This is an intensive program of study lasting 15 weeks with students.
Minimum Qualifications: BA/BS in Biology with an emphasis in Marine Biology/Ecology or Biological Oceanography (MS preferred); current certifications in First Aid, CPR, DAN Oxygen Rescue, and Advanced Open Water; scientific diving experience (minimum of 50 dives logged) and a comprehensive dive physical required; drivers license; ability to work as a team member, a commitment to education and research in marine ecology and conservation; a willingness to work flexible hours and live on site at the research station with a group of up to 12 undergraduate students.
Compensation: A small stipend (commensurate with experience), round trip airfare, lodging (private room with bath) will be provided to the successful applicant.
Internship dates: 22 Aug – 19 Dec, 2009 To apply: Send cover letter, CV with 3 references, and one letter of recommendation from a major faculty member from your degree granting institution to . For more information about the semester program go to Application deadline: 15 June 2009
6. Internship - Leatherback Turtles
The Oceanic Society is looking for one more person for their internship as a sea turtle biologist in Suriname this summer.
General Function
The Oceanic Society is looking for a highly motivated and independent sea turtle biologist for the nest monitoring program in Suriname, South America.
The beaches of Suriname are some of the most important leatherback turtle nesting beaches in the world. Interns will help coordinate the work done by Surinamese field staff, establish and maintain a hatchery at BabunsantiBeach, record hatchling emergences and beach productivity. Interns will also assist with Oceanic Society’s research travellers.
We are looking for people that have experience in sea turtle biology, can work independently and will be comfortable travelling in Suriname. These beaches are in remote areas of the Amazon jungle and communication with the outside world is not always available. The official language of Suriname is Dutch but most also speak English.
This internship is from mid May to August, will be paid and is a great opportunity for graduate students looking for potential projects. Travel is paid from a US gateway. If you have more questions or interested in this position, please send a CV/resume to Mario Mota at by Tuesday May 5th.
7. Employment - Sub Antarctic Field Assistant
The British Antarctic Survey are recruiting Zoological Field Assistants to work at BirdIsland, South Georgia.
Apply before May 31st, 2009
BirdIsland is home to:
700,000 nocturnal petrels
65,000 breeding fur seals
50,000 pairs of penguins
14,000 pairs of albatrosses
With room for 2 more Zoological Field Assistants on 32 month contracts!
Take your career to the extreme and work in one of the most challenging and amazing places on earth. Antarctica is where cutting edge scientific investigation - on issues such as global warming and environmental change - is happening right now.
It's where your curiosity, ambition and sense of adventure will surely lead you and we're the team to take you there.
At BirdIsland, South Georgia, two field assistants will be recruited by BAS to help carry out fieldwork on seabirds and seals. BirdIsland is small (just 6 Km long) and forms part of the South Gerogia archipelago where it is buffeted by prevailing westerlies and cold winds from Antarctica to the South. It has a high annual rainfall and variable snow cover during winter. In summer tens of thousands of seals and hundreds of thousands of seabirds breed there (including 3 species of penguins and 4 species of albatrosses). Up to 10 staff (ferried in and out by ship) live in a modern research station. There is a satellite link to the outside world and comfortable accommodation.
The successful candidates will work and live on BirdIsland continuously between October or November 2009 and April 2012. They will each be partly responsible for one element of a monitoring program (seals, penguins or flying birds). The learning curve is very steep and so all candidates must have previous experience of handling appropriate wild animals. BAS will provide a finishing school (at BirdIsland) to hone these skills.
Fieldwork in the breeding season at BirdIsland will be very intensive with long hours of data preparation afterwards, so it is important to be organised. The data will be finalised using databases and by submitting reports, observing strict deadlines at frequent intervals. These, the assistant's finished products, will underpin key research into regional and global change processes based on seabird and seal life histories, reproductive success, behaviour and diet.
The successful applicants will remain on BirdIsland continuously for 30 months, where they will live with 2 other residents and up to 6 summer only visitors. Whilst everyone will be assigned duties to keep the research station running (including cooking and cleaning), the residents will have extra responsibilities (after essential pre-deployment training), such as helping to provide medical cover.
The position of zoological field assistant offers a unique opportunity for highly motivated and disciplined individuals with relevant fieldwork skills and a keen interest in wildlife that will adapt well to small island living in a challenging sub-Antarctic environment.
Qualifications and experience:
Minimum of a science degree in biology or zoology, experience of remote, unsupervised fieldwork and animal handling skills (i.e. of appropriate wild animals in their natural habitat).
Applicants must be competent and efficient managing, analysing and reporting large data sets.
Meticulous time management, attention to detail and effective communication are important attributes.
Candidates should also be able to mix well in a small and vibrant science community.
