February 3, 2012
Jelly Watch: Another Player in the Citizen Scientist Movement
Posted by Dida at 10:17 AM
June 5, 2010
California Science Center Volunteer Diver Program!
New aquarium volunteer diving opportunity! If interested, please do not contact me, but instead see information at end of this post-Dida
Hello Divers!
Thank you for your interest in the California Science Center Volunteer Diver Program!
We wanted to follow up with some information regarding our program and the diving opportunities that are becoming available.
To get the ball rolling, below is some general information as well as available dates for candidates to come to meet our dive team, ask questions, as well as tour the facility.
About the California Science Center:
The California Science Center is located in Downtown Los Angeles and was formerly known as the Museum of Science and Industry. It is an interactive learning facility that allows for people to gets their hands on and brains thinking.
We are California’s most visited “museum” and recently completed an expansion of a new wing named “Ecosystems” that exhibits a variety of Ecosystems that are found across the globe.
The centerpiece of “Ecosystems” is a 200,000 gallon California Kelp Forest display and associated aquaria. In this exhibit we are attempting to grow live kelp and using state of the art technologies facility wide. We are the only “land locked” facility to try this venture on such a large scale. Additionally - we are attempting to display a huge amount of diversity in our exhibit of animals that have been found from Point Conception to the Mexican Border.
The California Science Center main galleries are FREE TO PUBLIC and have an educational component that is second to none. The dive team in particular has the unique opportunity to share our passion for the oceans by teaching people the science of the sea and helping others to develop their own passion for our oceans and its inhabitants.
About our Volunteer Dive Program:
Our Living Collections team is looking for divers who would be interested in volunteering their time to help us on our mission.
Our volunteers have the opportunity to get involved in the community and give something back, while building their own knowledge, skills, abilities, as well as hands on experience.
Volunteer divers work in many areas of our operation and help with many aspects of day to day care and maintenance of such an undertaking. Here are just a few of the tasks that you may have the chance to complete while working with us at the Science Center.
* Educational Dive Presentations- full face mask with communications
* Animal Husbandry- Care and feeding of the collection
* Animal Training- Training of animals using advanced positive reinforcement and target training techniques
* Exhibit Maintenance- cleaning of the exhibit
* General Exhibitry and display – working with team members developing themes for exhibits and then making them into displays
* Kelp measuring and monitoring projects – inside the exhibit as well as in open water
* Collecting of fish, inverts, and algae for display
* Small boating operations- potential for training on our 32 ft dive/research vessel
* Outreach and other related community events
Still interested? The requirements follow:
● Must be at least 18 years of age
● Must not have a serious criminal record & be able to pass a standard background check
● Commit to a schedule of one four hour shift per week for 1 year. Some shifts begin early in the morning or late in the evening. We dive 7 days a week - multiple times a day. Keep in mind although it is very rewarding - it can be hard work and you will get wet dirty and cold!
● Open Water diving certification card by any international recognized organization
● Minimum of 20 logged dives on a Log Book is suggested
● Provide proof of current CPR, O2 provider, AED and First aid training (at your own expense)
● Diving Medical/Physical that includes chest x-ray that must signed off by a M.D (at your own expense).
● Have your own, Mask, Fins and Snorkel (SCUBA equipment and thermal protection is provided) Personal Wetsuits may be used but they must not have bright colors, must be in presentable condition and be suitable for the type of diving being done)
● Must be comfortable/high level of confidence in the water
● Must be willing to help cover the cost of the pool for confined water sessions- amount to be determined by number of participants
● Must be willing to cover the cost of a dive charter seat for an open water dive session and training (cost dependant upon boat but normally about $100).
● Complete CSC and department orientation
● Attend all training courses, lectures, and mandatory meetings
● Complete all dive logs
We estimate that the cost “recoup” of the expenses for the open water diving & training to be just under $200 per diver (generally estimated - probably much less in most cases – maybe a bit more in others - the exact figure depends on amount of divers involved in your sessions). This does not include the cost of any required certifications, personal equipment, or dive physical.
