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Virginia Aquarium – Stranding Response Intern

The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting applications for its Summer 2020 Stranding Response Internship. The application deadline is January 30, 2020. Internship duration is May 25, 2020 – August 10, 2020. 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.

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 Marine Animal Care 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

National Marine Life Center Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Internship

Animal Care Responsibilities: Depending on need and case load, interns will assist with the care of the NMLC rehabilitation patients including seals, sea turtles, and a variety of native turtle species. Animal Care duties will include animal restraint; cleaning; disinfecting tanks, equipment, and environmental enrichment devices; diet preparation; administering feeds (including tube feeding); record keeping; facility maintenance; and water quality testing. Interns will also assist animal care staff with medical procedures, admission exams, animal necropsies, and release events. Education

Responsibilities: Interns will assist with environmental education programs, including on-site programs, off-site programs, fairs, and festivals. Programs will focus on marine animals, rehabilitation practices, conservation, and STEM activities. Interns will learn how to effectively interpret and educate guests of NMLC on marine animals and conservation. Interns may be asked to work in the gift shop and assist with various office projects such as fundraising and data entry. Opportunities may be available to create displays for the Discovery Center and help create lesson plans and activities that are aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and Ocean Literacy Principles.

Other Responsibilities: Each intern is assigned to multiple projects in different areas of the organization, e.g. research, fundraising, rehabilitation, marketing, social media or education. A weekly chore will be delegated to each intern to assist with the upkeep of the facility and equipment. Each intern is required to attend regularly scheduled meetings throughout their time at NMLC. At the end of the internship, the intern will deliver a presentation about their experience and projects to staff, volunteers, and members of the public. Positions are unpaid. Interns must have their own transportation. Housing is not provided, but NMLC will offer suggestions.

Qualifications:

•Must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university; preference will be given to students or recent graduates working towards biology, environmental studies, marine science, education, or other related fields.

•Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.

•Must be adaptable, responsible, hard-working, willing to learn, and have attention to detail. •Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

•Must be willing to engage in a positive and informative manner with members of the public on a regular basis.

•Must be willing to participate in and receive constructive feedback.

•Must expect to work 40 hours per week, which can include early morning and/or late night seal feedings depending on the season.

•If an intern plans to receive school credit for an internship they must notify staff prior to the internship start date, and it will be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required paperwork is completed and submitted.

To Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of reference to internship@nmlc.org or P.O. Box 269, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts 02532. Applications must be received by July 1st for the fall semester, November 1st for the spring semester, or March 1st for the summer semester. Due to the high number of applications, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Marine Mammal Animal Care Internship (Indianapolis Zoo)

The Indianapolis Zoo’s Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for current college students to become actively involved in the Zoo’s conservation, research, education, and recreation efforts. Interns can enhance their knowledge and experience in various animal care and administrative roles. 

Zoo Internships are open to current college students – who are at least at entering their sophomore year – enrolled in a four-year degree program. Interns serve 20-40 hours per week for 12 consecutive weeks. Positions are experience-based and are therefore unpaid. The Zoo can provide information to assist with your housing and transportation search.

Marine Mammal Animal Care
Working with one of the most diverse marine mammal collections in the U.S., this internship is ideal for individuals wishing to learn more about proper husbandry for marine mammals. Interns in these areas may encounter Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions and Pacific walrus.

Duties and Responsibilities:

-Support the Zoo’s mission of empowering people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation.

-Participate in weekly Trainer Lecture Series, complete required quizzes and comprehensive final examination.

-Perform diet preparation, cleaning and occasional feeding of animals under the supervision of staff.

-Perform maintenance of exhibits, back-up areas and food preparation areas.

-May observe and assist with daily inspection of animals and exhibits to forecast potential health, security problems and exhibit needs.

-May observe and assist training staff with the treatment of animals for medical purposes.

-May observe and assist training staff in the collection and transfer of animals.

-May observe and report equipment and maintenance needs.

-May assist staff in training demonstrations.

-Under the supervision of staff, performs record keeping, including food and medication sheets, as well as a concise daily log as needed.

-May assist staff with the enrichment of animals. 

-Works with other Zoo departments as needed.

-Performs related duties as required.

To apply, please submit the Spring Session Application form, along with a cover letter, resume, two letters of recommendation and a current (official or unofficial) transcript; November 10 is the deadline to apply. Please visit our website at https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/jobs-volunteer/internships/ for more information.

The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation. The Zoo is a world-renowned facility and the first to be accredited as a zoo, an aquarium and a botanical garden by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of Museums. Home to nearly 1,600 animals and 23,000 plants, including many threatened and endangered species, the Indianapolis Zoo is the largest zoo in the United States that receives no direct tax support.

