INTERNSHIP
DESCRIPTION
PROGRAM:
Stranding Investigations
Mote’s college internship program is
designed to inspire students with a life-long appreciation and commitment to the
conservation and sustainability of our oceans through a unique opportunity to
explore the marine world and its inhabitants hands-on under the mentorship of
recognized scientific research leaders in their respective fields of
study.
Mote Marine Laboratory’s Stranding
Investigations Program (SIP) is seeking applicants for Summer and Fall
internships. SIP provides 24-hour
response to sick, injured and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in west
central
INTERN DUTIES:
Share responsibility for responding to a
24-hour stranding notification pager and coordinating response based on the
species, number, size, and condition of the animal(s). Direct involvement in marine mammal and
sea turtle rescue and recovery is required.
Involvement in the examination, data
collection, necropsy, tissue sampling, processing and distribution, and disposal
of marine mammal and sea turtle carcasses.
Data entry, database management,
supplies inventory and biological sample archive management.
Equipment maintenance, errands, and
other duties as requested.
The ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs,
swim, walk long distances, work in hot field conditions, tolerate strong odors,
and work with the public and media.
The ability to work independently and
follow instructions
The ability to operate personal
watercraft and ATVs, or the willingness to learn.
Valid Florida Class E driver’s license
or equivalent.
DESIRED SKILLS:
Computer knowledge (Excel, Word,
PowerPoint, Access, ArcGIS), strong verbal and written communication skills, and
high attention to detail.
DESIRED EDUCATION:
Coursework in biology, zoology, and
animal behavior is beneficial. Students working toward a Bachelor’s Degree or
recent graduates are preferred.
OTHER:
MUST be willing to work flexible hours,
including weekends and holidays. This position can require long days, including
late night and early morning hours.
Please understand that the level of
stranding activity is not only physically demanding, but also extremely
unpredictable. As a result,
there are no guarantees about the number of animals or species we will
encounter. In addition, much of the
work related to SIP can be classified as “non-glamorous”. In many cases, field examination,
dissection, tissue collection, and disposal of large decaying carcasses is
involved. Interns should be
prepared for direct involvement with large, putrid carcasses.
Interns may be able to participate in
other marine mammal and/or sea turtle program activities, as needed, and as time
allows.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
Interns should wear casual and
comfortable clothing, and be prepared for all types of weather. Clothing should
be suitable for public presentation, but casual enough to withstand getting wet
and dirty. Occasionally, a swimsuit or wetsuit is required for stranding
response.
SUPERVISION:
The intern will be trained by Stranding
Investigations Program staff. Once the intern has gained adequate knowledge
about the strandings program, biology of the animals, and the tasks involved in
our stranding response, they will be assigned independent projects, some of
which they will help initiate. The supervisor/s will monitor the projects and
remain accessible to the intern for questions and
advice.
HOURS/SALARY:
This position requires a commitment of 3
months, 40 hours per week, on a voluntary basis – interns will not be paid, nor
will housing or transportation be provided (however Mote can assist interns in
finding housing). There is some
flexibility on the start dates, with the earliest start date on May 1 and latest
on September 1.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Mote provides the opportunity for some
interns to receive a scholarship to help pay for living expenses during the
internship. Please visit our website at www.mote.org
for more information.
TO APPLY:
Please visit www.mote.org
for internship applications and information. When submitting your application,
please indicate your interest in the Stranding Investigations Program
on the form. The deadline for Summer applications is March 31,
2007.
QUESTIONS:
Any general questions regarding
internships at Mote should be directed to Andrea Davis at adavis@mote.org or (941) 388-4441 ext. 438.
Any questions directly related to the
Stranding Investigations Program Internships, please contact Vikki Socha at
vsocha@mote.org or (941) 388-4441 ext.
239.
Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit research organization dedicated to excellence in marine science and education.