The Alaska Whale Foundation is looking for interns to participate in a study on the impacts of anthropogenic sound on humpback whale communication and group behavior led by Oregon State University graduate student, Michelle Fournet. Field work will be conducted from the Five Finger Lighthouse in Frederick Sound, Southeast Alaska in the summer of 2012.  Interns are asked to make a 4 week commitment with internships starting mid-June, mid-July, and mid-August.  We are looking for a total of 9 interns to span the three month field season.

Interns are expected to participate in daily data collection, including monitoring whales from the lighthouse tower, manning acoustic equipment from a small skiff, and entering data into spreadsheets.  Additionally, interns are expected to participate in daily chores including cooking, cleaning, etc.  The lighthouse is equipped with a full bathroom, full kitchen, beds, and laundry facilities.

The cost of the internship is $2,500 and includes:

•4 weeks lodging at a historic lighthouse
•3 meals a day
•Vessel transportation between the Five Finger Lighthouse and Petersburg, Alaska- with a planned stop for whale watching
•Pre and Post flight hotel lodging in Petersburg, AK

On site training will include:
- Using a theodolite to monitor humpback whales
- Using passive acoustics (hydrophones) to sample whale vocalizations
- Basics of small skiff handling
- Managing marine mammal data sets

Interns are responsible for their own transportation to and from Petersburg, AK, which is serviced twice daily from Seattle on Alaska Airlines.  Interns should be in good physical condition and be comfortable working in close quarters with others. Internships are open to anyone 18 and older.  Previous background with marine mammals is not a requirement, although it is an asset. Graduate students, undergraduate students, and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

To apply please send a resume and cover letter with references to Michelle Fournet at:  TheRapunzelProject@gmail.com