Experience Required

Entry-level

How to Apply

Please visit our website at https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/jobs-volunteer/internships/ to apply.

Indianapolis Zoo
1200 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46221
Phone: 317-630-2001
Fax: 317-630-2031

Advanced Marine Mammal Training (Sea Lions) Intern (Zoo)

The Sea Lion Department is seeking applicants for 2019 internship positions in advanced marine mammal training and care.

Internship Overview:

The Advanced Sea Lion Internship at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Louisiana is designed for college students or recent college graduates who are interested in a career in marine mammal training. Our interns work side-by-side with experienced marine mammal trainers and educators. Interns will be exposed to all aspects of the daily care and training of California sea lions. An advanced intern will spend the first half of their internship completing the duties of the basic internship. Once the intern has successfully completed all the requirements of the basic internship, they will then move into their role as an advanced intern. The advanced internship focuses on the intern first understanding the concepts of operant conditioning and then working to successfully apply those concepts in the hands-on training of California sea lions.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist in diet preparation, exhibit maintenance, cleaning, water quality testing, and other section responsibilities.
  • Assist trainers in training and husbandry sessions.
  • Implement enrichment for sea lions and design original enrichment.
  • Complete weekly study guides and quizzes.
  • Participate in lecture series given by the training staff.
  • Speak on microphone during daily educational presentations in the Sea Lion Theater.
  • Work alongside an experienced trainer to train a new behavior
  • Assist in the training of basic interns and act as a leader
  • Complete a research project of  your own choosing
  • Construct original enrichment items
  • Learn to ask animal behaviors in a presentation setting
  • Develop an original project that will be used in the education of basic interns in the future
  • Develop ability to properly keep training, enrichment, and diet records

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must have successfully completed one semester of college.
  • Must have one previous animal internship focused on operant conditioning.
  • Must be able to afford housing, food, and transportation to and from the zoo as this is a full time (40 hours per week) unpaid internship.
  • Must be available for the full 28 week internship period.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds and work in all weather environments (extreme heat and humidity, rain, and freezing temperatures).
  • Must provide a current negative TB test prior to start date.
  • Must be able to acquire housing on own.
  • Must be a self-motivated, upbeat, and hardworking individual.

Salary

Unpaid

How to Apply

Send cover letter and one-page resume, and two references via e-mail to sealions@auduboninstitute.org. Please write “Advanced Internship” in the subject line and please indicate which internship term you are applying for. In the event their preferred placement has been filled, qualified applicants may be referred to other Audubon departments. By submitting application materials, the candidate agrees to release their information to our internship staff.

Audubon Nature Institute
6500 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70118

Internship – Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute, a research institution dedicated since 2005 to the understanding and conservation of marine mammals and the marine environment in which they live, is now accepting applications for its Internship Program 2020.?

Our scientific research experience and commitment to research, education, and conservation make our center an important source of knowledge about marine biodiversity and the environment for scientists, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and the public. This training experience provides the opportunity for highly motivated individuals to work with and learn from a multidisciplinary team of marine mammal scientists, including internationally renowned investigators. We offer participants their first experience of a marine megafauna long-term project by involving them in the routine activities associated with different research projects. The position is located in O Grove (Galicia, NW Spain). The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION – An internship period at the BDRI offers an excellent opportunity for interested and motivated people to obtain field and laboratory experience in marine megafauna (cetaceans, marine birds, sharks, and otters) field research methodology and data analysis. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, participants are trained to get involved with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based surveys onboard research vessels, land-based observations, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, etc), and strandings (response, rescue, necropsy, and data collection). While you’ll benefit from specialized research training, you’ll need the drive to make the most of our research programs working side by side with the chief biologist (Dr. Bruno Diaz Lopez), and other experienced researchers (Severine Methion, Ph.D. candidate & marine ecologist and Oriol Giralt, Ph.D. 
candidate & marine biologist). The incredible diversity of cetaceans present in Galician waters allows the BDRI team to have several ongoing research projects focused on the study of the ecology and behaviour of cetaceans (bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, Risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, striped dolphins, pilot whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, and blue whales), marine birds, Eurasian otters, and sharks.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – Internships are open to applicants 18 years of age or older. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation and interest in marine research make the most qualified individuals. Start and end dates are flexible depending on the needs of the institute and the intern?s availability, but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between January 2020 through to November 2020. Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. BDRI internships are not paid and this training experience requires a tuition fee which is used to off-set the cost of training, use of research equipment, facilities and research vessels, shared accommodation, and other expenses. The fee reflects the real-world costs and expenses that go into making the research program possible and the BDRI Internship Program worthwhile.

