BACKGROUND

Cape Island, SC is an undeveloped remote barrier island in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge which averages well over 1,000 loggerhead sea turtle nests each season.  Sea turtle activity accounts for almost 1/3 of all nests in South Carolina.  The lack of access to the remote island makes it challenging for federal biologists and volunteers to do beach patrols, nest relocation, nursery maintenance, predator removal, nest inventories, and nesting turtle research.   Early morning small boat access and kayaking during extreme tides are required during the summer nesting season.

Dewees Island is a privately developed ferry access barrier island south of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and north of Charleston, SC.  Dewees has a strong environmental focus, with approximately 60 homes, native landscaping, sand roads, and golf cart transportation.  There are no commercial interests such as stores or restaurants on this isolated barrier island. Dewees averages 10 – 15 sea turtle nests per season, but allows for easier community access and educational opportunities through beach patrols, nest relocation, nest inventories, stranding coverage and educational nature center exhibits and presentations.  The Dewees naturalist-in-residence oversees and organizes these nesting and hatchling efforts with community volunteers.

OVERVIEW

A sea turtle technician position funded by The Deedee Paschal Barrier Island Trust helps meet the needs of both islands.  Three days per week of man power for Cape Island with dormitory housing on the mainland of Awendaw and boat access to Cape Island with other biologist and staff is provided.  Two days per week on Dewees Island is required to cover morning nest patrols and appropriate relocations and inventories.  The remainder of the day on Dewees requires working in the Nature Center and Wet Lab to cover community educational opportunities, fieldtrips and animal husbandry.  Ferry access, dormitory housing, and golf cart transportation are provided for the remainder of the week by Dewees Island.

The turtle technician shall report directly to both the US Fish and Wildlife Chief Biologist on Cape Island and the Naturalist on Dewees Island.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

1.  Minimum three years undergraduate work in marine biology, ecology or related science.

2.  Outgoing and independent personality; strong communication and leadership skills required.

3.  Prior sea turtle nesting management experience preferred (additional training provided).

4.  Ability to work a non-standard work day, including weekends, holidays and night shifts.

5.  Ability to endure extreme summer and outdoor conditions (heat, bugs, salt, sand, etc.)

6.  Ability to carry heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs.)

7.  Ability to operate an ATV vehicle (training provided).

8.  Ability to work and live independently in an extremely remote island setting. 

9.  Boating experience preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conduct early morning or late evening beach patrols on assigned day in order to identify sea turtle nests or strandings.

2. Assist as needed with the Island’s various educational and research projects.

3. Conduct field trips or educational programs for nature-related groups, and assist in facilitation of research projects by visiting scientists as directed by the island biologist or naturalist.

4. Promote and practice stewardship of the all island facilities, properties, and research equipment.

5. Understand and agree to dormitory and housing regulations (see attached).  Both dormitory settings are a shared living space and personal effects are NOT provided (linens, toiletries, etc.)

6.  Ability to provide your own transportation between Awendaw, SC and the Dewees Island Ferry Landing on Isle of Palms (approximately 20 miles).

STIPEND

A 3 month stipend of $3,000 plus housing will be provided for 40 hours/week starting mid-May through mid-August (turtle nesting season).  An additional 3 month stipend from mid-August through mid- November (hatching season and research) of $1,500 plus housing as needed is available with a required college credit independent study.  The Barrier Island Trust requires a strong research or education project that will be in association with college course credit.  At a minimum, these results will be shared at a regional professional meeting and on the Trust’s website.

CONTACT INFORMATION

To inquire about the sea turtle technician position or to submit your resume, please contact:

Jonathan Lutz

Naturalist/Education Program Director

Dewees Island Property Owners Association

295 Dewees Inlet Drive

Dewees Island, South Carolina 29451

jon@...

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Deedee Paschal Barrier Island Trust www.BarrierIslandTrust.org

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge http://www.fws.gov/caperomain/

Dewees Island www.DeweesIslandPOA.org

DEADLINE

Deadline for application is March 15, 2006 for mid-May start-up.

Duke University Marine Lab 2006 Summer Course: Marine Mammals

Dates: Summer Term II: 10 July - 11 August 2006 Course limit: 15 students (undergraduates, graduate students, professionals) Application deadline (if applying for Global Fellowship): 15 February 2006 Application deadline (if applying for Tuition Scholarship): 1 April 2006 Application deadline (no funding support): 10 June 2006

The Duke University Marine Laboratory invites applications to its summer field course on the biology of marine mammals. Topics covered include the ecology, behavior, management and conservation of marine mammals, with emphasis on field study of the local population of bottlenose dolphins.

This is a field and laboratory-intensive course designed to provide first-hand experience with research techniques such as photo-identification and mark-recapture analysis, sampling prey distribution and abundance, behavioral sampling techniques, acoustic recording and analysis, and dissection techniques. The course is taught by a distinguished faculty that includes Andy Read (Duke University) and John Reynolds (Eckerd College and Mote Marine Laboratory).

As part of Summer Term?s II Integrated Marine Conservation Program, a core course BIO 109/ENV 209 (Conservation Biology and Policy) may be taken with Marine Mammals. Students are encouraged (but not required) to take both courses. Approximately ten Global Fellowships in Marine Conservation will be awarded on a competitive basis to international students, especially those from developing countries, and will fully cover travel expenses, room and board, and tuition for both BIO 109/ENV 209 Conservation Biology and Policy plus one elective course subject to availability. Electives include: Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles; Marine Mammals; Marine Ecology; Marine Invertebrate Zoology; Marine Policy; and Independent Research.

Experience the beautiful North Carolina coast! Join students from all over the world in participating in this unique summer session experience. Enrollment is limited, apply early!

For more information: mL_admissions@... (Tel: 252.504.7502).

www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/admissions/forms.html

http://www.env.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/scholarship.html

http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/summer2.html