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.

ShoreFin Volunteer

ShoreFin is our dedicated land-based, bottlenose dolphin photo-ID project. The aim of the project is to build up an understanding of bottlenose dolphin site usage within the New Quay Bay area, to find out which individuals visit the bay and discover more about the ecology and life history of these animals.

We are looking for three volunteers to continue our ShoreFin project for the 2020 field season.

What You Will Gain

Joining the ShoreFin team is a unique opportunity for you to carry out marine mammal research and contribute towards marine conservation. You’ll learn about the bottlenose dolphins of Cardigan Bay and gain experience in field work, wildlife photography, photo ID, data entry, report writing and much more! This role can be a stepping stone to a career in marine research or conservation.

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

The ShoreFin volunteers will assist with the delivery of our Living Seas research focused on the bottlenose dolphins of Cardigan Bay. Volunteer responsibilities include (but not limited too) –

Photographing dolphins and other marine mammals in New Quay Bay
Land based marine mammal surveys
Conducting photo ID – sorting/matching images
Analysing data and writing the ShoreFin report
Compiling the CBMWC bottlenose dolphin photo-ID catalogue
Providing updates for our social media and dolphin adoption scheme
Reporting back to the Living Seas Staff
You may also assist with other areas of our work including boat based surveys and helping to run our visitor centre and community engagement activities
Volunteer Skills/Qualities

Experience with DSLR cameras and wildlife photography
Previous experience of photo-ID
ICT skills, including MS Office and GIS
Experience of data analysis and report writing
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 cetaceans (desirable)
A background in biology/marine biology (desirable)
ShoreFin volunteers will receive training in marine species identification and observation, survey techniques, camera use, photo-identification and data processing.

Volunteer Dates 2020

We are looking for a ShoreFin volunteer for the period of 23rd March – 3rd July 2020 and another two volunteers for the period 29th June – 16th November 2020. Priority will be given to those that can volunteer for the full research season from 23rd March – 16th November 2020.

How to Apply

Download an application form from the ShoreFin 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 "ShoreFin App 2020" in the subject line.

ShoreFin Volunteers

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

SeaSeal Volunteer

SeaSeal is our dedicated land-based, Atlantic grey seal photo-ID project. The aim of the project is to create a catalogue of individual grey seals in Cardigan Bay and to discover more about their travelling habits and areas that are important to them.

We are looking for two volunteers to continue the SeaSeal project for the 2020 field season.

What You Will Gain

Undertaking the SeaSeal project is a unique opportunity for you to carry out marine mammal research and contribute to marine conservation. You’ll learn about the Atlantic grey seals of Cardigan Bay and gain experience in field work, wildlife photography, photo-ID, data entry, report writing and much more. This role can be a stepping stone to a career in marine research or conservation.

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

The Volunteering Role

The SeaSeal volunteer will assist with our Living Seas research focused on the Atlantic grey seals of Cardigan Bay. Volunteer responsibilities include (but not limited to) –

Conducting land based seal surveys (weather dependant)
Photographing seals and other marine mammals
Assisting with the annual seal pup survey (During October)
Conducting photo ID – sorting/matching images
Analysing data and writing the SeaSeal report
Providing updates for our website and social media
Reporting back to the Living Seas Staff
You will also assist with other areas of our work including land and boat based surveys, running our visitor centre and community engagement activities
Volunteer Skills/Qualities

Experience with DSLR cameras and wildlife photography
Previous experience of photo-ID
ICT skills, including MS Office and GIS
Experience of data analysis and report writing
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)
Volunteer Dates 2020

We are looking for a SeaSeal volunteer for the period of 23rd March – 3rd July 2020 and another volunteer for the period 29th June – 16th November 2020. Priority will be given to those that can volunteer for the full research season from 23rd March – 16th November 2020.

How to Apply

Download an application form from the SeaSeal 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 "SeaSeal App 2020" in the subject line.

SeaSeal Volunteer

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

SeaSeal Volunteer

SeaSeal is our dedicated land-based, Atlantic grey seal photo-ID project. The aim of the project is to create a catalogue of individual grey seals in Cardigan Bay and to discover more about their travelling habits and areas that are important to them.

We are looking for two volunteers to continue the SeaSeal project for the 2020 field season.

What You Will Gain

Undertaking the SeaSeal project is a unique opportunity for you to carry out marine mammal research and contribute to marine conservation. You’ll learn about the Atlantic grey seals of Cardigan Bay and gain experience in field work, wildlife photography, photo-ID, data entry, report writing and much more. This role can be a stepping stone to a career in marine research or conservation.

