Marine Mammal Research and Education Internships 2013

(For a detailed description and application, please see our website at www.whalecenter.org/research-whales/whale-center-internships.html)

The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of the behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off of Massachusetts. The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. We are currently looking to fill research internships for the Summer (May 27 - August 23) and Fall (August 19 - December 13) semesters of 2013.

The Whale Center of New England internship provides experience needed to further pursue fields in marine biology and animal behavior. It is our goal to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to collect valuable information important to the marine mammal field and to see how this information is used in management and conservation efforts in this area. Each internship session offers different experiences in marine mammal science that will depend on the season. These duties may include, but are not limited to: extensive photo-identification, and computer work (training provided), field data collection and public education aboard commercial whale watching vessels, educational and fundraising outreach, and attendance at conferences and meetings. There is often the possibility of future paid seasonal employment by the Whale Center of New England for interns who particularly excel during the internship.

There is no fee required for the intern position. Interns are required to provide their own housing and board, and a means of transportation to the boats we work on in Boston and Gloucester, MA. (The Whale Center may be able to assist interns in finding housing and/or transportation). At times, housing can be difficult to find, but we put interns in contact with each other so that they can look for a place together. Past volunteers have also lived with friends or relatives in nearby areas such as Boston and Salem. Internships are full-time, with long hours expected especially during our summer internship.

Also, college credit may be arranged by the student through their department or as an independent research program at their college or university. The Whale Center of New England encourages this, and will take whatever steps are required to facilitate such efforts. International applicants are often accepted to the Whale Center’s internship program, but it should be noted that there are ancillary visa fees for international exchange.

The Whale Center is looking for independent applicants with a blend of enthusiasm, scientific skills, and communication abilities. There may be opportunities for interns to specialize their focus during the internship (i.e. Education, Research, Database Management, Fundraising) depending on their background and interests.

Internship applicants should also have the following:

* A background in biology, zoology, or related field

* Some knowledge of research methods and design

* An ability to work and communicate well with others

* Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or office

* Completed their freshmen year at the time of application

In order to apply for an internship: please send our application (attached or refer to our website), a resume or CV, a cover letter detailing your reason(s) for applying, two letters of recommendation, and an updated transcript. Once your application has been received, an interview may be arranged. In-person interviews and phone interviews are both accepted. Interviews will be conducted during one of two weeks/weekends in March 2013. All applications for the Summer 2013 and Fall 2013 Internships must be submitted by March 1, 2013. Applicants should note which semesters they are applying for (a single application may enter an applicant into the pool for more than one session, in case they are not selected for their first choice). All positions are highly competitive.

Application materials and questions regarding the internship should be directed to Laura Howes

Laura Howes

Program Coordinator

P.O. Box 159

Gloucester, MA 01930

978-281-6351 (office)

978-281-5666 (fax)

laura@whalecenter.org