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Dolphins conservation project – training opportunities

Cetaceans and Marine Fauna research project

Delfini del Ponente is currently seeking applications for weekly and monthly internship and training opportunities in Imperia, Italy, from May to October 2025.

The project
The dolphin research project “Delfini del Ponente”, started in 2018, is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) occurrence and distribution in the Western Ligurian Sea. The project is structured on an annual basis, to obtain data year-round. The study has already provided exciting information about this community inside the study area – its social organisation, abundance of individuals, distribution, and movements also outside the region. Our dataset includes records on several cetaceans species and also on other marine fauna such as seabirds – Mediterranean shearwaters (Puffinus yelkouan), Scopoli’s shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea), Northern gannets (Morus bassanus), Sandwich terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis) and more – sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and sunfish (Mola mola), among others.

Surveys are carried out in coastal waters onboard a dedicated zodiac (6 m inflatable boat) around 10 times per month. Training will focus on recording data on marine fauna, environment, marine traffic, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Land-based surveys take place in Imperia, in 2 different locations to collect data on the presence/absence of dolphins, fishing boats in activity and marine birds. Fieldwork is a great opportunity to get involved and improve skills in cetaceans and marine biodiversity research. Both land-based and zodiac surveys are weather-dependent, and their number can change each month.

Office work (6 hours per day) includes training and lessons for the interns and supervision of all the activities (photo-id work, data transcription, data entry, skin lesion analysis, QGIS work, etc…)

Where: Imperia, Italy

When:

Weekly Program: May 19–31, November 1–7
Monthly Program (minimum 30 days): June–October

Internship Activities
Interns will participate in a variety of activities, including:

Boat-based surveys: Monitoring the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins and other marine species.
Boat maintenance: Assisting with the upkeep of the research vessel.
Data collection: Recording data on cetaceans, fish, seabirds, turtles.
Photo-ID matching and skin lesion analysis.
Land-based surveys and opportunistic surveys
Turtle tracks monitoring and potential nest monitoring (in summer).
Lectures and training: Gaining skills in cetacean ecology, research techniques, seabird and sea turtle ID.
This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, encounter marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travel and explore the beautiful Liguria region and support cetacean research and conservation.

Internship Details

Work Schedule: 5 days a week, 6-8 hours per day (fieldwork or office work depending on weather conditions).
Accommodation: Interns will be provided accommodation in an apartment in Imperia.
Other Activities: Free time offers opportunities for swimming, diving, hiking, visiting historical sites, museums, and enjoying local beaches and watersports.
Skills/Qualifications

Minimum age of 18.
Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required.
Degree or ongoing studies in biology, natural sciences, veterinary sciences, or a similar field (preferred).
Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and marine research.
Fluent in English (spoken and written).
Adaptable and flexible, as fieldwork is weather-dependent.
Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun, be able to swim and work in harsh weather conditions both in nearshore and offshore waters.
Ability to work in an office setting for up to 6 hours a day.
Sociable and positive attitude, as interns will be part of an international team.

Training Program Fee
As a self-funded research project, participation requires a tuition fee. This fee includes:

Accommodation in an apartment in Imperia.
Tuition and training.
Use of the research vessel and equipment.
Field trips, insurance, and field costs.
Note: Transportation expenses to and from Imperia and food costs are not included in the fee.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about marine research and would like to contribute to cetacean conservation, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to info@delfinidelponente.it.

For more information, feel free to contact us. We look forward to receiving your application!

Research and Outreach Assistant

The Sea Watch Foundation is seeking a Research and Outreach Assistant for the 2023 season at its new field office on Anglesey, North Wales, to engage in an exciting new citizen science initiative to engage local communities and visitors in observing and recording marine mammals and birds as part of a marine conservation project.

This position will suit a volunteer who has a strong interest in marine conservation and recognises the importance of raising awareness of the marine environment by involving the public from all age groups. This position can be very varied, so applicants will need to demonstrate their ability to deal with varied tasks from public outreach to boat based survey and scientific data collection. They will be encouraged to take initiatives with education & outreach activities in the region which due to its natural beauty receives large numbers of visitors during the summer.

