Marine Research Internship opportunities are available with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari (www.awads.co.nz), New Zealand onboard their year-round, daily 4.5hr eco-safaris in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

The internship is an excellent opportunity for aspiring marine biologists to gain fieldwork skills, on-water experience from a platform of opportunity and public speaking experience within a successful commercial & research operation. The internship will involve:


  • Onboard experience:

    • Visual surveying to locate and identify marine mammal species (mostly common dolphins, Bryde’s whales, bottlenose dolphins and orca/killer whales)

    • Data collection during marine mammal encounters (photo-ID, GPS, environmental data, behavioural data) and other marine life encounters (ranging from plankton to megafauna)

    • Passenger interaction

    • Assisting crew with general duties during particularly busy periods

  • Land-based experience:

    • updating sightings databases, photo processing and other marine research tasks

Requirements:

  • Min. 3 month stay preferred with preference going to those who can stay longer (full-time or part-time volunteer hours available dependent on number of successful applicants)

  • Genuine interest and motivation in the field of Marine Biology/Ecology and Conservation

  • Preferable previous experience in marine mammal observation and data collection

  • Must have the ability to communicate effectively with crew and passengers

  • Must be flexible and willing to work weekdays and weekends

  • Due to the nature of fieldwork, must be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient

  • Be flexible in their approach/expectation of tasks to be fulfilled

  • Be able to work independently

  • Speak fluent English

  • Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude to get on well with our small crew

  • Must be comfortable working on boats

Important:

  • This is an unpaid, volunteer internship. Successful candidates are responsible for all associated costs including: travel, visa & insurance, housing and food.

  • Applicants and successful candidates must understand that the majority of the internship is weather-dependent & therefore that there may be prolonged periods of time on or off the water. Bad weather days will be used for land-based data processing and database tasks or as days off.

How to apply:

Please send applications in an email titled “Marine Research Internship” to Catherine Lea at cat@awads.co.nz including: your CV and a cover letter detailing why you would like to volunteer for Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari, the dates you would be available and relevant experience. Applications will be examined in order of reception.