You would only be covering your end of hard expenses for resources that are outside of CSC staff and facilities. There is no charge for the use of the equipment or training provided by CSC or the Dive Safety team.
We have found that most medical insurance providers do cover the costs associated with the physical and associated testing, but please confirm that with your doctor and medical insurance provider beforehand. For those that are not insured, we have a few providers that estimate physical costs to be approx $200 if paid by cash.
Interested but have questions?
We will be conducting 4 Volunteer Diver information, orientation, and enrollment sessions at the CSC in June. This will give you the opportunity to meet members of the dive team, tour the facility, and clarify any questions that may remain. All volunteer divers must attend an information/orientation session prior to starting the process.
Info/orientation sessions:
Saturday June 5th @ 10:00am – 12:30pm.
Thursday June 10th @ 5:00-7:30 PM
Saturday June 12th @ 10:00am – 12:30pm
If you are interested but these dates will not work for you- please let us know and we will do our best to schedule other arrangements.
What does it take from there? What are the next steps?
We will follow this by pool session for a swim and dive assessment. The date is to be confirmed but is ‘tentatively’ set for the following:
Tuesday June 15th 5 pm - 9 pm (tentative)
Saturday June 19th 10 am – 2 pm (tentative)
There will be confirmation of theses dates and/or alternative pool session dates offered as soon as responses and availability of potential volunteers are received by our dive office staff.
We will follow the pool session by a dry refresher and general overview of scientific & aquarium diving.
These refreshers will be offered on varied days/dates in efforts to accommodate schedules of participants involved in each session. So the hard dates are to be determined, but we are trying to be as flexible as possible with the resources we have available.
Following the refresher – we will be going out on a local charter dive boat for 3 supervised open water dives at Catalina. We expect to offer open water dives on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays- depending on actual needs and availability of volunteer divers.
There will be confirmation of theses dates and/or alternative pool session dates offered as soon as responses and availability of potential volunteers are received by our dive office staff.
Ok - Then what?
Once these steps have been completed and you are approved by the California Science Center Dive Control Board- You will be an official volunteer dive team member and well on your way to becoming recognized as an “Aquarium Diver” with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). Upon completion of remaining dives, course work and lectures, you will be recognized as a Scientific Diver with the AAUS. Training that is prized and often hard to get!
Are you in?
Diving can be considered a potentially dangerous activity and thus all these steps are needed to ensure that every dive team member is properly trained for the tasks they will be completing. Of course, we must provide documents/documentation for this process.
The California Science Center is an organizational member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) and follows the standards for scientific diving.
As a certified diver, it is likely that you have already fulfilled some of these requirements to enter the program.
If you need assistance navigating these forms or have further questions please do hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.
We will need copies of current: Copy of all dive certifications, copy of CPR, AED, first aid, & oxygen provider certifications, completed/approved dive physical / medical, signed copy of scientific diver application, signed copy of liability releases, completed CSC volunteer application.
Here is a list of the forms we need:
* Scientific Diver Application
* Liability Release (please sign and date with pen)
* Highest level diver certification card
* AAUS Diver Medical (attached)
* CPR, First Aid, Oxygen certification cards (outside trainer referrals are available)
We understand that this is a substantial list that may take some time to complete and why we have some flexibility in the dates for pool and open water sessions.
We are dependent on volunteers to get work done and are dedicated to get you through the requirements. So if you have any questions or anything, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or shoot us an email.
All forms can be faxed, emailed, or sent via regular mail to the numbers and/or addresses below. If you have any problems with opening the attachments - please let us know.
Click HERE to access forms.
We look forward to diving with you!