The assistant will be responsible for the following duties:
1. Overseeing the activities of the team of up to six interns resident at any one time, with support from the Project Manager
2. Raising Sea Watch Foundation’s profile locally (organising events, talking to the public, liaising with local stakeholders to develop further internship activities)
3. Developing surveys of marine mammals and seabirds in the area of SW Anglesey and Caernarfon Bay, undertaking watches from land and participating in boat-based surveys
4. Engaging with local communities, encouraging and training citizen scientists to collect data on marine mammals and seabirds
5. Promoting and organising the National Whale and Dolphin Watch education and outreach activities (29th July – 6th Aug 2023)
6. Participating in presentations and creating activities to take to local schools/groups, as well as using our specialised talks at local events
7. Creating educational/promotional materials (posters, displays, flyers)
8. Social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs, website) on a routine basis
9. Interacting with the media (radio, TV and newspapers), including preparing press releases
10. Participating in training courses in Anglesey and Gwynedd
11. Representing Sea Watch at public events around Anglesey and Gwynedd
12. Training and supervision will be provided by the Project Manager for the duration of the R&OA stay.
The field season will run from June to October 2023 and for Research Interns it has been split into periods of 5 weeks. Our Education and Outreach Assistant is required to stay for at least half of the season (choosing Periods 1-2 or 3-4) but can also choose to stay the whole season. The assistant will be based on the Bodorgan Estate, Anglesey. Accommodation will be provided rent free in a house shared with the Research Interns. The assistant is responsible for their own travel and living costs including utility bills.

Education & Outreach Assistant periods for summer 2022:

Periods 1 & 2: 5 June – 9 July & 10 July – 13 August
Periods 3 & 4: 14 August – 17 September & 18 September – 22 October

Important skills/qualifications

Essential:
• a strong interest in marine conservation and education
• outgoing personality, confidence and experience in public awareness
• some experience of working with children/young people
• excellent verbal and writing skills and some experience of public speaking
• experience with postings on social media
• must have initiative, motivation, the ability to bring their own ideas and personality to the position and be able to think on your feet
• strong commitment to volunteering work
• work independently, in an organised and reliable manner and to manage a variable workload.
• the ability to delegate, get on well with others in a small team and within shared accommodation
• should always represent SWF professionally
• ability to work and live cooperatively with other volunteers in an isolated location

Desirable:
• a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar
• a strong interest and some knowledge of British marine mammals and birds
• good IT skills (Office package)
• willingness to work long hours, sometimes outdoors in very changeable Welsh weather
• one’s own transport (travel costs within the project will be covered)
• Ability to speak Welsh

To apply:
Please send your CV and a cover letter reporting any relevant experience you have, specifying the period(s) for which you would prefer to volunteer, as well as contact details of two referees, to:

Jenny Bond (Project Manager) jenny.bond@seawatchfoundation.org.uk and
Prof. Peter GH Evans (SWF Director) – peter.evans@bangor.ac.uk

Deadline: 23rd April 2023.

Please specify “ANGLESEY RESEARCH AND OUTREACH ASSISTANT APPLICATION” in your subject title.

Applicants must be available for interview via Skype between 1st-5th May and will be notified of the outcome by the 8th May.

Research Intern

The Sea Watch Foundation is seeking Research Interns for the 2023 season at its new field office on Anglesey, North Wales, to engage in an exciting new citizen science initiative to engage local communities and visitors in observing and recording marine mammals and birds as part of a marine conservation project.

This position will suit volunteers who have a strong interest in marine conservation and recognises the importance of raising awareness of the marine environment by involving the public from all age groups. This position can be very varied, so applicants will need to demonstrate their ability to deal with varied tasks from public outreach to boat based survey and scientific data collection. They will be encouraged to take initiatives with education & outreach activities in the region which due to its natural beauty receives large numbers of visitors during the summer.

