Volunteering: Maine!

Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic located in Bar Harbor, Maine, seeks 4 interns for the 2010 summer field season.

Two three-month positions (June-August) and two five-month positions (June-October)are available.

Individuals will assist in numerous research projects monitoring humpback, finback and North Atlantic right whales, including off-shore surveys, data collection on local whale watching boats, tower surveys on our remote off-shore research base,passive acoustic monitoring, and general logistics. Individuals will be able to earn limited income as deckhands. Research responsibilities include photo-identification
of whales and data collection/entry. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, and passenger safety. Training will be provided.

The applicants should have a college background in biology and/or zoology. Some knowledge of research methods is an advantage. Knowledge of marine mammals and seabirds is an asset. Previous experience in photography (conventional and digital) is helpful but not required. Applicants must be positive, flexible, able to work independently, and comfortable working offshore on boats.

These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research.

The positions begin June 1st and applicants must be able to work through with no other commitments (excluding COA students).

Please specify which position you are interested in.

Hours will vary depending on schedules, housing is provided and mandatory for a fee (~$100/wk).

Application deadline is March 22, 2010.

Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume, and two letters of recommendation to:

Interns 2010
Allied Whale
105 Eden St.
Bar Harbor, Maine, 04609
(207)288-5644
Or e-mail to: alliedwhale@coa.edu

Leah M. Crowe

Allied Whale
(207) 288-5644

Volunteering: Gray whale research in Canada!!

SEACR MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS SUMMER 2010

The Society for Ecological and Coastal Research - SEACR - is a non-profit organization, established in 1998, dedicated to scientific research on the ecology of near-shore marine systems. SEACR is sponsoring several long-term ongoing research projects on gray whale ecology in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Canada. The projects are organized and run by the Whale Research Lab of the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/ ).

INTERNSHIPS

Enthusiastic individuals with a keen interest in nature and science are invited to discover the challenges of marine field research along Canada's coastal rainforest through SEACR's Marine Research Intern Program!

MRIP is a volunteer program where Research Interns assist experienced and dedicated marine biologists and ecologists with their field research. Through MRIP, Research Interns will live and work at a remote research field-station in the coastal rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, to aid researchers with ongoing field research related to coastal and marine ecology.

Internships are offered on a competitive basis, at cost and provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, the Pacific coastal ocean environment, marine mammal research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work and play hard!

We are offering 2 or 4 week Marine Research Internships for June 2010. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first serve basis and spaces are quite limited.

QUALIFICATIONS

This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science to gain practical experience in the field. Ideal candidates possess a personal interest in marine ecology and a commitment to conservation research.

Marine research is difficult and challenging work, so being a Research Intern is not for everyone! Those who wish to participate in MRIP must be in good physical health, especially free of back and leg injuries, as the field hours (in the boat and in the lab) can be long - though very satisfying! This is not a program that certifies individuals in field research. It is, however, an experience that delivers a unique opportunity for education, development of field ecology research skills, travel, and enjoyment of wildlife.

THE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

Flores Island is the home of the Ahousaht First Nations peoples and is nestled in world-famous Clayoquot Sound, in the Pacific Coast rainforest. Flores is an excellent place to learn about marine ecology and the study of nature. Along with learning field and technical skills during the course of work, when the opportunity arises Research Interns may engage in informal talks with graduate students, take hikes along the Wild Side Trail, have beach campfires, and interact with the Ahousaht First Nations peoples. Professors from the University of Victoria, local scientists and previous MRIP researchers will be frequent visitors to the field research station.

Flores Island's natural beauty, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife will keep you enthralled. Being here is the experience of a lifetime.

APPLICATION PROCESS & COSTS

To qualify as a candidate for the MRIP, see the preaplication process on our website: http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html

Unlike many other volunteer internship opportunities, SEACR provides and organizes the room and board for our interns at cost. The internship package includes basic accommodations and three meals per day at the research station. Interns and research staff live together and are responsible for cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with at least one other person. The internship costs do not include transportation to and from the research camp on Flores Island, personal items, or special dietary requirements. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required upon acceptance to MRIP.

Two week Internship - $ 2200 Cdn
Four week Internship - $ 3400 Cdn

If you are interested in applying for a position, please see the details of our application process on our website http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html

Questions regarding the MRIP application or internships can be directed by email to: UVICwhalelab@gmail.com

**************************
Christina Tombach Wright
Intern Coordinator
Society for Ecological and Coastal Research
P.O. Box 35052
Victoria, British Columbia
CANADA V8T 5G2
UVICwhalelab@gmail.com

Volunteering: Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab!

The Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab at the University of Southern Mississippi offers an internship to college juniors, seniors and recent graduates. There are three available internship periods each year: Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Interns work on research projects being conducted by faculty members and graduate students, and will gain experience in both behavioral and acoustic data collection and analyses. Specific experiences depend on the research projects that are ongoing at the time of the internship.

Summer 2010 Internship: We will be accepting two interns for this internship period. The primary research being conducted at this time involves field abundance surveys and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins in Mississippi Sound. Applications due March 15th. Anticipated start date is May 1st.

This internship is an unpaid voluntary position, and interns are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing. Interns are also required to receive college credit for the internship; enrollment may be with The University of Southern Mississippi or an academic institution of their choice.
Students interested in applying for the internship are required to send:

• Complete application form (pdf)
• CV or Résumé
• Letter of intent describing your career goals, reason(s) for wanting the internship, and what you expect to contribute to and gain from the internship
• Unofficial or official copy of your transcripts
• At least two letters of recommendation (preferably from those who can attest to your academic and scientific abilities)
All materials should be sent to:

Internship Coordinator: Courtney Smith
Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Internship
Department of Psychology
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive, # 5025
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025

Materials may arrive separately or together, all materials must be postmarked by the pertinent deadline: Fall - July 1st; Spring - December 1st; Summer - March 15th

Please direct all information requests and related materials to Courtney Smith at kuczaj_laboratory@yahoo.com.

Best,

Courtney

--
Courtney Smith
MA,PhD Student
Internship Coordinator
Marine Mammal Behavior & Cognition Lab
Experimental Psychology Program
University of Southern Mississippi

Volunteering: Stranding Department!

STRANDING DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

The Stranding Department of The Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for internships working with stranded pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea otters. These positions are unpaid.

Internship Opportunities are available at the following locations.
- San Luis Obispo Operations in Morro Bay
- Monterey Bay Operations in Moss Landing
- Main Hospital in Sausalito

Program Description:

The Stranding Department Internship is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammal behavior and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Interns will be responsible for answering the animal hotline and rotating the after hours on-call. Interns will coordinate rescue and triage response throughout the Center's 600-mile rescue range. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues and releases. In addition, interns will be required to assist with animal care duties (feed preparations, medical charting, and pen cleaning) for all on-site pinnipeds. Other duties may include: participation in training classes, data entry and tracking, maintaining rescue equipment and assorted miscellaneous tasks.

Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications:

The internship is open to all applicants 21 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 3 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include weekends and holidays. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for obtaining housing and transportation. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Word, Access, and Excel. This internship position involves a fair amount of physical activity, such as: lifting, restraining and moving animals.


Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a r?sum? that includes the names of three references, and a cover letter detailing interests, experience, housing accommodations, and availability. Please forward all application materials to the following address:


The Marine Mammal Center
Marin Headlands
2000 Bunker Road
Sausalito, California 94965
Attn: Erin Brodie

Or via email to: BrodieE@TMMC.org

There is some flexibility on the start date of each position, with the earliest start date of February 1 and the last available internship beginning June 14.

Internship Period

Spring

Internship Period: February 8, 2010
Application Deadline: February 12, 2010[justify]
Notification of acceptance: February 19, 2010[/justify]
Approximate Internship Time: April - June 2010

Summer

Internship Period: February 8, 2010
Application Deadline: February 19, 2010
Notification of acceptance: February 26, 2010
Approximate Internship Time: June - August 2010

Fall

Internship Period: June 7, 2010
Application Deadline: June 11, 2010
Notification of acceptance: June 14, 2010
Approximate Internship Time: August - Sept. 2010

Winter

Internship Period: July 19, 2010
Application Deadline: July 23, 2010
Notification of acceptance: July 26, 2010
Approximate Internship Time: Oct - December 2010


Celebrating its 35th year in 2010, The Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit hospital dedicated to the rescue and release of sick, injured or orphaned marine mammals, and to research about their health and diseases. Volunteers and staff have treated more than 15,700 California sea lions, elephant seals, porpoises, and other marine life. The Center uniquely combines its rehabilitation program with scientific discovery and education programs to advance the understanding of marine mammal health, ocean health and conservation. For more information, please visit our website at www.marinemammalcenter.org

Volunteer: California!

MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING RESPONSE INTERNSHIP - Spring & Summer 2010

The California Wildlife Center in Malibu, California, seeks applicants for spring and summer internships working with stranded marine mammals. These are part time 8-week internship positions beginning March 15th (Spring session) and May 15th (Summer session). There is some flexibility of start dates. These internship positions are unpaid.

Summary/Program Description:

The California Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and sick native wildlife. CWC fulfills this mission through marine mammal rescue, and treatment of avian and terrestrial wildlife in our rehabilitation hospital.

This internship will provide an exciting and challenging educational
experience in the marine mammal field, while also allowing for additional hands-on experience with other native California wildlife. The interns will be working closely with the Marine Mammal program staff in all aspects of stranding response, including logistics, assessment, capture/restraint,transport to the marine mammal rehabilitation facility, and public relations. In addition, interns will provide support to CWC Hospital staff in animal husbandry tasks for avian and terrestrial wildlife.

Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications:

- The internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years of age or older. Undergraduate students and non-students alike are encouraged to apply.

- If the intern intends to receive academic credit, the intern will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions.

- Spring internships are 3 days a week, minimum 24 hours per week for 8 weeks.
- Summer internships are 4 days a week, minimum 32 hours per week for 8 weeks.

- Due to the unpredictable nature of marine mammal stranding response, interns may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours.

- Interns must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.

- Interns will be required to have good physical strength and the ability to lift/carry 50 lbs. Interns need to have the ability to
multitask and work in a fast paced environment.

- Animal care and/or marine mammal experience is a plus but not required. Applicant must demonstrate proof of negative TB test within the past year and a current tetanus vaccination.

Under supervision of Marine Mammal staff, duties will include:

- Answering and responding to all calls, pages and messages concerning
marine mammals in a timely and courteous manner
- Assessing stranded marine mammals
- Coordinating and leading responder team in the capture and handling of stranded marine mammals needing medical attention
- Coordinating transport of stranded marine mammals to the rehabilitation facility
- Completion of NMFS Level A data sheets. Maintaining detailed database records of Malibu strandings, including reports of stranding, human interaction issues, etc.
- Assist with marine mammal necropsy and sample collection
- Ensuring marine mammal-designated equipment is kept in clean working order
- Maintaining good rapport with representatives of various public agencies

Housing/Transportation:

Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. Must have own transportation and current drivers license. Very limited on-sire housing is available (i.e., up to 2 individuals at a time). All individuals selected for on-site housing, regardless of Session, will be required to complete 40 hours/week.

Application Process:

Interested individuals must send the following:

* Letter of intent
* Resume
* Two letters of reference

Your letter of intent must state the Session you are applying for and detail interests, experience, housing accommodations and availability.

Submit the above items via regular mail or email (preferred) to:

California Wildlife Center
Attn: Cynthia Reyes
P.O. Box 2022
Malibu, California 90265
Email: Cynthia@californiawildlifecenter.org

If you would like to find out more about our Organization, please visit our website at http://www.californiawildlifecenter.org

Volunteering: Alaska!

Petersburg Marine Mammal Center Internship Opportunity - 2010

Located in Petersburg, Alaska´s Little Norway, this project takes place on Mitkof Island in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Petersburg is also known as the Whale Research Capital of Alaska because of the many world-renown marine mammal researchers who use Petersburg as a base of operation.

PMMC is a non-profit organization formed in 1998 to assist research efforts and be a depository for information on research and sightings of marine mammals in Southeast Alaska. We have a small center located in the Viking Travel Building which is on Main Street in downtown Petersburg. The center is manned by interns during the summer months and the Board of Directors carries out the functions of PMMC year-round.

