Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), based in Maui, Hawai‘i, is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine life through research, education, and conservation.  Our researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 30 years and currently conduct projects in Hawai‘i, Australia, and Ecuador.  We offer internships in our Marine Mammal Research Program year-round.  

 

Commitment                                  

PWF seeks performance-driven and dedicated individuals for long-term internships. The date ranges for our internships are:

• May – August 
• September – December (NOW INTERVIEWING)

However, these dates can be flexible for exceptional candidates.

 

Successful applicants are expected to dedicate 30-40 hours per week working both in the office and on our research vessel. Applicants must be available to work Monday - Friday and be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends.

 

Responsibilities

Interns will be based at PWF’s headquarters in Ma‘alaea, Maui and will participate with multiple projects involving mysticetes (humpback whales) and odontocetes (numerous species of toothed whales and dolphins).  

 

Primary responsibilities are office-based and may include:

• Photo-identification matching of whale flukes and/or dolphin dorsal fins;
  
• Data entry and archival tasks;
  
• Data processing and analysis;
• General operational tasks.

Additional responsibilities may include vessel-based data collection on board PWF’s eco-tours, and/or research-specific surveys within the four-island region of Maui, weather permitting.

 

Each intern may be assigned to a specific cetacean project (with ancillary duties supporting field projects) according to skill set and availability. Occasionally, interns may be asked to assist staff in other projects (including events) as the need arises.

 

Requirements

Ideal applicants should:

• Be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates in biology, zoology, marine biology, ecology, or a related field;
• Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips, including some field days that fall on the weekends.
• Have a mature attitude towards research;
• Be proficient with computers and data entry; specifically using PCs and the Microsoft Office suite of products;
• Have a strong work ethic, attention to detail and superior organizational skills;
• Have the ability to admit to mistakes;
• Be independent, adaptable, and a fast-learner;
• Be enthusiastic and possess a positive attitude;
• Be sociable and team-oriented;
• Be able to collect data in a detail-oriented manner;
• Have boating experience;
• Speak, read and write English fluently.

Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme weather conditions. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur approximately two times per week.

Applicants with little biology or marine expertise that possess outstanding skills in programming, statistical analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and database management are also welcomed to apply.

 

Compensation

There is no financial compensation for these positions and interns are responsible for their own living and transportation expenses. There is public transportation available on the island. Once accepted, the PWF staff will be able to assist in finding suitable housing options.

Application process

Applicants must be authorized to legally remain in Hawai’i if they are not U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the U.S.

Interested candidates should submit an application with the following:

• A cover letter including your availability, i.e. preferred time period (1 page only);
• A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills (2 pages only);
• Names and contact information of three references.

Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to research@pacificwhale.org - No phone calls or drop-ins, please.

Mahalo,