Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises is hiring Education and Research Interns for the 2025 season. This opportunity is designed for college students and recent graduates but is open to all who are passionate about whales and the marine environment. The internship is for individuals who are looking to expand their knowledge of marine ecology, wildlife, and research practices in the field. This is a seasonal, paid, joint naturalist/galley deckhand position. Applicants do not need to be majors in biology; rather, we are looking for individuals who have a passion for serving as stewards of ocean conservation. Applicants should feel comfortable with public speaking, teaching in small groups, and working with children and adults in diverse populations. We are especially interested in applicants who will be available August through October. For complete job description and application, please visit (https://whales.net/jobs-2/).
Education and Research Intern responsibilities include:
- Circulating with passengers using artifacts and teaching tools designed to aid in understanding of whales and other marine life.
- Recording sightings data on marine mammals.
- Entering data electronically with appropriate edits.
- Identifying whales photographed in the field by individual pigmentation variations and scarring.
- Delivering excellent and attentive customer service.
- Work with supervisors to develop and work toward professional development goals and meet regularly with Director for feedback and support.
- Stocking, cleaning, and maintaining galley; serving passengers.
- Assisting with cleaning, maintaining, and servicing the vessel as an active member of the crew.
- Ensuring safety and well-being of passengers aboard whale watch vessel.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications of Education and Research Intern
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate a willingness to learn and ask clarifying questions,
- and respond positively to constructive feedback.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test and be enrolled in our random drug testing program during your internship.
- Capable of working a mix of week and weekend days.
- Able to withstand a wide variety of weather conditions including extreme cold and hot temperatures, rain, and challenging sea conditions.
- Must be a team player with a can-do mindset who is willing to jump in and support any needs when called upon.
Additional Qualifications/Training Provided:
- Ability to efficiently use a point-of-sale system.
- Public speaking.
- Previous customer service or a customer-facing position is a plus but not required.
- Outstanding customer service skills.
Pay: $16 per hour + gratuities
Benefits:
- College credit (if applicable)
- Employee discount
- Cafeteria (galley)
- Flexible schedule
- Gratuities
Work schedule is 3-4 days per week; trips run 7 days a week.
To Apply: Send completed job application, resume, cover letter, two written letters of recommendation, and unofficial transcript to Laura Lilly: laura@whales.net. We are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of Feb 21. Interviews will be conducted by the end of February.