Ocean Mammal Institute (OMI) is a non-profit organization that pioneers the way in two of the most important fields of study in the 21st century: Environmental Studies and Ecological Psychology (Ecopsychology).  Together we can turn the tide of extinction.
Dates: 2 Jan 2018 arrive, 19 Jan 2018 depart
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Internship title: Hawaiian Humpback Whale Field Research Internship

Internship description: Get out into nature in beautiful Maui and learn how to conduct field research on humpback whales.  Research the impact of boats on these magnificent mammals and how boats change whale habitat and behavior.  The reading material covers whale behavior, how humans affect that and all environmental issues around the oceans.  Additionally, we look at other human impacts on the oceans and how human psychology affects the decisions we make about the environment.  Learn how we can create meaningful change and raise consciousness about environmental issues.

An OMI research intern is expected to do the following:
1. Study the biology and behavior of humpback whales while you observe and record their spectacular behaviors.
2. Learn and apply the principles of field research design.
3. Gain a personal understanding of the politics of protecting endangered species.
4. Learn about current research on whales and dolphins around the world and related conservation issues.
5. Be introduced to the field of Ecopsychology, which studies the relationship between humans and the natural world.
6. Learn how we can create meaningful change and raise the consciousness about environmental issues.

What a typical day is like:
– As part of a team, conduct shore-based data collection. This involves tracking whales and boats with a theodolite and recording whale behaviors. All this is conducted approximately 4 hours every day in the Maui sun.
– As part of a team, plot and graph the field data daily.
– Read and discuss articles for the evening class. There are about 70 short articles in addition to the paperback text. Evening discussions are conducted every night and last approx 2 hours.

Additional requirements:
– Take 2 written exams (midterm and final).
– Write a team research paper using the field data your team obtained.

Living arrangements:
– 4 to 5 students in a beautifully furnished condo on the ocean.
– Condos have a full kitchen, living area, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms.

Administrative Info:
– Take this course as an Independent Study or Internship Course, through your college. If taking this course for credit you receive your credit from your school, not OMI.
– Arrive in Maui 2 Jan 2018, depart Maui 19 Jan 2018
– Price – $2850.00  (Includes rental of research equipment, transportation, and accommodations in peak tourist season.) This fee does not include airfare or food.

Requirements:
This is a basic field research course open to any college student, any major may apply.
Students must be able to walk up a hill and sit in the Maui sun 4 hours a day as they gather field data on the whales.

Application:
Online application is available on our website at:  www.oceanmammalinst.org
Limited slots available.  If not selected deposit is refunded.
Applications will be accepted until all the slots are filled.
Questions contact:
Chelsey Gloor
Chief Operations Manager
Ocean Mammal Institute
Email: chelseyg956@hotmail.com

Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), based in Maui, Hawai’i, is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine life through research, education, and conservation.  Our researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 30 years and currently conduct projects in Hawai’i, Australia, and Ecuador.  For more information about Pacific Whale Foundation and our research please visit www.pacificwhale.org

*Commitment*

PWF seeks performance-driven and dedicated individuals for long-term internships based out of our Maalaea, Maui offices. Interns are expected to be available on a full-time basis, including weekends as needed.

*Responsibilities*

Primary responsibilities are office-based and may include:
– Photo-identification matching of whale flukes and/or dolphin dorsal fins;
– Data entry and archival tasks;
– Data processing and analysis;
– General operational tasks.

Additional responsibilities include field work: year-round boat surveys for odontocetes and marine debris, and, during the winter, land-based surveys for humpback whales using a theodolite.

Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures, hiking into remote areas, and carrying heavy loads of equipment. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur approximately 1-3 times per week.

Each intern may be assigned to a specific project according to skill set and availability. Interns also assist staff with other projects, such as outreach events, as the need arises.

