Voluntariado: Mote Marine Laboratory!

Wild Bottlenose Dolphin Research Internship

The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, is the world's longest-running wild dolphin research program. The program's goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them.

The SDRP uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the SDRP, please visit: www.sarasotadolphin.org

The SDRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for the fall 2008 internship program (2 September - 19 December). Positions are available within our dolphin population monitoring project, which will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin population in Sarasota Bay. This internship will consist of approximately fifty percent field and fifty percent laboratory duties. While in the field, work will generally involve boat based surveys for dolphin groups along survey routes. Behavioral, location, individual identification, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group. While in the lab, work will generally involve photo-identification of dolphins sighted, data entry, dolphin identification catalog maintenance, equipment maintenance, and other duties.

There is no compensation for these internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Housing opportunities may be available (cost: $75/week). Scholarships are available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process.

Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications:
*Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies;
*A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology or a related field;
*Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs;
*Some field research experience preferred but not required;
*Must be able to swim.
*Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods;
*A willingness to spend a minimum of 2 - 3 months working full time with our program.

To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship interested persons should:
1) Fill out an application form on Mote Marine Laboratory's website (www.mote.org/interns). Be sure to select "Center for Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Research" as your first choice and then type in "Sarasota Dolphin Research Program" as the specific program;
2) Complete and provide to Mote´s intern office all other application materials including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, and curriculum vitae;
3) Send a brief email to the SDRP´s Lab Manager Jason Allen, allenjb@mote.org stating your name, contact information, dates available (please be specific) and that you have provided all of your application materials to the Mote intern office, as detailed above.

All applications will be reviewed; those received by June 15th will be given first priority. Applicants may contact Jason Allen (941-388-4441 ext. 452, allenjb@mote.org) in the SDRP with any questions.