Marine Mammal Internship with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society WDCS North America (NA), headquartered in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is accepting applications for internships providing experience in working for an international organization in the conservation and research arena. The intern program is offered to qualified applicants throughout the year, allowing each participant / student to customize their learning experience based on their interest and availability. Successful applicants will become proficient at research, educational outreach, and conservation of marine mammals; they will also be expected to contribute a more focused project furthering professional development. WDCS is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. The program typically requires a minimum commitment of 3 months, with the possibility of extending the term. All interns are trained in photo-identification, data-collection and management, public speaking, and marine mammal policy. Based on time of year and the interest level of successful applicants, the intern program may include all or some portion of the following: Education and Outreach * Whale Watch Naturalist Training. * Outreach to local schools and the general public. * Assisting with and learning about the importance of ecotourism and best practices * Writing blogs about the work conducted while interning with WDCS * Attendance at conferences and meetings. Research * Cataloging individually identifiable humpback whales. * Collection of marine mammal sightings and distributional data in the Southern Gulf of Maine * Analyzing body condition of marine mammals through scarring and skin condition * Researching and assisting with grant applications. * Preparing a report of the previous season's whale sightings with historical analysis, risk issues and the impact of cumulative developmental threats. * Attendance and participation in stranding training and events. Conservation * Supporting WDCS personnel at key conservation meetings. * Literature research and data analysis to be used in written and oral comments submitted to federal agencies. No prior experience is required, as training will be provided. However, preference will be given to individuals involved in marine mammal science courses or related institutions and/or with prior volunteer marine mammal field experience. Successful applicants will: * Be fluent in English. * Be 18 years or older, preference given to students matriculated in appropriate graduate or undergraduate degree programs. * Be able to show proof of valid health insurance. * Have the ability to work on sea going vessels for long hours that may require physical labor. * Work effectively as a member of a close-knit team. * Be open to work long days (12 hours or more sometimes) in the field or office. * Computer proficiency with operating PC's and Mac's. * Have good verbal and written communication skills. * Work well under pressure. There is no compensation for the internship position. Interns must arrange for their own transportation to and from Plymouth. Limited housing with a shared bedroom is available for a monthly fee of $300. WDCS may be able to provide assistance in finding alternate housing at the request of the applicant. We are currently accepting applications for all seasons; however, applications for the spring and summer seasons must be submitted by March 1st. How to Apply Please submit the following via e-mail to sue.rocca@wdcs.org<mailto:sue.rocca@wdcs.org>, making sure you clearly indicate your availability in your cover letter. 1. Cover letter and Resume (no more than 3 pages) 2. Contact information for two references including e-mail and phone numbers 3. A supporting document of no more than 500 words answering one of the following: * Do whales die through human's knowledge or ignorance? * Preservation or conservation. Which offers the best route to a sustainable population of an endangered species and why? * How do you convert apathy into interest and then into action? WDCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin. WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, is the leading international charity dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises.