Right Whale Ecology Program Photo-ID Internship
Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA, USA

The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), a nonprofit institution dedicated to the understanding and
protection of our coastal environment and marine ecosystems, is seeking a seasonal intern to work in
the Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP) as a vessel observer and photo-ID specialist from January
05, 2026 through May 29, 2026. This long-term project focuses on documenting the abundance,
distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales and their food resource in Cape Cod Bay and
adjacent Massachusetts waters. The intern will be the primary vessel observer for the project and will
participate in research cruises up to four days a week. Fieldwork responsibilities include photographing
critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, collecting behavioral and environmental data, and
recording other sighting events (species, vessels, and fishing gear). Office responsibilities include
photo-analysis (downloading images, inputting sightings information, matching individuals to known
animals using an online and in-house catalog), database entry and maintenance, processing sightings
data from other platforms, and maintaining vessel field equipment. The photo-ID intern will work
alongside the RWEP habitat ecologist and intern and may assist in some of their field and office tasks,
which include collecting and processing zooplankton samples to analyze the food resource for right
whales in CCB.
Minimum Requirements:
- Previous marine mammal survey experience, including background in species identification
and photo-identification of large cetaceans
- Experience with digital SLR cameras, lenses, and filters
- Basic computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word,
PowerPoint)
- Experience working on boats and ability to withstand harsh elements for up to 10 hours at a
time
- Not prone to serious seasickness
- Ability to live and work well in a team
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure
Preferred Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree, preferably in biological/environmental sciences
- Experience using iMatch image database software
- Experience with database entry and management
- Experience using GPS equipment
- Demonstrated ability to estimate object distance ranges from a vessel
- A valid US driver’s license
The successful applicant will be required to work a minimum of five full days per week and will need
to be flexible for research cruises due to weather constraints. The intern will often collect data
independently in the field; thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must be available for the full field season and must be willing to work weekends, holidays,
and evenings as needed. Housing will be provided, as well as a $15 hourly rate of pay. International
applicants must secure their own visas or other required documentation.

CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. Cape
Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for around 50% of the estimated population in recent years.

This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-
established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in photo-identification,

behavioral observation and analysis, and data processing of one of the world’s most endangered
cetaceans. Experience in oceanographic sampling can also be gained. Details of our work can be
found on our website: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/
How to Apply:
The application package should include the following as a single PDF:
1) Cover letter describing your specific interests in marine mammal science, internship
qualifications, and how the experience would assist you in reaching career goals
2) CV/resume
3) The names and contact information of two references
4) College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient)
Application materials must be e-mailed to: employment@coastalstudies.org with the subject line:
2026 RWEP Photo-ID Internship.
Deadline for submissions: September 8th, 2025.

The Center for Coastal Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates

of all backgrounds to apply.

Diversity of opinions, experience, and backgrounds is a key asset.