Under the direction of a doctoral candidate from the University of Edinburgh’s School of History, Classics and Archaeology, volunteer underwater archaeological fieldwork experience is available. The project will involve diving in one (or more, per preference or availability) of five reservoirs* in South Lanarkshire, and the Glendevon Reservoir (Perth and Kinross) to survey archaeological sites that were once terrestrial, but are now submerged by the reservoir waters. Site survey will include the Kirkhope Tower, cairns, burnt mounds and several Mesolithic sites. These sites were previously recorded by the Biggar Archaeology Group before rising water levels made them inaccessible to the Group. As such, the dives will be relatively shallow, maxing out at 20M. Opportunities for further and deeper exploratory survey will take place on the last days of each reservoir dive period.

Methods used will include underwater photography, underwater survey (basic measuring and recording using a grid system), and drawing. Each day will consist of three dive teams (of two divers) making three controlled dives to gather data. Divers will ideally be paired with a person of greater/lesser archaeological diving experience to enhance both efficiency and a positive learning/teaching environment.

Full reservoir block-commitments preferred, but ability to commit to specific dates is welcome.

Dates:
March 12th and 18th: Basic introduction and casual meet up (choose one)
March 19-24, 6-days of diving in the Daer Reservoir
March 26-30, 5 days of diving in the Camps Reservoir
April 2-3, 2 days of diving in the Megget Reservoir (shortened due to the Easter holiday)
April 10-13, 4 days of diving in the Megget Reservoir
April 16-21, 6 days of diving in the Talla Reservoir
April 23-28, 6 days of diving in the Fruid Reservoir
April 30-May 4, 5 days of diving in the Glendevon Reservoir (Perth & Kinross)

Compensation Provided: No pay or stipend is available at this time. Limited accommodation may be provided for volunteers traveling a great distance. Lunch (special dietary requirements can be accommodated) will be provided, as well as limited transportation (first come, first served). Cylinder refills are provided, as well as cylinders should divers not have an in-date and serviced one.

Volunteer Requirements: Due to strict HSE and University guidelines, divers must be minimally PADI Rescue Diver, or equivalent (with proof of certification). Some experience of underwater archaeology is a plus, but basic skills sets of the Rescue Diver and a passion for learning/archaeology are considered equivalent.

Required Equipment: All necessary cold-water dive gear- 5mm+ Wetsuit or Drysuit, BCD, Regulators, Air Gauges and Compass, Mask, Fins, Snorkel, Gloves, Boots, Hood, Dive computer (or tables), Air cylinder (if in-date), One primary torch, one backup torch, Strobe light, Weights

Training provided: Introduction to underwater survey techniques and opportunity to utilize new skills; basic underwater photography of archaeological sites; Recognition and understanding archaeological sites in context; Handbook: Basic introduction to underwater archaeology (also includes information about the sites and project)

Other information: The doctoral candidate is Emily Stammitti, MAIPS, MSc. Emily has been enthusiastically diving for 12 years, and has worked as a dive instructor at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in the USA, as well as a reef check diver, special presentations diver, underwater archaeology project manager for the ADA, and independent consultant for the Isle of Gigha. The fieldwork completed in South Lanarkshire comprises the fieldwork component of the doctoral dissertation, and all volunteers’ work will be graciously acknowledged.

*The five reservoirs are: The Daer, Camps, Megget, Talla and Fruid, all located within close proximity to each other in South Lanarkshire

Get in touch with Emily Stammitti here:

Erica Felins (Dive Director) and Dave Work (Program Director) of CIMI - Catalina Island Marine Institute - will be at University of California, Santa Cruz to do a presentation about CIMI and recruit divers for hire for their summer camp program.

Save the Date/Time: Sat, March 3rd, 2012, 4:30pm, Location TBA

For more info about the Catalina Sea Camp, click here or email Erica Felins.

Erica is currently accepting resumes. Jobs that are available for this summer are: NAUI Instructor, NAUI Divemaster, or NAUI DM-candidate (must be RQ-certified).

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is currently hiring to fill staff positions for this special summer program. Information and application here.

Channel Islands National Park's Kelp Forest Monitoring Program plans on hiring . These positions are similar to the summer internships described below and we expect these position announcements will be posted the first week of February. The positions will likely only be open for applications for two weeks. If you are interested, please search for them at USAJOBS.gov. If you have any questions please contact David Kushner (805-643-0260).
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Channel Islands National Park's (CINP) Kelp Forest Monitoring Program has two Student Conservation Association (SCA) internships available from May-November, 2012. The intern will assist with all aspects of CINP long-term kelp forest monitoring program (KFMP).

The KFMP has conducted annual monitoring around the five Park Islands since 1982 and has recently added sites to evaluate new marine reserves. The intern will collect data on population dynamics of 70 species of fish, invertebrates and algae. Most data are collected underwater using scuba and surface-supplied air. Desirable candidates would have a minimum of 50 logged cold water dives, an AAUS-recognized scientific diving certification, some vessel experience, excellent references, and the ability and willingness to make up to five dives per day in water temperatures ranging from 50-73°F. Applicants should be willing and able to hike 10 miles in remote, rugged off-trail terrain.

To apply, send a resume with cover letter that explains your interest in this internship, summarizes your dive history, and includes at least three references to David Kushner (805-658-5773).
Application packages should be submitted immediately.
Candidate selection will be mid-March.

Toward this goal, Bastiann has put together a survey to begin collecting quantitative data on various attractors in coral reefs. Click here to participate.

You can leave your email with him to stay attuned of his progress with the project.

These classes will not only enhance you recreational diving experience, but are also useful for your participation in "citizen scientist" efforts such as REEF or Reef Check. Hope to see you at one!

~Dida

Reef Check Foundation is searching for a Southern California Volunteer Coordinator. This position may be a perfect fit for a person with extensive California diving experience who wants to do scientific diving and has a passion for working with volunteers.

Job announcement here.

Colleen Wisniewski
Southern California Regional Manager, Reef Check California
Reef Check Foundation
PO Box 70239
San Diego, CA 92167

*Organization: CIEE Research Station Bonaire
Location: Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles*

Website

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.

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 16 undergraduate students.