Mystic Aquarium REU Summer 2022

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND APPLICATIONS CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.mysticaquarium.org/learn/collegiate/reu/.

Our REU program offers a unique collaboration between the renowned Mystic Aquarium and a leading institute of higher education, the University of Connecticut, Avery Point, located on Long Island Sound. In fact, we are the only aquarium in the U.S. to have an REU! With us, you will gain access to both Aquarium and University resources and expertise. In addition to the focus on cutting-edge marine research, we also give our students extensive training in professional development, teamwork and a true view into the world of research. We ensure our students are given all the keys to be successful. All research projects will be carried out at UConn, while professional development activities, seminars and job shadows will take place at Mystic Aquarium. All students will be given access to Mystic Aquarium throughout the 10 week period from June 6 – August 12, 2022.

All student projects will revolve around the central question of
“How do environmental stressors affect the physiology, behavior, and ecology of phytoplankton and marine animals in relation to the marine ecosystem?”
Each REU student, under the guidance of their mentor, will focus their research on an individual link in the food chain. Each student will be expected to develop their own research question and project; be given independence but support to complete it. Throughout the program, students will come together to discuss how their results relate to those of their classmates in addressing the overarching question. Thus, students will gain an understanding not only of their individual research topic, but how a project contributes to the “big picture” of science as a whole.

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

Senior Biologist

Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Senior Biologist

The NFWF grant funded Senior Biologist supports CMA’s Stranding Team by directing field work including stranding response activities and necropsies. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, taking a lead role in stranding response preparedness, field responses, and transports for cetaceans, as well as law enforcement/first responder training, manatee field work in collaboration with FWC, and grant writing. Routine tasks required of the NFWF Senior Biologist include, but are not limited to, data collection, reporting, managing stranding equipment and supplies, conducting workshops, database submissions, operation of large vehicles and watercraft vessels, volunteer coordination, producing and editing various written materials, public speaking, and media work related to marine mammal field work and necropsy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Direct cetacean carcass recoveries and necropsies.
• Lead and/or participate in the rapid response to stranding events.
• Monitor CMA’s emergency stranding hotline, including an afterhours pager.
• Conduct workshops in order to train volunteers, interns, law enforcement, and other first responder groups in CMA’s designated response area.
• Oversee the collection, documentation, storage, and submission of high-quality data.
• Manage internal databases for field response data, necropsies, and samples.
• Contribute to grant funding through writing, editing, and data collection.
• Maintain and organize the cetacean necropsy trailer and associated equipment.
• Produce high-quality, professionally written work including standard operating procedures, technical reports, and other material relevant to field work and necropsies.

For more details and a complete list of job responsibilities and requirements, please click the link:
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=19293&clientkey=ACEBE78A76290C9FE9C1DC934A5E82A6
Applications accepted through August 12th.

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.

Research Assistant

Organization: Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Research Institute

Position: Research Assistant, $29,224/annually

Location: Brevard County, requiring extensive travel to other areas of Florida

Application Process:
Apply for this position through the following link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=17869&clientkey=ACEBE78A76290C9FE9C1DC934A5E82A6

Closing Date: June 18, 2021

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to assist research staff with field observations and data collection of satellite tagged rehabilitated, released manatees. The ideal candidate should be a self-starter, detail oriented, flexible, readily able to adapt to change, and comfortable working independently without close supervision. In being selected for this position, you will become part of a project which helps naïve, previously injured or sick manatees become integrated into the wild population. In addition to helping the manatee population recover, this is a unique opportunity to observe manatee behavior in the wild under guidance of wildlife biologists.

Primary responsibilities will be to help track, monitor, assess and document the behavior of tagged manatees that are involved in the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership/Post-Release Monitoring Project. Duties include but are not limited to boat trailering, operating vessels, swimming, equipment maintenance, data entry and timely communication with staff and other project partners.