HOW TO APPLY – Interested candidates should submit an e-mail to info@thebdri.com, and we will provide you further information about the program. Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Positions are open until filled (maximum 15 vacancies).

For more information and details, please visit: <https://www.thebdri.com/internships.html>

Some of our ex-interns shared their BDRI internship experience at <https://youtu.be/UAuO2XasBnw>

For regular updates with photos and videos about our programs and research activities feel free to visit <https://www.facebook.com/thebdri/>

BDRI’s reputation for success rests solidly on its ability to carry out studies published in prestigious scientific journals.  Scientific articles published by the BDRI team in 2019 (for a full list of publications please visit: <https://www.thebdri.com/papers.html>):

– Methion S, Diaz Lopez B (2019) Individual foraging variation drives social organization in bottlenose dolphins. Behavioral Ecology. doi:10.1093/beheco/arz160
– Diaz Lopez B, Methion S (2019) Habitat drivers of endangered rorqual whales in a highly impacted upwelling region. Ecological Indicators 103, 610-616.
– Methion B, Diaz Lopez B (2019) First record of atypical pigmentation pattern in fin whale Balaenoptera physalus in the Atlantic Ocean. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 135:121-125.
– Diaz Lopez B, Methion S, Giralt Paradell O (2019) Living on the edge: Overlap between a marine predator?s habitat use and fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic waters (NW Spain). Progress in Oceanography 175, 115-223.
– Methion S, Diaz Lopez B (2019) Natural and anthropogenic drivers of foraging behaviour in bottlenose dolphins: influence of shellfish aquaculture. Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 29(6), 927-937.
– Giralt Paradell O, Diaz Lopez B, Methion S, (2019) Modelling common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) coastal distribution and habitat use: insights for conservation. Ocean and Coastal Management 179, 104836.
– Diaz Lopez B (2019) “Hot deals at sea”: responses of a top predator (Bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus) to human-induced changes in the coastal ecosystem. Behavioural Ecology 2(3), 291-300.

Bruno Diaz Lopez Ph.D
Chief biologist and Director
The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI
Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain
www.thebdri.com
0034 684248552

Like us on Facebook (thebdri). Follow us on Instagram (thebdri). Mention us on Twitter (thebdri).

Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project Research Assistants

The Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project (PCDP) is seeking two dedicated research assistants for the upcoming fall field season (September 3rd to October 23rd, 2019) in Heathsville, Virginia, USA. The PCDP was established in 2015 by Professor Janet Mann of Georgetown University. The PCDP’s mission is to better understand and protect the bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Chesapeake Bay and greater western North Atlantic Ocean. Despite being the largest, and most populated estuary in the US, almost nothing is known about bottlenose dolphins in the Chesapeake. Yet, reports of dolphins in the area date back to the 1800s, with sightings as close as 13km from the US’ capitol, Washington, DC. This field season is part of an ongoing PhD project studying the populations dynamics, behavior, and historical presence of bottlenose dolphins in the Potomac River-Chesapeake Bay area.

Field work is demanding and requires long hours both on and off the water. There is no guarantee of seeing dolphins on a daily basis given their seasonal presence. However, when dolphins are sighted, there can be well over 100 in a group and spending time with them is incredibly fun and rewarding. Field assistants will gain valuable research experience. We particularly encourage those interested in pursuing graduate school in marine mammalogy to apply.

Timeframe:
~2 months

Field site:
Heathsville, Virginia, USA.

Heathsville is approximately 200km south east of Washington, D.C. in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Our field site is located where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Even though Heathsville is in relatively close proximity to DC, Heathsville is remote. We do have a fieldhouse with electricity, water, limited cell phone service, and limited internet. Housing will be provided, and the research team will share cooking and cleaning responsibilities in a communal kitchen. We eat a predominantly vegetarian diet.

Job responsibilities:

Research assistants will help collect transect and behavioral surveys on bottlenose dolphins. Boat work is dependent on weather, but even on windy days we need to be ready to pack up and quickly get out on the water if the wind drops. Days on the water can be consecutive, long, and tiring in variable environmental conditions (often very hot and humid conditions). Days on land require extensive, and tedious, data entry and processing.

Most of your time will be spent:

  • Searching for and spotting dolphins
  • Driving the boat
  • Scribing data during surveys
  • Entering transect surveys and coding photographs on the computer
  • Doing basic maintenance and equipment prep and cleaning

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will be a recent graduate with a science background and a genuine interest in marine mammal science and behavior. This position is well suited for recent graduates of marine biology, animal behavior, zoology, ecology, or similar fields looking to gain additional analytical and in-field experience. Applicants must be able to work closely with a small team (3 people). We not only work together, but also live, cook, and eat together, so being mature and a strong team player is critical.