*Requirements*
– Be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates in biology or a related field (if you are seeking college/university credit please indicate so in your application);
– Be available to volunteer on a full-time basis for the entire internship period and must be available for all field work;
– Have a mature attitude towards research;
– Be proficient with computers and data entry; specifically using PCs and the Microsoft Office suite of products;
– Willingness to spend long hours in front of a computer doing repetitive tasks;
– Have a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and superior organizational skills;
– Have the ability to work well both in a team and independently;
– Have the ability to admit to mistakes;
– Be adaptable and a fast-learner;
– Be able to collect data in a detail-oriented manner;
– Have experience collecting data in the field;
– Speak, read and write English fluently;
– Must be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized remain in Hawai’i for the internship period. International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation.

*Compensation*

There is no financial compensation for these positions and no housing is provided. Interns are responsible for their own travel and living expenses. There is public transportation available on the island.

*Application process*

Interested candidates should submit an application with the following:
– A cover letter including your availability, i.e. preferred time period (1 page only);
– A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills (2 pages only);
– Names and contact information of three references.

Please specify in your cover letter which internship period you are applying for.

Season: Winter-Spring
Internship period: January 1 – April 30
Application deadline: September 30

Season: Summer
Internship period: May 1 – August 31
Application deadline: February 28

Season: Fall
Internship period: September 1 ? December 31
Application deadline: June 30

Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to research@pacificwhale.org – No phone calls or drop-ins, please!

The research team at Oceanographic (Valencia, Spain) is in need of a highly motivated undergraduate or Master’s level student to assist in the development of a large scale beluga acoustics research project. Candidates will be working closely with Ph.D. students and experts in the field of bioacoustics, and may use an aspect of the project as a Master’s thesis or undergraduate honors project. The accepted student would need to be self funded, and able to make a six month commitment to living and working in Valencia. Students with previous bioacoustics experience will be strongly considered, however, bioacoustics experience is not necessary.

Project specifics will be provided to interested candidates upon inquiry. If interested, please email Audra Ames at audra.ames@usm.edu for more information. Please include any questions, as well as a CV and previous bioacoustics experience/skills (if any).

Get involved in Hong Kong¹s longest running ex-situ research program, be part of our international team of students and scientists and experience what it takes to work in the research field!

Full-time and part-time unpaid internship and volunteer positions are currently being offered by the Acoustic Research Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute of the National University of Singapore in collaboration with Ocean Park Hong Kong. For the last 12 years the Acoustic Research Laboratory has been conducting studies on the cognitive and sensory capabilities of bottlenose dolphins living at Ocean Park with a focus on echolocation and underwater acoustics.

Interns and volunteers receive intensive hands-on experience by participating in all aspects of the ongoing research and laboratory activities, including assistance in the daily research sessions with the dolphins, data processing and analysis, and also assisting with the projects administrative and maintenance requirements.

Our Internship program provides an intensive, full time (5 days/week) research experience. Our students have a chance to closely follow the day-to-day progress of the ongoing projects and to gain deeper understanding of experimental design and execution. This position is ideal for graduate students and candidates that are looking for comprehensive internship experience. The proposed period for interns is minimum of three months.

Volunteers join our team on a weekly basis (1-3 days/week). They gain valuable insight to daily operation of the research program and able to follow the progress of the experiments throughout an extended period of time. It is an ideal position for students that are currently studying or candidates with part time jobs looking to get experience on the research field. The time of the volunteer period is flexible, depending on the volunteer¹s weekly schedule and the level of involvement.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
Have at least 2 years of university experience

Have a positive attitude and obtain a strong willingness to learn
Good oral/written communication skills in English

Basic computer knowledge
Must be able to maintain a high energy level throughout the workday
Must be at least 160 cm tall and able to lift at least 10 pounds

Must be able to work unpaid
Must be responsible for food, accommodation and transportation
Past experience with animals preferred, but not required
Successful visa application to HKSAR (this applies for International applicants only)

International applicants must apply for a training visa to Hong Kong (for details please contact us).

TO APPLY PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:
Statement of Interest
Period of availability
Academic records
Letters of reference
Curriculum Vitae

Please send applications to eszter.matrai@oceanpark.com.hk with “Dolphin Research Internship” in the subject line.