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

The Volunteering Role

The SeaSeal volunteer will assist with our Living Seas research focused on the Atlantic grey seals of Cardigan Bay. Volunteer responsibilities include (but not limited to) –

Conducting land based seal surveys (weather dependant)
Photographing seals and other marine mammals
Assisting with the annual seal pup survey (During October)
Conducting photo ID – sorting/matching images
Analysing data and writing the SeaSeal report
Providing updates for our website and social media
Reporting back to the Living Seas Staff
You will also assist with other areas of our work including land and boat based surveys, running our visitor centre and community engagement activities
Volunteer Skills/Qualities

Experience with DSLR cameras and wildlife photography
Previous experience of photo-ID
ICT skills, including MS Office and GIS
Experience of data analysis and report writing
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)
Volunteer Dates 2020

We are looking for a SeaSeal volunteer for the period of 23rd March – 3rd July 2020 and another volunteer for the period 29th June – 16th November 2020. Priority will be given to those that can volunteer for the full research season from 23rd March – 16th November 2020.

How to Apply

Download an application form from the SeaSeal 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 "SeaSeal App 2020" in the subject line.

SeaSeal Volunteer

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

Two potential PhD Studentship Opportunities: (1) Grey seal behaviour, (2) Application of biotelemetry to quantify behaviour.

Two potential PhD Studentship Opportunities: (1) Grey seal behaviour, (2) Application of biotelemetry to quantify behaviour.

Below are details of two potential PhD opportunities being advertised at Durham University (UK). Both are competitive studentships, and all initial enquiries should be made to Dr Sean Twiss (s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk)

PROJECT 1: Behavioural and physiological responses to changing environments in wild grey seals (Halichoerus grypus)

Supervisory team:
Dr. Sean Twiss (Durham Univ.): s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk
Dr. Patrick Pomeroy (SMRU, University of St. Andrews)
Dr Amanda Bishop (Alaska SeaLife Center)

Background: Organisms have evolved mechanisms to cope with natural stressors, but rapid environmental change is subjecting species to new threats or more unpredictable and extreme natural stressors. Conventional studies focus on species or ecosystem level responses to change, such as range or phenological shifts, but these are products of variation in individual responses. Within populations, individuals can show differing coping-styles; proactive individuals express little flexibility and are less responsive to environmental stimuli, whereas reactive individuals are more flexible and responsive. Understanding how individuals differ in their ability to cope with stressors, and the consequences if they fail to do so, is critical for quantifying species’ resilience to current and future threats of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance.

This project aims to investigate variation in behavioural and physiological stress reactivity within and between individuals, and across populations, using extensive archived data on known individual adult female grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) during the breeding season, a time of intense energetic demands and limitations. Our previous studies have highlighted the considerable additional stress placed on breeding grey seals by extreme weather patterns, and this study will examine changing behavioural patterns in concert with indicators of physiological changes in breeding and non-breeding wild grey seals. The study will assess whether behavioural indicators of environmental stress map onto physiological indicators, and establish levels of inter-individual variation, and within individual consistency in such responses.

Methods: The study will utilise an extensive existing catalogue of data on known individual breeding grey seals from a range of contrasting breeding colonies. The successful candidate will extract new data from archived video footage of these same seals to provide key behavioural and physiological metrics. These metrics will be analysed with respect to prevailing environmental factors, including social context (e.g. conspecific density) and weather conditions. Data analysis will involve mixed effects modelling procedures using ‘R’. There may also be scope for some additional field-based data collection, but this will depend upon opportunity.
Candidate requirements: Potential candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct prolonged periods of behavioural observations, while remaining focused, dedicated and enthusiastic. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. In addition, candidates will require strong analytical skills, including experience of modern ecological and statistical modelling techniques. Experience with R and analysis of behavioural data is advantageous, but not essential. There is the possibility of additional data collection through field campaign(s), but candidates will need to show a willingness and ability to travel and conduct prolong field observations alone. A UK driving licence (or equivalent) would be essential for field campaigns.
Training: The student will gain extensive inter-disciplinary training in behavioural observation, video analysis, and data analysis in R employing mixed-effects models. The student will also develop critical thinking, writing, presentational and teamwork skills as part of dynamic, interdisciplinary, and supportive research groups.