Sincerely-
The CSC Dive Safety Team -
Capt Chris Wade, John Clippinger, James Cowley, & Alex Rapaport
Capt Chris Wade | Dive Safety Officer
California Science Center Foundation
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
TEL: (213) 744-2051
FAX: (213) 744-7577
Email
California Science Center
***
John Clippinger | Asst. Dive Safety Officer
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
TEL: (213) 744-2212
FAX: (213) 744-7577
Email
California Science Center
Posted by Dida at 2:04 PM
January 3, 2010
Channel Islands National Park Internship
posted as a courtesy- Please do not contact me about this opportunity-Dida
Channel Islands National Park's Kelp Forest Monitoring Program has a Student Conservation Association (SCA) internship available from February -November, 2010. The intern will assist with all aspects of the Park's 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 up to 70 species of fish, invertebrates and algae.
Most data are collected underwater using scuba and surface-supplied air. The intern will also assist with a three-month terrestrial vegetation monitoring program. Desirable candidates would have a minimum of 50 logged cold water dives, an AAUS-recognized scientific diving certification, some vessel experience, excellent references, the ability and willingness to make up to five dives per day in water temperatures ranging from 50-73°F. Dive depth is typically less than 65 ft, frequently in dense kelp forests and exposed offshore locations. Applicants should be willing and able to hike 10 miles in remote, rugged off-trail terrain. Remuneration includes a stipend of up to $640/month in addition to $650/month for housing, accident and medical insurance, and $2,000 to purchase scuba equipment. A $1,250- $4,725 Americorps Education award may also be available. Background on SCA is available at www.thesca.org. To apply, send a resume with cover letter to David Kushner; 805-658-5773). Diving history and biological experience should be described and references listed. Packages should be submitted immediately since candidate selection is to be made by the end of January.
Posted by Dida at 11:41 AM
July 12, 2007
Monterey Harbor, CA: Volunteers Needed for Undaria Removal
UPDATE: THE NEXT REMOVAL DATE IS AUG. 18, 2007.This is an urgent call for volunteers to help eradicate invasive Undaria in Monterey Harbor. Email or call Rita Bunzel (831-647-4245) to help either dockside or on scuba. Rita will provide a parkign pass. From Rita:
===================
Hello Everyone,
Over the last 2 months we've seen a huge increase in recruitment and growth rates of Undaria in the Monterey Harbor. Althought this is a typically a high growth period, it is a critical time of the year to conduct removals before the reproductive plants have a chance to re-populate the harbor. WE DESPARATELY NEED YOUR HELP! WE NEED VOLUNTEER SCUBA DIVERS and DOCKSIDE WORKERS.
Please consider taking a few hours on Saturday, July 21, 2007 from 9:00 am to approximately 12:00 pm to support your community and the efforts to control Undaria from spreading. Please RSVP if you can make it.
As usually, we will gather at 9:00 am sharp in front of the Monterey Harbormasters office (see directions below). First time volunteers should complete the attached forms base on their volunteer position. Bring the completed form on Saturday. Copies will also be available on site. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent/ guardian signature on file to participate.
The following Word doc forms need to be filled out prior to meeting:
• Volunteer Questionnaire (dockside volunteers)
• SCUBA Medical History (SCUBA volunteers only)
• SCUBA Volunteer Questionnaire (SCUBA volunteers only)
AGENDA
9:00 - 9:30 am Volunteers assemble, safety protocol, program paperwork
9:30 - 10:00 am Introduction to Undaria survey methods, data collection protocol
10:00 - 12:00 pm Undaria surveys and removal
DIRECTIONS
From Del Monte Ave take the Figueroa Street entrance to Wharf #2. Turn left into the wharf parking area. The Monterey Harbormasters office is located on the right. It is a two-story brown building situated dockside between Fisherman's Wharf and Wharf #2.
PARKING
Park closest to the Monterey Harbormasters office in the metered parking spaces only (do not
park in permit parking). The program will distribute temporary parking passes for the day so DO NOT feed the meter with coins.
DATA COLLECTORS and SPECIMEN COLLECTORS (dockside work)
If you are working dockside, comfortable close-toed shoes are a must since you will be standing for several few hours. Do not wear nice clothing since you will be handling marine algae and will get dirty. It is advisable to wear sunscreen and a hat.
