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Volunteer Elephant Seal Research Assistants-Southeast Farallon Island

VOLUNTEER ELEPHANT SEAL RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (3-4) needed for winter 2024/2025 on Southeast Farallon Island (30 miles west of San Francisco). This volunteer opportunity is designed to allow early career ecologists to gain valuable hands-on field research and remote living experience while contributing to long-term research on northern elephant seal reproductive ecology. Volunteer Research Assistants (RA) will learn how to census and monitor breeding elephant seals, apply flipper tags animals, resighting tagged California and Steller's Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and Northern Fur Seals, and surveying for salamanders, crickets, songbirds, seabirds, gulls, burrowing owls, and whales. Additionally, RAs learn how to enter, proof, and manage data, contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the research station, and take turns cooking. RAs generally participate in field research 7 days a week, with a variable schedule that includes long days and night work. Long term RAs may receive some break time off the island (needs to be agreed upon prior to season) and/or occasional days off while on the island. Some fieldwork requires rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and climbing. Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of responsibility in fieldwork and data entry as well as working frequently with a partner or team. Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in biology or related field, and prior ecological research experience with pinnipeds or other large mammals. Enthusiasm for intense fieldwork on a small, isolated island and the ability to get along well with others is essential. Positions are available 7 December 2024 through 29 March 2025 with a minimum 8-week commitment. This is a volunteer position with no financial compensation, though we do provide great food and island housing.
VOLUNTEER ELEPHANT SEAL RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (3-4) needed for winter 2024/2025 on Southeast Farallon Island (30 miles west of San Francisco). This volunteer opportunity is designed to allow early career ecologists to gain valuable hands-on field research and remote living experience while contributing to long-term research on the ecology of northern elephant seals and other pinnipeds.
Volunteer RAs will:
• Learn how to census and monitor breeding elephant seals and other pinnipeds including applying flipper tags and resighting previously tagged or marked animals.
• Learn how to survey salamanders, crickets, songbirds, seabirds, gulls, burrowing owls, and whales that visit the island and surrounding waters.
• Learn how to enter, proof, and manage data, contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the research station, and take turns cooking.
• Participate in field research 7 days a week, with a variable schedule that includes long days and night work. Long term RAs may receive some break time off the island (needs to be agreed upon prior to season) and/or occasional days off while on the island. Some fieldwork requires rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and climbing.
Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of responsibility in fieldwork and data entry as well as working frequently with a partner or team.
Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in biology or related field and prior ecological research experience with pinnipeds or other large mammals.
Enthusiasm for intense fieldwork on a small, isolated island and the ability to get along well with others is essential.
Positions are available 7 December 2024 through 29 March 2025 with a minimum 8-week commitment. This is a volunteer position with no financial compensation, though we do provide great food and island housing. More information can be found at https://www.pointblue.org/internships/volunteer-research-assistant-southeast-farallon-island/. Please complete this application form or copy and paste https://forms.gle/ot5wphFYcxBfha1u8 into your browser.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to: 1) Upload a Cover Letter explaining why you would like to be considered for this position 2) Upload your current Resume or CV 3) Include names, affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references.

2024 Cetaceans and Marine Fauna research internship

Delfini del Ponente is currently looking for and accepting interns to join our research project on bottlenose dolphins and other marine fauna in the Western Ligurian Sea, Imperia (Italy) from March to October.

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 very interesting 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, collecting photos for photo-ID purposes, environmental, 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, transcription of data, data entry, skin lesion analysis, QGIS work, etc…)

Where: Imperia, Italy

When: 1 March-30 October 2024 (minimum 30 days)

Number of interns for month: 2 /3

Activities:

boat-based surveys monitoring the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins

boat maintenance

data collection of other cetaceans, fishes, seabirds, turtles

office work, database updating

photo-id matching and skin-lesion analysis

land-based surveys /opportunistic surveys

monitoring survey for potential sea turtle tracks (only in July-August) – pilot project

lectures and training on cetacean ecology, biology and research techniques, and seabirds and sea turtles id skills

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.

Interns will be involved 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or office work)
During their free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visiting museums, surfing and sailing.

Skills/qualifications:

Minimum age of 18

Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required

Degree or ongoing studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred)

Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research

Speak, read and write in fluent English

Be adaptable and highly 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

Be prepared to spend many hours in the office (generally 6 hours/day)

Be sociable and with a positive attitude as interns are expected to live and work in an international team

For any further enquiries and details, please send an email to info@delfinidelponente.it

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!

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

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

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: May/June 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

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635718304431

Seal Rescue Ireland – Community Engagement Intern

Seal Rescue Ireland: Community Engagement Internship

Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a registered charity organisation that operates a busy marine animal rescue and rehabilitation centre located in Courtown, Co. Wexford, Ireland. As the only facility that rehabilitates seals within the Republic of Ireland, SRI responds to strandings nationwide. Most reports are for young grey and common seal 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 is currently accepting applications for their dual focus Community Engagement Internship, which will develop a broad set of skills with focuses on education and fundraising. 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.

