Cetus Research & Conservation Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating the conservation of the marine environment.   Among other things, we provide education about local marine mammals and the marine mammal viewing guidelines through our marine stewardship programs, Straitwatch and the Robson Bight Marine Warden Program.  The programs are operated in the waters off Vancouver Island, BC.  For more information please visit our website www.cetussociety.org.

Cetus is looking for enthusiastic and hard working individuals to fill the following unpaid internship positions:

·         Straitwatch Internships

·         Warden Program Internships

Internship positions will be based out of Victoria and/or Alert Bay British Columbia, Canada. Positions will be offered between May and October 2012. A commitment of at least two months is required. Preference will be given to applicants who are able to commit to longer. Successful applicants can choose to stay in one location or split their time between the two.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be involved with our on-the-water monitoring programs which are focused primarily around British Columbia’s Northern and Southern resident killer whale populations. They will also be involved with data collection, data entry, fundraising initiatives, outreach events and community education.

Responsibilities include:

• Educating boaters, kayakers, and park visitors about the marine mammal viewing guidelines, marine species at risk, the conservation issues they face and the boundaries of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve.  
• Collecting and entering data on marine mammals and vessel activity.  
• Public interpretation in the form of dock talks and participation in community events. 
• Potentially helping to respond to injured, sick or dead marine mammals in support of the BC Marine Mammal Response Network.
• Observing and recording cetaceans in support of the BC Cetacean Sightings Network.
• Helping to organize and carry out fundraising initiatives.
• Assisting with general administrative duties. 

What skills and experience will interns gain?:

• Experience educating the public on important conservation issues.
• Experience with data collection and analysis.
• Interpretive skills and techniques
• Potential for experience in marine mammal response.
• Experience with fundraising and community outreach.
• Experience working with Microsoft Access.

Essential Requirements:

• Fluent spoken English
• Interest in marine wildlife and conservation.
• Flexibility
• Ability to work long hours outdoors.

Additional Information: These positions are unpaid and interns are responsible for all living costs. We are happy to help applicants find accommodations in both Victoria and Alert Bay if assistance is required.

How to apply: Please forward your cover letter, resume and two references via email by March 9th, 2012.  Please indicate your availability and location preference. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Contact: Leah Thorpe

             Cetus Research & Conservation Society

Email:    info@cetussociety.org