The interns will be responsible for the following duties:
1. Raising Sea Watch Foundation’s profile locally (organising events, talking to the public, liaising with local stakeholders)
2. Carrying out surveys of marine mammals and seabirds in the area of SW Anglesey and Caernarfon Bay, undertaking watches from land and participating in boat-based surveys
3. Engaging with local communities, encouraging and training citizen scientists to collect data on marine mammals and seabirds
4. Promoting and organising the National Whale and Dolphin Watch education and outreach activities (29th July – 6th Aug 2023)
5. Participating in presentations and creating activities to take to local schools/groups, as well as using our specialised talks at local events
6. Assisting in the creation of educational/promotional materials (posters, displays, flyers)
7. Participating in training courses in Anglesey and Gwynedd
8. Representing Sea Watch at public events around Anglesey and Gwynedd
9. Training and supervision will be provided by the Project Manager and Research and Outreach Assistant for the duration of the interns stay.

The field season will run from June to October 2023 and for Research Interns it has been split into periods of 5 weeks. The interns will be based on the Bodorgan Estate, Anglesey. Accommodation will be provided rent free in a house shared with the other interns and the Research and Outreach Assistant. The interns are responsible for their own travel and living costs including utility bills.

Research Intern periods for summer 2022:

Period 1: 5 June – 9 July
Period 2: 10 July – 13 August
Period 3: 14 August – 17 September
Period 4: 18 September – 22 October

Important skills/qualifications

Essential:
• a strong interest in marine conservation and education
• outgoing personality, confidence
• excellent verbal and writing skills
• must have initiative, motivation, the ability to bring their own ideas and personality to the position and be able to think on your feet
• strong commitment to volunteering work
• work independently, in an organised and reliable manner and to manage a variable workload.
• the ability to on well with others in a small team and within shared accommodation
• should always represent SWF professionally
• ability to work and live cooperatively with other volunteers in an isolated location

Desirable:
• a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar
• a strong interest and some knowledge of British marine mammals and birds
• good IT skills (Office package)
• willingness to work long hours, sometimes outdoors in very changeable Welsh weather
• one’s own transport (travel costs within the project will be covered)
• Welsh language

To apply:
Please send your CV and a cover letter reporting any relevant experience you have, specifying the period(s) for which you would prefer to volunteer, as well as contact details of two referees, to:

Jenny Bond (Project Manager) jenny.bond@seawatchfoundation.org.uk and
Prof. Peter GH Evans (SWF Director) – peter.evans@bangor.ac.uk

Deadline: 23rd April 2023.

Please specify “ANGLESEY RESEARCH INTERN APPLICATION” in your subject title.

Applicants must be available for interview via Skype between 1st-5th May and will be notified of the outcome by the 8th May.

Field Research Assistant

Research Assistant (unpaid internship, volunteer opportunity)

The North Coast Cetacean Society (BC Whales) is a non-profit, charitable whale-research organization that has dedicated the last 20 years towards research, education, and the protection of cetaceans along the north and central coasts of British Columbia (BC). Our objective is to better understand the seasonal distribution, abundance, social dynamics, and threats currently faced by cetacean species at risk through interdisciplinary and specialized research projects focusing on visual and acoustic data collection, and in collaboration with coastal First Nations communities. For more information, please visit us on our website at bcwhales.org

The Role:
We are looking to hire 1 – 2 research assistants to join us in the field at a very remote land-based whale research station. During this placement interns and volunteers will receive project-specific training and will contribute to valuable data collection and the ongoing monitoring of the frequency, movements, and behaviours of whales and vessels in our research area. Specific duties will include hourly visual surveys, photo-identification, hydrophone monitoring, and the potential to assist on marine surveys. We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about marine conservation and research, and are extremely comfortable in remote, back-country locations and in all weather conditions.