Reports to: Operations Manager

Job Summary: This unique position will provide the intern with work experience in many different aspects of a rescue and rehabilitation centre with a primary focus on fundraising and planning outreach events. The intern will be expected to assist with developing the fundraising program, plan/attend events, source other types of funding, and promote ocean conservation and sustainability while representing SRI. We seek to have two events per week planned offsite (seal releases, beach cleans, information tables at shopping centers, markets, festivals, etc.) to raise awareness and donations, and this role will help us to achieve that goal. When not attending events the intern will work on site assisting with educational tours and administration duties. The applicant will also get the opportunity to be trained on and be involved with assisting in the husbandry care and maintenance of rehabilitation animals if desired.

Requirements: Applicants are desired to have previous experience in fundraising and/or worked in nonprofits. A degree or pursuit of a degree in business management, event planning, marketing, public relations, fundraising, or similar field are preferred. Applicants must be organized, personable, show initiative and have ability to independently plan events. Background knowledge of marine mammals and ocean ecology is preferred. Having good people skills, being comfortable around children and the ability to speak to a crowd is a must. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays. Ability to drive in Ireland preferred (current driver’s license and clean driving record). Having your own vehicle is preferred, however applicants over 25 years of age may be able to drive SRI vehicles.

Duties Include:
Educate the public on ocean conservation via events, tours and presentations.
Plan and carry out fundraisers and outreach events.
Establish and maintain professional correspondences with venue representatives.
Oversee and develop the adoptions and membership programmes.
Assist in the care and maintenance of the Center’s rehabilitation animals (if desired).
Provide assistance to the managers and rehabilitation staff as needed.
Perform other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required.
Coordinate transport of stranded animals, and keep records of strandings.

This is an unpaid position. Intern housing is available for 90 Euro/week (including food) on a first come first served basis. Interns are responsible for their own travel expenses.

Application Deadlines
1st of December, 2019 for April to June, 2020 start dates
1st of March, 2020 for July to September, 2020 start dates
1st of June, 2020 for October to December, 2020 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 two reference letters to: intern@sealrescueireland.org
Attention: Community Engagement Internship

Registered Charity: RCN 20108519
Learn more about us and our other volunteer/internship opportunities!
Website: www.sealrescueireland.org
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Seal Rescue Ireland – Animal Care and Education Internship

Seal Rescue Ireland: Animal Care and Education 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 is currently accepting applications for their dual focus Animal Care and Education Internship programme. With rolling start dates year round, 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 with the potential for compensation through living expenses.

Reports to: Animal Care Manager

Job Summary: This position provides the intern with a well rounded experience of both hands-on marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation work, and promoting public understanding of marine conservation as a whole. The candidate’s time will be split in half between assisting in the daily care of the animals and hospital operations, and providing educational tours to the public, assisting with fundraising projects, and assisting with administrative duties. The variation of responsibilities provide interns with excellent understanding of what it takes to successfully operate the many different aspects of a wildlife charity. Additionally, each intern gets the opportunity to independently plan one fundraiser project, to learn leadership and organisational skills. Interns that excel may be offered additional levels of responsibility to pursue specialized skill sets.

Requirements: For consideration, applicants must have a background in areas of study such as Pre-Vet, Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science or other animal related field. Applicants must be able to follow written and oral instructions, possess effective communication skills, and be passionate about marine animals and their environment. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around enclosures, and must be physically fit and able to lift 25 kg. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt in a fast paced, ever changing environment and have a positive, purposeful attitude. They must be willing to work long hours, nights, weekends and holidays. Previous animal care and handling experience as well as public speaking skills are preferred, however interns will receive training to develop these skills.

Duties Include:
Daily animal diet preparations and routine cleaning of enclosures and work areas.
Assist with rescue and release of stranded animals.
Take shifts overseeing the stranding hotline and coordinate seal rescue and transport.
Assist in the care of seals (feeding, restraining, medical treatment, daily care).
Help ensure that the clinical areas are stocked, hygienic and prepared to receive animals.
Maintain and update medical records.
Provide assistance to management and rehabilitation staff as needed.
Assist with fundraisers and educational events.
Assist with clerical duties and office work as needed
Participate in educational talks and tours.
Complete and arrange personal fundraiser project in aid of the center.

This is an unpaid position. Intern housing is available for 90 Euro/week (including food) on a first come first served basis. Interns are responsible for their own travel expenses.
Application Deadlines:
1st of December, 2019 for April to June, 2020 start dates
1st of March, 2020 for July to September, 2020 start dates
1st of June, 2020 for October to December, 2020 start dates

Please visit our website at (http://www.sealrescueireland.org/internships/) to download the application form. Then send completed with your resume and cover letter to: intern@sealrescueireland.org
Attention: Animal Care and Education Internship