This intern program allows students the opportunity to earn college credit while learning about marine mammals and serving the public. Individuals not in a college program, but with a strong interest and good background in marine mammals are also invited to participate by showing strong professional or life goals with marine mammal interpretation. Indoor exhibits, including an interactive computer kiosk, focus on marine mammal life history and distribution. Two interns will be working at the Center staggered shifts for six days out a week where the work includes, but is not limited to:

- Staff the Center during open hours. Manage operations, sales and petty cash.

- Interpret Alaska marine mammal information for Center visitors and public.
- Assist and help coordinate where possible with researchers using center.
- Prepare/deliver Alaska marine mammal presentations to visitors and small groups.
- Facilitate community outreach and public education of Alaska marine mammals.

Project Duration

Two 8-10 week Intern positions are available beginning mid-June through August 31st.

Accommodation

The volunteer will be accommodated in Forest Service housing near the center of town, making it easy to access to the community and to the Center. The room is shared so both interns must be of the same gender.

Internship Requirements

- must be in an internship program through an accredited university or demonstrate a strong interest and background in marine mammals
- physically fit

- desire to gain skills in the environmental education field
- interested in working with visitors
- possess an interest in working on small projects for the Center
- possess a positive attitude!

Compensation

This is currently an uncompensated internship (other than the housing provided).

Application Process and Deadline

To apply please download a PDF application from our website http://psgmmc.org

Applications deadline is February 28th, 2010 and successful applicant(s) will be notified by March 15th, 2010.

Jeff Reynolds
jeff@psgmmc.org

Volunteering: Florida!

*Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute Internships*

The Chicago Zoological Society´s Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute (DRCI), based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, conducts the world´s longest-running study of a wild dolphin population. 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 DRCI 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 DRCI and the individual projects listed below, please visit:

www.sarasotadolphin.org.

The DRCI is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for the summer 2010 internship program (a minimum of 10 weeks of participation during 17 May - 30 September). The successful candidates will participate in at least two research projects:

1) *Dolphin population monitoring project* (approx. 80% time)

This study will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community in Sarasota Bay. Duties in the field will include assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group. While in the lab, work will generally involve photo-id of dolphins, computer data entry, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog maintenance, equipment maintenance, and other
duties;

2) *Dolphin prey and habitat use project* (approx. 20% time)

This study will use the Sarasota dolphin community and fish populations to study predator-prey interactions and bioacoustics, specifically helping us to understand relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey and factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide. While in the field, work will involve sampling of fish communities through purse seining techniques, recording of fish sounds via hydrophone, and collection of other environmental data.

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. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available (cost: $85/week). A few scholarships are available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US citizens only).

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, Ecology, Zoology or a related field;

- Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access);

- Some field research experience preferred but not required;

- Must be able to swim;

- Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of 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 at Mote Marine Laboratory´s website (www.mote.org/interns). Be sure to select "Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute" as your first choice;

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 DRCI´s Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh, kmchugh@mote.org) stating your name, contact information, exact dates available 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 March 15th will be given first priority. We are seeking 4-6 interns for the summer of 2010, depending on scheduling. Applicants may contact Katie McHugh (941-388-4441 ext. 375, kmchugh@mote.org) in the DRCI with any questions.

Volunteering: Florida!

Dolphin Research Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Summer term.

DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies.

Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment,and assisting with experimental research sessions.

Specific job duties include:
* Collecting observational behavioral data
* Preparing stimuli for experimental research sessions
* Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for experimental research sessions
* Operating video equipment
* Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis
* General support of the facility through participation in thevolunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting withpublic programs, guest interactions, etc.)

Publications:

Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005).Understanding the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins(Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology.

Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120.

Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates.

Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required.

The deadline to apply is *** February 1st***. To apply, you must download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Help DRC", and then "Volunteer / Intern Opportunities". The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and letters of rec.) must be mailed to DRC.

Emily Guarino
Administrative Director of Research
emily@dolphins.org
Dolphin Research Center
58901
Overseas Hwy.
Grassy Key,
FL 33050
www.dolphins.org