The candidate must:

  • Possess basic computer skills
  • Be detail oriented, flexible, and patient
  • Possess excellent verbal and communication skills
  • Work well both independently and in a team
  • Be fluent in English
  • Have prior research experience (preferably fieldwork)
  • Be comfortable on a small boat
  • Be prepared to work long, consecutive days, including weekends

The most essential qualifications are that you are flexible, conscientious, and hard-working, and are excited about the research.

Salary/funding:

This is an unpaid, volunteer position. However, all living expenses (housing, food, and internet) will be fully covered by the project. If you are unable to pay for domestic travel to and from the field site due to any student loans, or other moderate monthly expenses, that could prevent you from accepting this position, please apply anyway. If you are selected, we may be able to use other sources of funding to cover those expenses so that you can take the job. We particularly want to encourage candidates from groups that are underrepresented in STEM fields to apply.

If interested please email Ann-Marie Jacoby at amj58@duke.edu with the subject line Research Assistant Last_Name. Application review will begin immediately, and candidates will be evaluated until the position is filled.

In the email, please include:

  1. A cover letter describing your research interests, the skills and strengths that you will bring to the position, and what you hope to gain from the project and apply to your career. Please list the full range of your skills, both practical (boat handling, photography, etc.) and academic (statistics, computer programming, etc.).
  2. CV
  3. A copy of your unofficial transcript
  4. Email contacts for 2 references

Internship in Marine Mammals in Madeira (CETUS Project)

Oceanic Observatory of Madeira (OOM/ARDITI) is currently opening INTERNSHIPS in Madeira Island (Portugal)

The Oceanic Observatory of Madeira (OOM) is a research unit within the Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI), located in Madeira Island, Portugal. OOM seeks to become a centre of excellence dedicated to research and permanent monitoring of the ocean. This initiative brings together a multidisciplinary scientific community, joining several institutions with the aim of promoting cooperation and resource optimization. https://oom.arditi.pt

*OOM/ARDITI is looking for interns to help with our marine mammal research project (CETUS project) based in Madeira Island, Portugal.*

We are currently filling positions for September – October and a position for November – December 2019.  Priority will be given to those interns who are available both periods.

*Internship Details:*
In the Madeira Archipelago, located in Macaronesia (NE Atlantic), 29 species of cetaceans have been recorded. There is a daily ferry boat that conducts trips between the 2 main islands of the archipelago, Madeira and Porto Santo. Interns will be onboard the ferry boat and will be enrolled in data collection through visual surveys 3 days per week. Interns must cover all their accommodation, travel and food expenses. These positions are unpaid but we encourage candidates to seek grants where we can post as host institution. To cover for logistic expenses, there is a monthly fee of 75eur, paid fully upon arrival. Non-European candidates must cover their own insurance expenses.

*Internship description:*
– Training on monitoring protocol and cetacean identification;
– Sea surveys Madeira-Porto Santo;
– Educational activities in local schools or to the general public (when
possible);
– Free time to visit Madeira and Porto Santo;
– Accident insurance.

Successful applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology or related, be reliable, dedicated, adaptable and patient, as this work is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive days of work at sea. Interns should be independent and proactive. If you are an undergraduate or graduate student interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal research, this is an excellent opportunity to learn and gain experience at sea.

*Applications will be accepted until the postions are filled*.

If you are interested in interning with OOM/ARDITI, please send a CV and a
letter of interest to anja.badenas@mare-centre.pt .

Marine Education Intern

The Center for Coastal Studies is a non-profit organization dedicated to conducting scientific research with emphasis on marine mammals of the western North Atlantic and on the coastal and marine habitats and resources of the Gulf of Maine. CCS has been conducting research and marine and coastal educational programs on Cape Cod for 42 years.
Education Responsibilities-Intern will assist with environmental education programs, including on-site programs, off-site programs, and festivals, including CCS’s signature summer week of events: Whale Week: A Celebration of the Sea, and Whale Camp. Interns will assist in staffing the Center’s Hiebert Marine Science Hall; designing and delivering presentations, answering questions about CCS, marine mammals and ocean conservation issues, and other general duties.
Interns must have their own transportation, and housing is not provided. A small stipend is provided.
Qualifications-
• The internship is open to students who are currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university.
• Preference will be given to students or recent graduates working towards environmental studies, education, marine science, biology or other related fields.
• Intern should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Intern should be a self-starter able to take responsibility for completing projects.
• Students that are adaptable, responsible, hard working, willing to learn, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be comfortable working with all ages.
• Must be comfortable working outside in all conditions.
• Must be comfortable working with and handling marine species.
• Interns must be able to commit to at least two-three months; preferred start date-end date mid June to mid August, but dates are flexible based on school schedules.
• Interns must work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• Schedule is flexible but intern may have to work some weekends and evenings.
• Preference will be given to students with secured housing on Cape Cod.