Requirements:
 All applicants MUST be available to commit to at least one of the following placements:

June – August 2022
August – October 2022

 Strong observational skills, note taking abilities, and careful attention to detail
 Ability to respectfully live in extremely close quarters and tenting in a communal setting with up to 6 people
 Ability to follow pre-determined procedures and methods for data collection
 Ability to carry heavy loads up a rugged shoreline
 Comfortable on open vessels in all weather conditions, and comfortable in a remote wilderness setting in all weather conditions

Assets:
 Experience with remote fieldwork and data collection
 Knowledge of marine mammal species local to British Columbian waters
 Experience with photo-identification of humpback whales and orca

Certifications (assets):
 Marine Radio Operator (ROC-M)
 Marine Emergency Duties (MED-A3/SDV-BS)
 Active First Aid certification (Wilderness & Remote First Aid preferred)

To Apply:
Please email a resume and cover letter as one document to janie@bcwhales.org AND egbaer@gmail.com with subject line “Research Assistant 2022 – Application”. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the application deadline for an interview.
Application Deadline: March 25th 2022

Please note that this is an unpaid internship/volunteer opportunity. Successful applicants will be responsible for their own travel from their home to either Prince Rupert or Kitimat, B.C. All food, transport to and from the research station from one of these locations, and all necessary supplies will be provided throughout the placement. Thank you for your interest!

Marine Animal Response Intern

If you are a degreed or degree-seeking individual engaged in fields of study such as marine biology, ecology, ocean sciences, or related fields, we offer internship opportunities in HMAR programs such as Field Support & Outreach, Marine Debris, or Education & Engagement.

This internship period will run from December 15-March 31.

As an intern, it is important to note:

All internships are unpaid positions that do not include housing or living expenses.
Internships require a minimum of 20 hours per week of work for at least 3 months, and access to a personal and reliable car or truck. Full-time internships are also available.
Internships can be applied as college credit if your institution allows. Interns are responsible for coordinating the requirements for college credit.
Interns are responsible for acquiring their own needs equipment such as binoculars, hiking shoes, vehicle, fuel, camera, and other materials outlined in our application.
Interns must be 18 years of age, be a U.S. citizen or hold applicable visas, and be fluent in the English language.
Interns must be capable of certain physical requirements due to the nature of field activities. Interns should be able to walk for at least 2 miles in sandy/rocky shorelines, able to carry 75 pounds for at least 100 feet, be able to swim, and capable of working in variable weather conditions.

You will need to submit a CV/resume, cover letter, and provide three references as part of your application process.
Due to the nature of HMAR’s activities, it’s essential that interns can maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations, enjoy communicating with the public, are able to work as part of a team, and are eager to learn new skills.

To apply please submit application to h-mar.org/jointheteam

FWC Florida Manatee Photo-identification Internships

Manatee Photo-identification Internships

The manatee photo-identification program is based in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). FWRI is the research arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a state agency. For more information about FWRI, please visit: https://myfwc.com/research/. FWRI’s manatee photo-identification research focuses on long-term monitoring of Florida manatees in southwest Florida. The program’s primary goal is to document individual manatees, which allows us to estimate annual adult survival and reproductive rates and to model population dynamics for state and federal assessments of Florida manatee status and recovery. Photo-identification data also provide insight regarding manatee movements, site fidelity, habitat use and behavior.

Interns will primarily assist staff members with photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay. Interns will also be responsible for a number of lab-based photo-identification tasks, such as downloading images, entering information into databases, scanning data sheets and matching images to known animals. Interns often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Most field work is land-based; however, during the winter session opportunities are available to assist with boat-based manatee photo-identification. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry, assisting with manatee genetics research, special projects and outreach activities. This internship provides a great opportunity to gain valuable field and lab experience at a government agency.

Two positions are available each year: one in winter (November to March) and one in summer (May to September). Start and end dates are flexible; however, a minimum commitment of four weekdays per week for four months is required. Work hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the institute. Positions are open until filled, and priority will be given to candidates who can commit for longer periods.

Qualifications:

· Computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred.

· Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters and lenses preferred but not required.

· The ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment.

· A valid U.S. Driver’s License.

· Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods.

If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required:

· A cover letter describing the internship you are applying for; area(s) of academic/research interest; and the dates, days, and hours of availability.

