Dolphin Research Internships

Dolphin Research Internships

Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Summer term. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys.

Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions.

Specific job duties include:

Collecting observational behavioral data
Preparing stimuli for experimental research sessions
Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for experimental research sessions
Operating video equipment
Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis
General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.)

Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For information on past or current research projects at DRC, please visit our website, at www.dolphins.org.

Publications:
Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically “less” by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology.

Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required.

The deadline to apply is *** February 1^st ***. To apply, download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Help DRC", and then "Volunteer / Intern Opportunities".

The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and letters of recc.) must be mailed to DRC.

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Emily Guarino
Admin. Director of Research
emily@dolphins.org
Dolphin Research Center
58901 Overseas Hwy.
Grassy Key, FL 33050
www.dolphins.org