The Job

---

Starting in January, I have been filling out job applications, working on my resume and CV and writing essays after essay. One day I read a job application that read like a tropical resort ad: “Costal expeditions will be organized to survey the most remote areas, several hundred km away from any human activity. These expeditions will last between 4 and 5 days, during which we will sleep in a camp set up on unexploited beaches where with some luck we will fish our dinner. Reef expedition (50 miles away from the coast) will be done with a 13m long 5 star powered catamaran with all the comforts. Nights will be spent within the lagoons of breath taking coral islands (Lady Musgrove, Lady Elliot, Heron Island and Fitzroy Reef)  that will be possible to explore during the afternoon at the end of the work day. Snorkeling is also possible and worthwhile, and as I am a diving instructor upon interest we can organize some dives too.” Come on, how amazing does that sound? Thinking that in a million years I would NEVER EVER get the job, I applied. Why not, right? Needless to say I flew out today, May 31st, for an amazing summer! The projects I will be helping with are as follows :
·         Modelling habitat suitability of coastal dolphins along the QLD coast

·         Population genetics and phylogeography of Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins in Australian waters: defining appropriate management units for conservation
·         Taxonomic status and ecology of a undescribed form of spinner dolphin “pigmy spinner dolphin” (Stenella spp) from the Capricorn Bunker group, Southern Great Barrier Reef.
·         Use of non-destructive toxicology biomarkers and residue analysis to assess the toxicology status of humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and snubfin dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni) in Australian coastal waters
·         Estimating population size of inshore dolphins species in Central Queensland using DISTANCE techniques.
I am working as part of a PhD study with a man named Daniele and his group, The Capricorn Cetaceans Project. Last summer I learned what to do and what not to do while doing research, and after talking to Daniele, he seems like he learned all of the same stuff a long time ago! Looking forward to a drama free summer. 😊
Around mid March I found out I got the position, so I have been scrambling to get everything ready. That includes having to renew my passport (somehow the house ate it), getting a visa, lightweight gear, a rolling suitcase big enough for the full four months and other small stuff here and there.

---