· A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience.

· Current academic transcripts. (unofficial are sufficient)

· Names and contact information for three references.

Please submit application items as an e-mail attachment to: Interns@MyFWC.com

If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to:

Internship Coordinator

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

100 Eighth Avenue SE

St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020

Applicants may contact FWRI’s Manatee Photo-identification Project Manager, Kari Rood, (Kari.Rood@MyFWC.com, 727-502-4737) with questions regarding the internship.

Virginia Aquarium – Stranding Response Intern

The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting Stranding Response Intern applications for summer 2021. The application deadline is February 12, 2021. Internships will be approximately three months long, starting between May and June. Internships will be fulfilled in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines and positions are subject to change based on the most current recommendations. Please note that all positions are non-compensatory and housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit.

Position Overview
Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) interns promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Once accepted, interns will be assigned to a focus area of either necropsy or rehabilitation. Interns will be cross-trained in all aspects of stranding response, however, daily tasks will be assigned to interns according to focus area. Stranding work is unpredictable, therefore experiences will vary by internship session. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session.

Duties
– Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field.
– Participate in all aspects of post-mortem examinations: cutting and sampling, data collection, photographing, carcass removal, and cleaning.
– Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen and associated supplies.
– Assist staff with new admits and daily treatments of patients. Restrain animals for exams, collect vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, take photographs, administer medications, and perform wound care.
– Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning gear.
– Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator trainings.
– Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, and completing response paperwork.
– Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff.

Qualifications
– Must be at least 18 years old.
– Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or have recently graduated (within last two years).
– Must be physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and walk long distances on the beach in adverse conditions such as extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, and wind.
– Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team.
– Should be comfortable around dead and decomposing animals.
– Should be comfortable driving large pick-up trucks and vans (preferred). Willing to learn how to drive response vehicles, if accepted (required).
– Background in biology and familiarity with stranding response (preferred).
– Experience with DSLR cameras and Microsoft Access (preferred).

Position Requirements
– Attend VAQS orientation and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving.
– Possess a valid driver’s license.
– Pass a City of Virginia Beach background check.
– Wear a mask and comply with all organizational COVID-19 preventative measures.

Internship Learning Objectives
Develop fundamental hands-on stranding response and rehabilitation skills:
– Perform post-mortem examinations on sea turtle and marine mammals.
– Perform basic health assessments of rehabilitation patients, including vitals collection, wound treatment, administering medications, and blood processing.
– Complete Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) and Level A forms.
– Enter stranding data in Microsoft Access.

Intern Schedule
Intern is expected to be available 3-4 days per week, 8am-4:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected.

Minimum Commitment Required
24 hours per week for the duration of the internship.

Intern Supervisor/Mentor
VAQS Volunteer Manager and project supervisor.

Work Location
Virginia Aquarium’s Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center

Application Requirements
If applying via email, please send application to interns@virginiaaquarium.com and copy vaqstranding@gmail.com. A complete Stranding Response Intern packet must include the following components. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
– Cover letter including preferred focus area (necropsy or rehabilitation) and internship expectations. While we will do our best to accommodate intern preferences, staff will make the final focus area determination. There is some flexibility with internship start/end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter.
– Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form.
– Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference. Letters can be sent separately to vaqstranding@gmail.com
– Resume
– College transcript(s)

For more information about the application process, please visit: https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/about-us/Pages/internship-application.aspx

Ex-situ Research Volunteer Positions at Ocean Park Hong Kong

Ex-situ Research Volunteer Positions at Ocean Park for Biology, Marine Science and Engineering students

What we do?
Ocean Park accepts local and international students to join its research internship and volunteer programme. The research team of Ocean Park aims to build a strong bridge between scientific advancement, animal welfare, conservation and education. Our current projects are all designed with special attention to these four pillars of ex-situ research efforts focusing on various aspects of animal behaviour, cognition and perceptions that maybe keys to the survival of the species. As a member of AZA, Ocean Park continuously thrives to provide the best possible environment and care, using scientific approach for behavioural monitoring and analysis for both marine and terrestrial species. Moreover, our cognitive experiments investigate the ability of problem solving, shape recognition, associative learning as well as on mutualistic and altruistic cooperation.
For more information:
https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/education-conservation/conservation/animal-care-and-welfare/research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/zoo.21536
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635718304431

How to get involved?
Applications are not restricted from the above-mentioned fields. The selection is based on both academic results and extracurricular merits, but most importantly on the candidates’ dedication and self-motivation.

