Directed behavioral study internship
Whale and Dolphin Conservation, North America (NA), is located in Plymouth, Massachusetts and offers internships
and field volunteer positions providing research, policy, education, and administration experience in working for an international non-profit organization.
This behavioral study internship is a specialized intern position to assist in data gathering for a project examining the behavioral ecology and foraging strategies of humpback whales in the Gulf
of Maine. Successful applicants will become proficient at literature review processes, defining and piloting field data collection techniques, and reviewing archival data, as well as gaining experience with educational outreach for the conservation of marine
mammals.
We are currently accepting applications for one available position beginning in early May, 2016. The deadline to submit an
application is Sunday, February 24th.
Background information
This project provides an opportunity for the candidate to be exposed to the bridge between research and conservation of protected species and gain an understanding of skills needed to succeed in the field of marine mammal conversation and research. Participants
will gain an in-depth perspective of this field and a better understanding of where their interests lie. Through this internship, a number of skills are developed including analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
This internship will assist in data gathering for a WDC project to investigate the transmission of social information through
the well-studied humpback whale population in the Gulf of Maine. This is a
population of fewer than 1,000 whales currently listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
In addition, the intern will explore opportunities for collecting data on persistent individual behavioral differences in foraging techniques between whales. A portion of the project will involve data collection conducted on board platforms
of opportunity.
Opportunities will also be available to gain wider experience across the work of our North American office, from administration
to public speaking by interacting with passengers aboard whale watching vessels, participating in school talks and other public outreach events. Other potential opportunities include writing blogs, contributing to WDC campaigns, and attending workshops/conferences,
though these are not guaranteed opportunities.
There is no fee or compensation for this internship position. Participants must arrange for their own transportation to and from
Plymouth and provide their own food. Limited housing with a shared bedroom is available on site for a monthly fee of $300, which is strictly to offset the cost of housing. Assistance can be provided in finding alternate housing at the request of the applicant,
and those that can provide their own housing are encouraged to apply.
WDC is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. The successful
applicant will dedicate between 3-6 months for this full-time position..
International applicants interested in the internship program must be able to secure their own travel Visa and other required
documentation.
Candidate Requirements
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Fluency in English.
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Must be 18 years or older (preference given to students matriculated in or recently graduated from appropriate graduate or under graduate degree programs.)
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Be able to show proof of valid health insurance.
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Act effectively as a member of a close-knit team.
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Be open to long days in the field or office.
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Ability to work on sea going vessels for long hours that may require physical labor.
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Good computer skills – familiarity with operating PCs and MACs.
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Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
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Familiar with literature research protocols is beneficial.
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Ability to function well under pressure.
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Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups of people of all ages and able to handle unanticipated situations.
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Familiarity with DSLR camera, GPS equipment.
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Experience gathering large whale behavioral observations in a field setting is strongly preferred
How to Apply
Please submit the following via e-mail to monica.pepe@whales.org:
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Cover letter and Resume
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Contact information for two references including e-mail and phone numbers
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A supporting document of no more than 500 words answering the following:
Choosing only one, would you define whaling more primarily as a welfare or conservation issue, and why?
We are currently accepting applications for one available position beginning in early May, 2016. The deadline to submit an
application is Sunday, February 24th.
Applicants should make sure their email subject reads “Directed behavioral study
internship”, and that they clearly indicate their availability (specific dates, if possible) in their cover letter. Successful applicants will be contacted after the application
deadline to set up an interview.
Any additional questions should be directed to Monica Pepe via email at monica.pepe@whales.org or
by calling the office at (508) 746-2522.
WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, is the leading international charity dedicated solely to the worldwide
conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. WDC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin.
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Monica Pepe |
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Whale and Dolphin Conservation (“WDC”), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3
non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: +1 (508) 746-2522
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