Right Whale Ecology Program – Photo-ID Internship
Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), 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 in
the Right Whale Ecology Program from January 02 – May 30th, 2024. 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, recording other sighting
events (species, vessels, and fishing gear), and working with a habitat research team both in
the field and office. Office responsibilities include photo-analysis (downloading images, inputting
sightings information, matching individuals to known animals using an online and in-house
catalog, cataloging), database entry and maintenance, assisting the aerial team and maintaining
vessel field equipment.
*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 hrs at a
time
● Not prone to seasickness
● Must be able 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 college 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 ranges from a vessel
● A valid US driver’s license
The successful applicant will be required to work five full days per week and will
need to be flexible for research cruises due to weather constrictions. 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 small
stipend to cover general living expenses. 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
and Cape Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for over 50% of the estimated population in
recent years. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine
mammal survey techniques, and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work
with one of the world’s most endangered cetaceans. 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, matching, and data
entry and analysis. 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:
Please submit cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for two professional references
in a single pdf and attached along with copies of college transcripts via email to employment@coastalstudies.org, with 2024 RW Photo-ID Internship in the subject line.
Deadline for submissions: October 9th, 2023
http://www.coastalstudies.org