Right Whale Ecology Program Habitat Internship Announcement
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 oceanography specialist from January 05 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 assist the RWEP habitat ecologist in the
collection and processing of zooplankton in the field and lab, as well as assist the photo-
ID specialist in field data collection and office data processing.
Fieldwork responsibilities include zooplankton collection through tow and pump
techniques, visual observer duties (collecting right whale behavioral and sighting data
as well as recording other sighting events; e.g., (species, vessels, and fishing gear), and
environmental data collection.
Lab responsibilities include zooplankton species identification and counts, plastics
analysis, archiving samples, data entry and maintenance, and maintaining field
equipment. Office responsibilities include photo-analysis (matching individuals to known
animals using an online and in-house catalog) and database entry.
Minimum Requirements:
● A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences;
● Good memorization skills and strong attention to details;
● Basic computer literacy and experience using Microsoft Office programs (Excel,
Word, PowerPoint). Experience with database entry and management is
preferred;
● Experience working on boats, ability to withstand harsh elements, and not be
prone to serious seasickness;
● Must be able to live and work well in a team;
● Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods;
● Ability to work well under pressure.
Preferred Qualifications:
● Plankton identification;
● Microscopy experience;
● Vessel observer experience;
● Not prone to seasickness;
● 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 constrictions. The intern
will often process zooplankton samples independently in the lab, thus responsible,
detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the
full five months 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 to cover
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. 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:
Your application package should be one PDF that contains all of the following:
1) A 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 three professional references;
4) College transcripts, if applicable (unofficial are sufficient).
Application materials must be e-mailed to: employment@coastalstudies.org with the
following text in the subject line: 2026 RW Habitat internship.
Deadline for submission: September 30 th , 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.