We have full time (5 days/week) and part-time (min. 1.5 days/week) On-site volunteer positions and Off-site positions for Behavioural and Acoustic data analysts. All positions are unpaid with a minimum commitment of 3-months. Successful candidates receive specific training according to the assigned positions.

What will You learn?
 Learn what it takes to work in the field of research
 Hands on experience with experimental setup and data analysis
 Understanding of animals’ physiology and behaviour
 Team work, coordination and independent responsibilities
 Research planning and execution
 Research communication
 Basic foundation for your future career
Qualifications and requirements
On-site volunteers:
• Have a positive attitude and strong willingness to learn 

• Good oral/written communication skills in English 

• Basic computer knowledge 

• Able to work independently as well as in a team 

• Must be responsible for food, accommodation and transportation 

• Past experience with animals is desirable 

• Able to comply with OP volunteer rules and regulations 

Off-site working volunteers – Behavioural data analyst: 

• Have a positive attitude and strong willingness to learn 

• Self-motivation 

• Good oral/written communication skills in English 

• Computer knowledge: Excel, Word, QuickTime Player 7, BORIS 

• The ideal candidate will have strong attention to details and ability to work precisely 
and accurately 

• Able to comply with OP volunteer rules and regulations 

Off-site working volunteers – Acoustic data analyst: 

• Have a positive attitude and strong willingness to learn 

• Self-motivation 

• Good oral/written communication skills in English 

• Basic programming knowledge of signal procession and filtering

• Experience with MATLAB and Audacity 

• The ideal candidate will have strong attention to details and ability to work precisely 
and accurately 

• Able to comply with OP volunteer rules and regulations

How to apply?
To apply please submit the following (same for all positions):

• Statement of Interest • Academic Records
• Period of Availability • Letters of Reference
• Preferred Position • Curriculum Vitae

Starting date: September 2020

Please send applications to Ms Eszter Matrai, eszter.matrai@oceanpark.com.hk with "Dolphin Research Volunteer" in the subject line.

Research Department
Ocean Park Corporation

Marketing and Media Internship

Seal Rescue Ireland: Marketing and Media Internship

Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a charity organisation which operates a busy marine animal rescue and rehabilitation centre located in Courtown, Co. Wexford. As the only facility that fully rehabilitates seals within the Republic of Ireland, SRI responds to strandings nationwide. Most reports are for young grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and common seal (Phoca vitulina) pups found sick, injured or orphaned across the Irish coastline. In addition, SRI pursues understanding and public engagement of ocean conservation and sustainability through education, community outreach and research programmes. SRI has a growing social media presence, and is gaining international recognition for our work.

SRI is currently accepting applications for their Marketing and Media Internship position. This high paced, full-time position is for a minimum of 12 weeks, but longer time commitments are encouraged. After completion of initial training, interns who excel may be invited to stay longer and offered higher levels of responsibility.

Due to Covid-19, Seal Rescue Ireland is only considering applications from Irish residents until further notice. All offers of internship positions with Seal Rescue Ireland may be subject to change depending on government regulations and advice, as well as SRI’s decisions on what is best for the health and well-being of our team. We thank everyone for their flexibility and understanding during this crisis.