SCUBA DIVERS
Divers must provide their own personal dive equipment which includes: mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, BC, regulator, weight belt/weights. I can provide tanks for those of you that notified me in advance. If you have a small collecting bag, bring it. First time divers MUST bring their SCUBA certification card for Monterey Harbormaster clearance. We will need to have on file a copy (both front and back) of the certification cards. We can photocopy the C- cards at the Harbormaster's office if necessary. If you have not already completed the medical history form and questionnaire (both attached) please do so and bring the complete the forms with you on Saturday to save time. We will try to conduct (2) dives.
PLEASE RECONFIRM YOUR PARTICIPATION WITH A REPLY EMAIL. Do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.
I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday! Thank you for your continued support and assistance with this program!
Rita Bunzel
Program Manager
Undaria Monitoring Program
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
rita.bunzel @ noaa.gov
831/647-4245
ritabunzel@yahoo.com
831/659-5722 office/fax
831/402-3866 cell
Posted by Dida at 7:07 AM
| Comments (1)
May 13, 2007
Summer Volunteer Opportunity Studying California Sea Lions at Ano Nuevo Island
Photo by Chris HaugenThis opportunity has nothing to do with diving, at least not in water, but it's too cool not to post. I've also been inspired to post it because a few years ago, while attending a fancy winery luncheon, I met a woman, now a doctor and married to a prominent NY PR agent, who said the best time of her life was spent on Ano Nuevo Island while a grad. student at UCSC. Now here's your chance to create some awesome olfactory-based lifetime memories. Usual Disclaimer: Note that I am posting this as as courtesy to the prinicipal investigators. Please do not contact me re: this volunteer position. Their contact info is toward end of this post.
We are seeking a volunteer to study California Sea Lions on Ao Nuevo Island this summer. This is observational work, re-sighting sea lions that have been tagged and branded at San Miguel Island. The work will begin on June 1st and run through July so you will still have August and September free. Guy Oliver will work with you in June and Pat Morris in July. We know most of you are still in classes but we would expect you to begin the day after your last final. The position is three days per week. In June this will usually be MWF and in most of July it will be M-Tu, staying overnight on the island (we have a bunk house and a kitchen, you need to provide a sleeping bag), and then either Thur. or Fri. You could have a job on the weekends or else with a very, very flexible schedule. Some weeks weather may force us to shift our schedule.
This work requires a medium amount of brute strength (ability to lift about 75 lbs.) since we must move boats and engines to reach the island. It also requires a high level of tolerance for dirty and smelly conditions. During the summer Ao Nuevo Island is home to four species of pinnipeds and a dozen or so species of sea birds. It is a mini-Galapagos in our own back yard, but all these animals produce copious quantities of poop. The work involves crawling through poop on the ground while being bombed with guano from above. The work necessitates great patience as well. Much of the time you will be sitting in a blind scanning a beach full of sea lions who are all sleeping, and you'll have little to do. At other times there will be a frenzy of activity. If you do not enjoy just watching animals, it's not for you. This job is most reminiscent of two kids games - "Where's Waldo?" and "How many jellybeans are in the jar?" so you should like both. You should also know that Ao Nuevo Island is cold, foggy and windy in the summer. We generally wear 3-5 layers of clothes.
A wetsuit and booties or old sneakers are necessary for crossing to the island. If you are of average size we may be able to find a 'loaner' wetsuit for you, otherwise you will need to provide your own and you will almost certainly need to provide footwear (unless your feet happen to be the same size as mine).
During some of the nights that we stay over, you will work all day with us and then you will work during the evening (9-12) catching seabirds (Rhinoceros Auklets) with biologists from Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory.
If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact both of us, Pat Morris, at pamorris@ucsc.edu 429-5342, and Guy Oliver at oliver@ucsc.edu 458-4121 as soon as possible. We plan to interview in the latter half of next week (May 16-18). Some opportunities for single day volunteers in the first half of June may be available as well.
Pat & Guy
Posted by Dida at 6:02 PM