This is a benefit salary position, 40 hours a week, requires applicant to have the availability to work early mornings or late afternoons and the occasional weekend if monitoring activity or animal intervention is necessary. Applicant should be geographically located in the Titusville-Melbourne or central Florida area with a focused study area along the east coast of Florida near Brevard County and lower St. Johns River near Orange City, Volusia County. Travel to other areas of the state will be required based on animal movements or project needs. Position will require applicant to travel extensively within Florida using a fleet or a personal vehicle. Private vehicle mileage will be reimbursed at the IRS standard rate out of designated living area.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:
– Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field (e.g. ecology, environmental science)
– Proficient boat handler in open-water and ability to trailer a boat under intense traffic conditions
– Basic mechanical skills and ability to troubleshoot simple mechanical and electrical vehicle/vessel problems
– Proficient snorkeler with ability to swim in dark or turbid water
– Valid driver’s license, a good driving history and possess own form of transportation
– Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment
– Computer proficiency; Microsoft Excel, WORD; ArcGIS
– Working knowledge of SLR and video digital cameras, filters and lenses
– Comfortable with learning new technology and computer applications
– Previous radio tracking experience preferred but not essential
– Excellent communication skills and ability to work comfortably with multiple organizations
– Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented
– Ability to adapt and modify plans on a need basis or as required with short notice
– Timely submission of reports, expense accounting and verbal updates

Fish & Wildlife Biological Scientist III

For job descriptions, requirements, and to apply, please visit the link: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-F-&-W-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-III-77070316-FL-32311/746271200/

Application packets must be submitted through the State of Florida’s official employment site (https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/) and must include a cover letter and resume in addition to the state application. Application packets without a cover letter, resume and state application will not be considered for the position.

Description of duties:

This position is located within the Imperiled Species Management Section and assists with developing conservation measures to reduce potential adverse impacts to species and their habitat under the responsibility of the Section, with a focus on Florida manatee and marine turtle conservation. This environmental commenting position is primarily office-based and field work may be limited.

Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

1) drafting biological opinions for regulatory and planning authorizations such as Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP), Coastal Construction Control Line permits (CCCL), Sovereign Submerged Lands Leases (SSL), Joint Coastal Permits (JCP), various management plans, comprehensive plan amendments and State Clearinghouse items under Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP);

2) implementing county manatee protection plans;

3) reviewing and commenting on coastal lighting plans and wildlife appropriate lighting fixtures;

4) providing technical assistance to other sections within the agency, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Port Authorities, and county/city governments;

5) working with local, state and federal agencies and stakeholder groups to conserve, enhance, and protect manatee and marine turtle habitat;

6) initiating, managing and/or attending meetings, workshops, and create/deliver presentations;

7) acting as agency expert witness in administrative hearings;

8) assisting with management of the agency’s Project Tracking System;

9) performing other duties as required, including but not limited to: assisting with information and outreach projects and assisting with other field activities, such as site visits and data collection, as directed.

Marine Mammal Stranding & Population Assessment Asst. – 2

Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Marine Mammal Stranding & Population Assessment Asst. – 2, Fort Pierce, FL.

With over 30,000 students from all 50 states and over 180 countries, 21 intercollegiate teams, 180 plus degree programs, and an administration that thrives on discovery and excellence, FAU is pushing the boundaries of higher education. Florida Atlantic's faculty and staff are trailblazers and innovators with a passion for finding creative solutions while advancing science, art, and technology in all disciplines. Our work environment is a hub of cultures from across the nation and the world, making FAU a place where collaboration flourishes.

Summary of Responsibilities Include:

– Performs stranding, data collection and outreach activities and is assigned to both field and office work.
– Performs as a NOAA NMFS authorized first responder on marine mammal strandings.
– Performs as a co-investigator on population assessment permit.
– Participates in on-call rotation with other members of the group.
– Assists with inputting data collected through strandings and population assessments. 
– Assists with maintenance of vessels, vehicles and equipment used for operations.
– Assist with maintaining equipment used for operations.
– Creates reports and performs QA/QC with data as needed.
– Participates in presentations or other outreach activities regarding stranding and population assessments.

Minimum Qualifications:     

Bachelor of Science from an accredited institution in Biology, Environmental Sciences, or related field with one year of appropriate Marine Mammal stranding experience and related activities required. Appropriate college coursework may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

 

Must have valid Florida driver’s license with acceptable driving record or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire required.

 

Successfully complete the USGS Motorboat Operator Certification (MOCC) within 6 months of hire required. Experience driving various vessels in coastal and offshore waters required.

 

Comfortable driving large vehicles and towing boats required.

 

Florida certificate of Boating Safety Education required or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire required.

 

Ability to become a NOAA NMFS primary responder on marine mammal stranding activities (Article 3 and 4) required within one year of hire. Ability to immediately be approved for NOAA NMFS primary responder is preferred.

 

The ability to be able to work within a team and independently required.

 

Experience with population assessment data collection, photo-ID boat surveys, photo analysis and database input preferred.

 

Experience with Microsoft Office preferred.