Reports to: Operations Manager

Job Summary: This position will provide the intern with work experience in all aspects of a rescue and rehabilitation centre with a primary focus on producing quality media content, digital design, written content, photos and video for use on our website, social media, monthly newsletter, adoptions programme, marketing, educational and fundraising projects. The intern will assist with marketing and advertising projects, fundraising programs and events, and other administrative tasks. This position requires a skilled photographer who will be responsible for capturing consistent photographs and videos of the animals in care, daily activities at the centre, and events on and off-site (i.e. rescues, releases, educational talks, outreach events, etc.), as well as developing content consistent with SRI’s message of ocean conservation and sustainability. Partial involvement in assisting in husbandry care of rehabilitation animals is an option if interested.

Requirements: Applicants must have a keen interest in marine conservation, and environmental stewardship. Skills in developing media content and photography are a must, with examples of your work to be submitted with your application. Applicants must have effective communication skills, the ability to represent SRI in a professional manner and work well in a team setting. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays. Public speaking, graphic design and website maintenance skills are encouraged. A degree or pursuit of a degree in business management, communication, marketing, public relations, or a similar field is preferred. Applicants must be fluent in English, since this role involves communicating with the public and developing written content. For non-native English speakers coming from European countries, we require a C1 level of English.

Duties Include:

Participate in educational talks and tours.
Assist in design, development and maintenance of the SRI website
Keep up to date photographs and video of the seals in care
Photograph events and daily tasks for use in media, marketing and promotional purposes
Develop educational and promotional written content
Provide assistance to the managers and rehabilitation staff as needed.
Assist with fundraisers and educational events
Assist with clerical duties and office work as needed
(Optional)-Assist in the care and maintenance of the Center’s rehabilitation animals (feeding, medical treatment, daily care, routine cleaning of enclosures and work areas), and assist with rescue and release of stranded animals.
This is an unpaid position. Intern housing may be offered to successful applicants for 90 Euro/week (including food). Interns are responsible for their own travel expenses.
Application Deadlines:

1st of September, 2020 for January, February, March and April, 2021 start dates
-At this time, we will also be hiring for a few remaining positions starting October to December 2020

2nd of January, 2021 for May, June, July, and August, 2021 start dates

1st of May, 2021 for September, October, November, and December, 2021 start dates

Please visit our website at (http://www.sealrescueireland.org/internships/) to download the application form. Then send completed with your resume, cover letter, and examples of your writing and photography to: intern@sealrescueireland.org

Attention: Marketing and Media Internship

Registered Charity: RCN 20108519

Response and Husbandry Internship

Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Internship

San Luis Obispo Operations

The Rescue and Response team at The Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for their San Luis Obispo Operations Rescue and Response Internship working primarily with stranded pinnipeds, as well as occasional cetaceans and sea otters. The Rescue and Response Internship is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammals and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

Program Opportunities:

-Gain valuable professional development experience while learning the rescue and response operations for one of the leading marine mammal hospitals
-Work in an organization dedicated to veterinary medicine, research, and ocean conservation
-Learn marine mammal rescue and triage while gaining husbandry experience working with the seal and sea lion patients
-Attend training classes, learning more about rescue and response methods as well as the rehabilitation care for pinnipeds
-Develop interpersonal and team leadership skills working with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Intern Responsibilities:

-Answer and triage the animal rescue hotline
-Coordinate rescue and triage responses throughout San Luis Obispo county
-Participate in marine mammal rescues, releases and other field responses
-Maintain rescue equipment
-Join teams of volunteers to provide triage care for rescued seals and sea lions
Support data entry and tracking of the pinniped patients
-Other projects as assigned

Intern Qualifications:

-All applicants must be 21 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field.
-Interns are required to pass a background check and a motor vehicle check prior to acceptance into the internship.
-Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Word, Access, and Excel.
-This internship position involves a fair amount of physical activity, such as lifting, restraining and moving animals.
-If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution.

Intern Schedule:

Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 4 months, at least 20 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include weekends and holidays.

Additional Logistics:

This is an unpaid internship. Applicants are responsible for their own housing and transportation for the duration of the internship. Unfortunately, we are unable to host out of state or international applicants at this time.

Application Overview:

Applications are now open for Fall 2020 (September to December). We are accepting applications through 8/31/2020 and will evaluate at that time if we need to extend the positng.