Registered Charity: RCN 20108519

Seal Rescue Ireland – Education Intern

Seal Rescue Ireland: Education 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 is currently accepting applications for their Education Intern 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.
Reports to: Operations Manager
Job Summary: The Education Intern will assist with everything related to the various education programs which cater to children as young as 2 years old all the way up to presentations geared towards adults. The intern will need to be able to plan, develop and deliver educational programs, activities, games, and materials which are tailored to each group’s specific needs, interests and curriculum. They will plan/attend community outreach events, school visits, birthday parties, fundraisers and networking events to promote awareness of SRI’s mission of marine conservation. They will also be trained to give daily educational tours of the Centre as well as providing customer care in the gift shop. There may be some involvement in assisting in the husbandry care and maintenance of rehabilitation animals if interested.
Requirements: Applicants must have a background and dedicated interest in areas of study such as Zoology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Education, Oceanography, Child Development or a related field. Background knowledge of marine mammals is preferred but not required. Applicants must be organized, personable, self-motivated, resourceful and have experience facilitating events and lessons for large groups. Great networking and public speaking skills are a must. Interns will be expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and diplomacy whenever they are representing Seal Rescue Ireland. We are looking for a candidate that works well as a team and is comfortable around individuals of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds. Finally, applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays.
Duties Include:
Lead groups of children and adults in educational activities
Give educational tours of the facility to visitors and school groups
Coordinate and develop educational programs
Create educational plans and materials
Attend community outreach events to represent SRI
Plan and assist with fundraisers
Provide customer service to visitors in the gift shop
Assist in the care and maintenance of the Center’s rehabilitation animals (if interested)
Provide assistance to the rehabilitation staff as needed
Performs other duties relating to the Centre’s goals and mission statement as required.

This is an unpaid position. Intern housing is available for 90 Euro/week (including food) on a first come first served basis. Interns are responsible for their own travel expenses.

Application Deadlines:

1st of December, 2019 for April to June, 2020 start dates
1st of March, 2020 for July to September, 2020 start dates
1st of June, 2020 for October to December, 2020 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 two reference letters to: intern@sealrescueireland.org
Attention: Education Internship

Registered Charity: RCN 20108519
Learn more about us and our other volunteer/internship opportunities!
Website: www.sealrescueireland.org
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Seal Rescue Ireland – 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,

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 to tell their stories, 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, biology 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 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, event planning, marketing, public relations, fundraising, or a similar field is preferred.

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).
(Optional)-Assist with rescue and release of stranded animals.

This is an unpaid position. Intern housing is available for 90 Euro/week (including food) on a first come first served basis. Interns are responsible for their own travel expenses.

Application Deadlines:
1st of December, 2019 for April to June, 2020 start dates
1st of March, 2020 for July to September, 2020 start dates
1st of June, 2020 for October to December, 2020 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
Learn more about us and our other volunteer/internship opportunities!
Website: www.sealrescueireland.org
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Living Seas Volunteer

We’re looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Living Seas team based at the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre. Volunteers will gain valuable experience whilst helping us to collect data on the marine mammals of Cardigan Bay, run our visitor centre and inspire the public through community engagement events.

What You Will Gain

Joining the Living Seas volunteer team is a fantastic opportunity for you to carry out marine mammal research and become involved in environmental education and our awareness raising work. You’ll learn about the marine species of Cardigan Bay and gain experience in field work, processing data, environmental education, community engagement and more!

Past volunteers have gone on to further education, work as Marine Mammal Observers and to work for other conservation or governmental organisations.

The Volunteering Role

Volunteers will assist with our vital Living Seas research and community engagement work. Volunteer tasks include (but not limited too) –

Land based marine mammal surveys (daily)
Boat based marine megafauna surveys *
Running our visitor centre and inspiring visitors
Entering and checking research data
Updating sightings information on our website/social media
Assisting with community engagement events
Conducting beach cleans
There will also be the opportunity to assist with other tasks e.g. fundraising, acoustic analysis, writing articles and creating Vlogs.
* Boat trips are run by an external company who we collaborate with. They are weather dependent and volunteers take turns to join trips to act as on-board researcher. During times of bad weather you will spend more time carrying out shore-based activities.

Volunteer Skills/Qualities

A commitment to volunteering
Research and surveying experience
ICT skills, including MS Office and GIS
Interest/experience of engaging with the public
A mature and responsible attitude
Proactive with the ability to work independently and unsupervised
Flexible approach to work as you will volunteer outside of normal office hours
An interest and knowledge of British marine mammals (desirable)
A background in biology/marine biology (desirable)
Please note that enthusiasm and passion for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since full training is provided.

Volunteers will receive training in marine species identification and observation, survey techniques, data processing and community engagement.

Volunteer Dates 2020

Volunteer positions are available from 23rd March until 2nd November 2020. You must be able to volunteer for an entire block and priority will be given to those who can volunteer for more than one block.

Block A – 23rd March – 27th April (5 weeks)
Block B – 27th April –1st June ( 5 weeks)
Block C – 1st June – 6th July (5 weeks)
Block D – 6th July – 7th September (9 weeks)
Block E – 7th September – 2nd November (8 weeks)
How to Apply

Download an application form from the Living Seas Volunteer homepage and email it along with a CV and covering letter (no more than one side of A4) detailing your motivations for applying to volunteer@cbmwc.org with "Living Seas Seasonal Volunteer App 2020" in the subject line.

CBMWC Living Seas Volunteers

Deadline for applications is 23:59pm at Sunday 5th January.