Eligibility
Applications for this project are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Applicants must be applying to start a full-time PhD in the Faculty in October 2020. They must have fulfilled the University’s requirements regarding English language ability and must not require a presessional course as a condition of their place.
See: https://www.dur.ac.uk/learningandteaching.handbook/1/3/3/

Funding and how to apply
This project is in competition with others for funding (via the Durham Doctoral Studentship scheme). Success will therefore depend on the quality of applications received, relative to those for competing projects. If you are interested in applying, in the first instance contact Dr Sean Twiss, (s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk) with a CV and covering letter, detailing your reasons for applying for the project. Only the best applicants will be asked to submit a full application. UK and Non-UK students areadvised that to be considered for the Durham Doctoral Fellowship, the minimum requirements include an excellent undergraduate degree with either postgraduate or work experience in a relevant discipline and scientific publication(s) in peer reviewed journals.

Application deadline: Friday 10th Jan. 2020 at 5 pm (GMT)

——————————————–
PROJECT 2: Quantifying the relative importance of extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of individual behaviour and habitat use of hefted sheep on a biodiverse but fragile upland ecosystem.

Although this project does not involve seals, it does require a range of research skills that marine mammalogists often possess; experience of the deployment of biotelemetry devices and analysis of biotelemetry data to examine behaviour patterns in free ranging mammals.

Supervisory team:
Dr. Sean D. Twiss (s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk), Department of Biosciences, Durham University
Dr. Robert Baxter, Department of Biosciences, Durham University
Martin Furness, Senior Reserve Manager, Natural England
Dr Mike Morecroft, Natural England and University of Oxford
Dr Gavin Stewart, Newcastle University
Dr Fiona Lovatt, School of Veterinary Science, University of Nottingham.

Background: The unenclosed upland areas of the UK are internationally important for wildlife and of high nature conservation value. However, these fragile habitats are subject to various threats including the impacts of climate change, atmospheric pollution deposition, acid rain and grazing pressures. A primary tool for sustainable management of these landscapes is implementing grazing regimes that allow maintenance or recovery of habitats and which support ecosystem services. However, remarkably little is known about the behaviour of the major grazer of UK uplands, domestic hill sheep, and their impact on vegetation mosaics. This project aims to investigate the determinants of group and individual level foraging choices within upland vegetation mosaics and how these vary in relation to sheep age, size, experience (hefting) and extrinsic factors including the spatial distribution of vegetation types, weather and micro-topography. This study will provide valuable information on how these different factors interact and allow a consideration of practical management techniques that can be used to influence the spatial distribution and feeding choices of sheep.
Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve hosts unique Arctic-Alpine plant assemblages with many species existing in climatically marginal locations. This project will involve extensive fieldwork at Widdybank Fell, part of the NNR that contains some of the most biodiverse habitat, and for which pre-existing fine-scale habitat maps exist. Sheep behaviour will be monitored at the level of the individual using a combination of in situ visual observation, supplemented by video recordings, and by using animal borne telemetry; GPS data-loggers will be deployed to provide fine scale movement and location data, with accelerometers to allow for automatic classification of behaviours with respect to time and location. The research will require the development of analytical protocols to classify raw accelerometry data into behavioural categories, including foraging. Behavioural data will be used within a GIS to examine intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of individual sheep behaviour and habitat use. Widdybank Fell is a long established research site and benefits from detailed existing data and ongoing studies on micrometeorology, microtopography and microhabitat. The current study will have the potential to integrate behavioural data with these environmental data within a GIS.
The research will involve extensive field based behavioural observations of individually identified sheep. Potential candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct prolonged fieldwork in potentially harsh conditions, while remaining dedicated and enthusiastic. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. In addition, candidates will require strong analytical skills, including experience of modern ecological and statistical modelling techniques. Experience with R and analysis of telemetry data is advantageous, but not essential. A UK driving licence (or equivalent) is essential. Further details of the project and candidate requirements can be obtained from Dr. Twiss.
The student will gain extensive interdisciplinary training in fieldwork logistics, behavioural observation, deployment of telemetry devices, and develop analytical skills for both behavioural and telemetry data. The student will also develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills as part of dynamic and interdisciplinary research groups.

This project is in competition with others for funding, and success will depend on the quality and suitability of applicants, relative to those for competing projects. For further information, or to apply, contact Dr. Sean Twiss at s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk. In your email include: 1) two-page covering letter explaining your reasons for applying and why you selected this project, 2) CV with contact information for two references, 3) Full transcripts of previous qualifications. Only the best applicants will be asked to submit an application to the University. The application deadline is 10th January 2020, therefore students should contact Dr. Twiss well in advance for initial consideration. For eligibility requirements, see http://www.iapetus.ac.uk/aboutstudentships/

END

Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Stranding Response Batten Fellowship

The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting applications for Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Stranding Response Batten Fellows. The application deadline is January 20, 2020. Fellows are expected to work 800 hours over approximately five months beginning in May, but actual start and end dates are somewhat flexible. Housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Fellows are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit. This competitive position includes modest compensation to help offset personal and incidental expenses over the course of the appointment period.

