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Work with the seal research department this summer

Seal

Are you studying nature science at the university level in Iceland and are interested in seal research?

In cooperation with the Seal research department at the Icelandic seal center, the marine and freshwater institute is looking for an assistant to work with us in Hvammstangi, NW Iceland this summer. The work will include research and analysis of seal behavior and abundance in important haul-out sites in Northwest Iceland. The assistant will take part in fieldwork and analysis under the supervision of a specialist from the institute. The project aims to increase our knowledge of seal behavior in the haul-out and what factors are affecting the seals, such as anthropogenic disturbance, weather factors, etc. Such knowledge is important for example when developing population models and for the management of the seal populations in Iceland. The project leader is Sandra M. Granquist, whom you are welcome to contact if you have questions (sandra@hafro.is).
The position is taking place from 1 June- 15 August and the application deadline is 22 May.

More information, as well as the application form, can be found here:

https://form.vinnumalastofnun.is/sumarstorf/jobsview.aspx?pk_job_id=5345

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New paper published in the Department of Rural Tourism

A new paper was recently published by Jessica Aquino, Georgette Leah Burns, and Sandra M. Granquist.

The article, A responsible framework for managing wildlife watching tourism: The case of seal watching in Iceland, can be downloaded here for free for the next 50 days. This conceptual paper develops a framework that addresses the need to manage human-wildlife interactions in Arctic settings to ensure positive outcomes for wildlife, local people, and visitors. We argue that managers tasked with meeting these needs should do so in a cultural context where ethical frameworks are guided by sustainable and responsible management practices, however, these strategies are often absent in the literature. By reviewing current literature that investigates theoretical and practical understandings of wildlife watching management we build a methodological foundation for approaching wildlife watching management and identify the need for future management actions that include participation of multiple stakeholder groups. Taking a systems thinking approach we build a case for implementation of our Ethical Management Framework (EMF). Application of the framework is exemplified through a case study of seal watching management in Iceland. Our new framework can be applied in a wider range of wildlife tourism settings worldwide.

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New Director

Páll Línberg Sigurðsson was hired to the position of Director of the Icelandic Seal Center, starting January 1, 2021.

Guðmundur Jóhannesson, chairman of the board of the Icelandic Seal Center (left), and Páll Línberg Sigurðsson, the new Director of the Icelandic Seal Center (right).
The new Director and the current Chairman of The Board signing the contract.
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Director of the Icelandic Seal Center

The Icelandic Seal Center invites applications for the full-time position as director of the center. The Icelandic Seal Center was founded to foster pinniped research in Iceland, to promote sustainable tourism in the area, and to educate the general public about seals. The Center was originally established in 2005 in the interests of further reinforcement of sustainable tourism in Húnaþing vestra region. The Seal Center is located in the village of Hvammstangi, which is a family friendly community with excellent educational and healthcare facilities. The location offers great access to nature. See our website: www.selasetur.is

The position entails:

  • Goal setting and leadership of the institute
  • Leadership in developing and implementing new research projects
  • Involvement in the development of local nature-based and rural tourism related to seals
  • Hosting and teaching student groups and visitors
  • Financial and management leadership

We are looking for a person with:

  • Master’s degree in tourism studies or fields related to the research focus of the Seal Center is required, but Ph.D. is beneficial
  • Experience in project management, research, teaching, and tourism development
  • Leadership qualities, and who is responsible with good personal skills and able to manage diverse collaborations

The position starts January 1st 2021; application deadline is November 1st 2020.

Applications, including a CV, academic records, and two letters of recommendation should be sent to: Guðmundur Jóhannesson gummijo@simnet.is