 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential to success in this position.

 

All applicants must apply electronically to the currently posted position (Marine Mammal Stranding & Population Assessment Asst. – 2) on the Office of Human Resources' job website (https://fau.edu/jobs)  by completing the required online employment application and submitting the related documents. When completing the online application, please upload the following: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and copies of official transcripts scanned into an electronic format.

 

A background check will be required for the candidate selected for this position. This position is subject to funding.

 

For more information and to apply, visit www.fau.edu/jobs and go to Apply Now (REQ10008).

 

Florida Atlantic University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action/equal access institution and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veterans status or other protected status. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation, please call 561-297-3057. 711.

 

FAU is committed to the principles of engaged teaching, research and service.  All persons aspiring to achieve excellence in the practice of these principles are encouraged to apply.

Machine Learning Engineer/Researcher – Environmental Science

The British Antarctic Survey’s Artificial Intelligence Lab is looking to hire three machine learning engineers/researchers and two IT engineers. Initial focus will be to develop and deploy ML and computer vision methods to tackle some specific science challenges selected from the interdisciplinary environmental activities of the British Antarctic Survey (https://www.bas.ac.uk/science/our-research/). The three successful candidates will work in close collaboration with our partner organisations, including: The Alan Turing Institute; international research institutes; our University network; and our two Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) in Earth Observation and AI for Environmental Risk. Candidates will have experience working in machine learning and/or data science. Areas which could be developed include:

Computer vision, e.g., for monitoring wildlife within satellite imagery

Probabilistic time series modelling for forecasting environmental change

Uncertainty quantification through Bayesian statistical methods

Salary: £31-49K
Apply via the BAS website, under the job vacancy

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

Research and Rescue Director, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Research and Rescue Director. In this role you will lead and develop the Research and Rescue Center at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

The R4 Director will collaborate with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment’s Chief Zoological Officer and the General Manager for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi to implement the vision of the Research and Rescue Center, manage the research lab, hire and manage internal and external research scientists, and serve as primary liaison to the General Manager of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
You will be responsible for the development and will nurture relationships with local and international researchers and research facilities to further the mission of the Research and Rescue Center at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

The job scope includes:

Maintain and develop high standards of research practice and facilities that meet or exceed all professional research accreditation standards
Lead, support, and coordinates all aspects of the Research and Rescue Center at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
With guidance from Research and Rescue Center Board of Directors (BOD), provides strategic direction and contributes to the planning, organization and implementation of the Research and Rescue Center’s short/long term plans and goals, including CAPEX
Creates and implements an annual financial plan that includes a comprehensive strategy on how to reach all development and fundraising goals including but not limited to events, grants and sponsorships.
Plans and develops the R4 Center’s annual operating budget in coordination with park finance and the General Manager
Review analysis of activities, costs, operations and forecast data to determine progress towards stated goals and objectives
Identifies and monitors key results and financial performance
Participates in formulating and administering policies as needed
Responsible for adherence to all legal, regulatory and company policies
Develop top caliber research teams and individuals
Develop and update as needed Staffing Procedures and Plan for all research disciplines
Developing mutually beneficial linkages with (industry) in order to build partnerships and collaborative research.
Maintains open and continuous lines of communication with the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi General Manager and General Curator
Fosters a culture of human and animal safety; drives compliance with existing safety policies while encouraging the review and renewal, or provision of new policies and practices to ensure all colleagues work in a safe manner with the appropriate protective equipment
Interacts with Government Affairs relative to legislation and laws pertaining to research
Collaborates with public relations team to promote a positive image of the R4 Center
Perform other duties as assigned by the leadership team

Qualifications

To be considered for this exciting role, you will need:

Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in the Marine Science or Zoological field to include animal sciences, education, other natural sciences or related disciplines
10 years of employment experience in a research organization with more than 5 years in a leadership capacity
Demonstrated high-level of business acumen and working knowledge of industry developments
Familiar with professional zoo/aquarium and animal research communities
Previous experience of collaborations with multiple governmental and non-governmental conservation and research organizations.
Ability to represent the Research and Rescue Center to community, media, government agencies, and trade associations
Proven experience in the development and responsible oversight of labor and budgets
Experience with grant writing.
Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills
Commitment to delivering high-quality guest experience programs
Willingness to serve on boards of professional research organizations and be familiar with accreditation practices and standards
Ability to be flexible and adapt quickly as the needs of the R4 Center develop
Demonstrated commitment to company values and safety