Position Overview
Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) Fellows promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Fellows will be trained in all aspects of stranding response. Stranding work is unpredictable, therefore experiences will vary by fellowship 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 & entry, photographing, report writing, carcass removal, and cleaning.
– Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen and associated supplies and equipment.
– Assist staff with new patients, including: daily treatments, restraining animals for exams, collecting vital rates (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, taking photographs, administering medications, and performing wound care.
– Assist with research projects and field activities involving sea turtles and marine mammals.
– Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning/restocking gear and supplies.
– Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator training.
– Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, completing response paperwork, and when trained acting as stranding and live animal lead (under the supervision of a staff member), as well as acting as after-hours hotline point of contact.
– Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff.

Required Qualifications
– Must be at least 18 years old.
– Must be a rising junior, recent graduate, or currently pursuing a post-graduate degree in a science-based (or veterinary) program.
– Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team.
– Must be physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and walk long distances (>5 mi/8 km) on the beach in adverse conditions such as extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, and/or wind.
– Be able to swim and be comfortable in and around open water and boats.
– Be willing to learn how to drive response vehicles, if accepted (required).

Preferred Qualifications
– Demonstrate interest in a career in marine or veterinary science.
– Have some experience in stranding response, field research, and/or wild/exotic animal care.
– Have basic math and computer skills using MS spreadsheets, relational databases, and data entry (advanced programs such as SQL, GIS, R, etc. preferred).
– Be comfortable around dead and decomposing animals.
– Be comfortable driving large pick-up trucks and vans.

Position Requirements
– Attend VAQS orientation and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving.
– Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
– Be available to perform support activities (24-7) as needed during the period of appointment.

Fellowship Learning Objectives
– Develop fundamental hands-on stranding response and rehabilitation skills:
– Perform basic post-mortem examinations on sea turtle and marine mammals.
– Perform basic health assessments of rehabilitation patients, including collecting vital rates, treating wounds, administering medications, and processing blood samples.
– Be able to complete Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) and Marine Mammal Stranding Level A forms.
– Enter stranding data in Microsoft Access.
– Complete an individual project with a final deliverable (paper/report and oral presentation).

Fellow Schedule
Fellow is expected to be available 4-5 days per week, 8am-4:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected.

Minimum Commitment Required
800 hours

Fellow Supervisor/Mentor
VAQS Volunteer Manager and project supervisor

Work Location
Virginia Aquarium’s Marine Animal Care Center

Application Requirements
A complete application includes:
– Cover letter. There is some flexibility with Fellowship start/end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter. Please indicate the specific Batten Fellowship opportunity to which you are applying.
– Fellowship expectations letter. This should include what you expect to do and get from your experience at VAQS.
– Resume
– College transcript(s)
– Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference.

If applying via email, please send application to interns@virginiaaquarium.com and send a copy of the application to vaqstranding@gmail.com. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If applying via mail, please send application to:
Volunteer Services Office – Batten Fellows
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

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

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

Protected Species Observer

Coastwise Consulting Inc. is seeking to subcontract qualified individuals to monitor impacts to protected species during marine construction projects on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

Qualified individuals will generally have a B.S. in Marine Biology, Ecology, or a related field, and experience with sea turtles, marine mammals, and/or sturgeon. Specialized or extensive experience with these species may be substituted in lieu of educational experience.

Most projects involve two observers living and working onboard ships for periods of 20 – 30 days, although this can vary depending on individual preference. Typically, two observers work 12-hours each to provide 24-hour coverage. Accommodations on many of these vessels are quite comfortable.

Observers must have the ability to interact with ship and construction crews in a friendly and professional manner, physically inspect equipment that may require walking, bending, climbing, crawling, and sometimes lifting 10-50 pounds. Observers must be able to identify various species of marine mammals, sea turtles, and sturgeon, complete by-catch analyses of various species of marine life using field guides, and record and report all findings in a clear and detailed way.

Requirements:

Must be able to obtain a TWIC card for job site access
Must be in good physical condition and able to stand, walk, bend, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs
Must be able to identify sea turtles and marine mammals to species level
Must have the ability to identify by-catch species using field guides
Must work well both independently and with others
Must possess good verbal and written communication skills
Must be able to handle/ sample living and dead marine life
Must have reliable transportation and/or be capable of arranging travel

Compensation is $200+ per day, and may vary depending on the details of each contract. This is an Independent Contractor position, and travel to and from projects will be your responsibility.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your resume to:

Gib Frye at gibfrye@gmail.com

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