To Apply- Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of reference to Stephanie Richardson at srichardson@coastalstudies.org or 5 Holway Ave, Provincetown, Massachusetts 02567. Applications must be received by March 15, 2019.

Marine Science Internships and Research Experiences in Spain

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) <https://www.thebdri.com/>, a marine science and education centre, offers unique hands-on research experiences as a marine mammal scientist in the NW coast of Spain. BDRI scientists conduct research across a wide range of subject areas that link marine top predators (cetaceans and marine birds) ecology with their physical environment, society and population dynamics; explore their interactions with human activities (such as fisheries, aquaculture and marine traffic); and investigate their behaviour and acoustic communication.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION – This internships program enables aspiring marine scientists to work in conjunction with leading marine biologists as they undertake ground-breaking research on the charismatic marine mega-fauna in one of the most productive oceanic regions on the world (Galicia, North-western coast of Spain). An incredible diversity of cetaceans is present in these waters. In 2017, the BDRI team had the opportunity to study bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, Risso?s dolphins, common dolphins, striped dolphins, pilot whales, killer whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, and even blue whales.

During the internship period participants will be working side by side with the chief biologist, and other experienced researchers. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, participants will be trained to get involved with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based surveys onboard research vessels, land-based observations, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, etc), and strandings (response, rescue, necropsy, and data collection).

The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English. Laboratory work days typically last six hours and field days typically exceed seven hours and occur several times per week (weather dependent). There will be two days off per week.

HOW TO APPLY? Research experiences are open to all applicants 18 years of age or older. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation and interest in marine research make the most qualified individuals. Start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous (internships) or 5 days (volunteering) commitment sometime between February 2018 through to end November 2018.

The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, this research experience requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation in an apartment, training, use of research equipment, facilities and research vessels, and other expenses (access to wifi in the apartment, kitchen utensils, electricity, taxes, etc). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain).

Interested candidates should submit an e-mail to severine@thebdri.com, and we will provide you further information about the program. Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled.

For more information about BDRI’s research projects, please visit <https://www.thebdri.com> or our Facebook page (BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH INSTITUTE BDRI).

The Whale Museum’s Stranding Network Program – Summer Internship 2018

The San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SJCMMSN), a program of The Whale Museum established in 1980, is authorized by NMFS to respond to all marine mammal strandings in San Juan County, WA. We typically respond to more than 200 calls of both live and deceased animals per year.  SJCMMSN is currently recruiting a San Juan Island-based intern to help respond to
marine mammal strandings during our busy season. Interns and volunteers of this critical program serve as ambassadors between humans and marine mammals as well as contribute scientific data that is crucial to both human and animal health.

Internship is based in Friday Harbor, WA and requires approximately 35-40 hours per week from June-August. Schedule will vary and involve “on call” time. There will be a variety of tasks both in the field and in an office setting. Intern will receive a small stipend. Housing is not provided, but shared housing at a reasonable cost is likely available.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist with stranding response including: conducting health assessments of live seal pups in the field; tagging and monitoring harbor seals that are not collected for rehabilitation; transferring harassed or injured pups to a local rehabilitation center; conducting Level A examinations of dead marine  mammals
  • Perform first mate duties on board The Whale Museum’s stranding boat, the R/V Buzzard
  • Assist with necropsies of fresh dead marine mammals including: transferring carcasses to the lab space; preparing, setting-up, and taking down necropsy supplies; organizing and archiving biological samples
  • Assist with data entry and analysis for SJCMMSN as well as The Whale Museum’s marine mammal sightings network

REQUIREMENTS:
At least 18 years of age, physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs), possess a valid US driver’s license and access to a mode of transportation. Preference will be given to undergraduates or recent graduates in the marine or wildlife sciences. Animal handling and/or boating experience is preferred but not required.

HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION:
Please submit a letter of interest, a resume, and three letters of recommendation. Please include what dates you are available. Applications accepted until March 2, 2018. Decisions will be made by April
2, 2018.

Please send application materials to:
ATTN Jennifer Olson
The Whale Museum, P.O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Or email (preferred – please submit as a single PDF) to:
jennifer@whalemuseum.org

For more information, visit the Stranding page on our website
<https://whalemuseum.org/pages/marine-mammal-stranding-network> .