Applying:
Appointments will be for a period of approximately 32 months.
Salary will be in the range of ? 20,424 - ?28,091 pa pro-rata (depending on qualifications and experience).
Please quote reference: BAS 30/09
Closing date for receipt of application forms: 31st May 2009.
Interviews are to be held on 16th June 2009.
On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at
These are also available from the Personnel Section, British Antarctic Survey, High
Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: +44 (0)1223 221508.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome.
You will need to be physically capable and medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions.
Dirk Briggs
British Antarctic Survey
8. Volunteering - Green Gym
Do you want to get fit while enjoying the outdoors?
If you are looking to get fit, spend time outdoors, meet new people and help the environment, then Green Gym is for you!
Green Gym is a new program designed to help you get fit while doing a range of enjoyable gardening and conservation activities.
Green Gym:
Is free to join.
Has sessions for small groups running for four hours a day, twice a week.
Gets you out and about in the fresh air.
Means you are helping the environment in your local community.
Helps get you fit.
The Green Gym program is now operating in Victoria based in Ballarat, Bendigo and Melbourne.
It’s easy to get involved, simply:
Call the Green Gym Project officer in Melbourne – (03) 9326 8250
9. Volunteering - Brolga Catching
Inka Veltheim is seeking volunteers to assist her with catching Brolgas in the Western District at Penshurst (south of the Grampians). She needs teams of two to six people for two to three days between the 21st and 29th of May. Activities will involve cannon netting, spotlighting, setting leg nooses and hanging in a bird hide. This project will be running for the next three years and we will be calling for more volunteers in September.
Accommodation with be provided. You will need to bring own breakfast, lunch and bedding. Dinner will be provided.
If you’re interested you will need to get in touch with our Education Officer (Jaimie - / ph: 0431 338 880)and providea brief description about yourself, but sure to includeany previous fieldwork you may have been involved in.
10.Volunteering - WilsonsPromontoryNational Park 18th – 22nd May - Volunteers Required!
The project:
Conservation Volunteers are required for our 5 day conservation trip to WilsonsPromontoryNational Park.
Activities will include implementing exclusion plots to prevent invasive weeds.
When: Volunteers will depart Melbourne on Monday 18th May and camp for 4 nights at Wilsons Promontory and return to Melbourne on Friday 22nd May.
How much: The cost to join this project is $208 (concessions available for full time students and concession card holders) which includes all meals, accommodation and return transport from Melbourne.
Contact Details:
If you would like more information or would like to make a booking to join this fantastic project phone Lisa Litchfield on 03) 9326 8250
or email
11.Volunteering - Grampians Post Fire Research – Conservation Volunteer
Enjoy the world famous GrampiansNational Park while contributing to scientific research working alongside student researchers to undertake small mammal surveys as part of a post fire research project. Volunteer activities are setting and checking traps, recording data on any captures, tearing down and cleaning traps.
Project dates: 24th – 29th May and 31st May – 5th June
Project cost is $208 (concessions available for full time students and concession card holders) which covers all meals, accommodation and return transport from Melbourne.
Contact Details
If you would like more information or would like to make a booking phone Lisa Litchfield on 03) 9326 8250 or email
12.Volunteering - Ningaloo Community Turtle Monitoring Program
The NCTMP is a community-based monitoring program that is designed to provide high standard marine turtle nesting information through the collection of data on successful nesting emergences, false crawls, disturbance and spatial and temporal distribution of the three main species nesting in the Ningaloo Region: green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles.
Volunteers spend approximately 2-3 hours each morning collecting data on turtle nesting beaches from December to February each year. No previous experience is necessary to participate as a "Turtle Tracker" but volunteers must be able to walk up to 3km of beach every day, sometimes over rocky terrain, in hot weather.
Volunteer Opportunities
- "Turtle tracking" - beach monitoring
- Data entry
- Remote camping and monitoring on the Ningaloo Reef beaches.
- Educational activities and interpretive talks at the newly established Jurabi Turtle Centre
- Assist with Turtle Rescues.
- Complete a TAFE certified Turtle Tour Guiding Course
- Obtain training in interaction protocols and assist turtle-visitor interactions on the beaches at night.
- Regular social events
- Leadership and organizational opportunities as a team leader.
- Internship with CALM and the Ningaloo Turtle Program
- Field methodology trainers
The Cape Conservation Group (CCG), Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) Exmouth District and David Waayers, PhD Candidate, Murdoch University (MU) formally established the Ningaloo Community Turtle Monitoring Program in 2002, with the assistance of a Threatened Species Network Grant and the involvement of WWF Australia. Since then, it has grown with a high level of interest from the local community of Exmouth, Western Australia and even overseas. The Program has become an excellent example of a collaborative conservation initiative with a high level of community involvement.