WDC North America, located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers internships and field volunteer positions,
providing research, policy, education and advocacy experience in working for an international non-profit organization.
We are accepting applications for our summer positions (starting date is flexible, but beginning as early as May 1st) until midnight EST on Sunday, March 4th, 2018.
Internships are offered to qualified applicants throughout the year, allowing each participant to become
proficient at field data collection, educational outreach, and conservation issues of
marine mammals. Interns may also assist staff in completing various tasks pertaining to our
focal projects.
The WDC internship/volunteer program aims to give participants exposure to all aspects of working with
a conservation non-profit organization. Successful candidates are tasked with everything from field research to office administration. All interns gain experience with public speaking by interacting with passengers aboard whale watching vessels, participating
in school talks, and other public outreach events throughout the year. Additionally, interns will assist with written communication efforts including social media, blogs, and supporter directed communications. Other potential opportunities include attending
workshops/conferences and responding to stranded marine mammals, though these are not guaranteed opportunities. This program exposes interns to real world experiences that will help them develop the skills and understanding needed to succeed in the field of
marine mammal conversation and research. Participants will gain an in-depth perspective of this field and a better understanding of where their interests lie. Through this internship, a number of skills are developed including analytical, organizational, interpersonal,
and communication skills.
As part of the field work experience, interns will learn species identification, behavioral sequencing,
data collection and photo identification research techniques on marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine. They will also have the opportunity to go out on commercial whale watching boats several times a week (field season is April through October) to photograph
and record sightings of humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as other notable marine wildlife. The frequency of fieldwork is weather dependent. Days not in the field will be spent at the office uploading photos and data into our photo identification
database or working on any tasks that may be assigned.
At the end of the program our hope is that interns will be able to leave with a comprehensive understanding
of both the exciting and routine aspects of what it takes to research and conserve marine mammals.
There is no fee or compensation for the internship/volunteer positions. Participants must arrange for
their own transportation to and from Plymouth and provide their own food. Limited housing with a shared bedroom is available on site for a monthly fee of $300 USD, which is strictly to offset the cost of housing. Assistance can be provided in finding alternate
housing at the request of the applicant, and those that can provide their own housing are encouraged to apply.
WDC is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university.
The program requires a minimum commitment of 12 weeks, with the possibility of extending the term on a case-by-case basis. The internship is a full time position requiring open and flexible availability.
Candidate Requirements
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Fluency in English.
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Must be 18 years or older (preference given to students matriculated in or recently graduated from appropriate graduate or under graduate degree programs.)
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Be able to show proof of valid health insurance.
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Act effectively as a member of a close-knit team.
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Be open to long days in the field or office.
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Ability to work on sea going vessels for long hours that may require physical labor.
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Good computer skills – familiarity with operating PCs.
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Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
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Familiar with literature research protocols is beneficial.
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Ability to function well under pressure.
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Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups of people of all ages and able to handle unanticipated situations.
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Familiarity with DSLR camera, GPS equipment is preferred.
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Possession of a valid driver's license is strongly preferred.
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Ability to impart information in an understandable way to the public under a variety of conditions.
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International applicants must be able to secure their own travel Visa and other required documentation.
For more information visit:
http://us.whales.org/wdc-na-field-research-internship-program
How to Apply
Please submit
only the following via e-mail to monica.pepe@whales.org:
· · Cover letter and resume
· · Contact information for two references including e-mail, phone number, and your affiliation to the reference
· · A supporting document of no more than 500 words answering one of the following:
1) Do whales die through human’s knowledge or ignorance?
2) Preservation or conservation. Which offers the best route to a sustainable population of an endangered species and why?
Applicants should make sure they clearly indicate their availability (specific dates, if possible) in
their cover letter. Any additional questions should be directed to Monica Pepe via email at
monica.pepe@whales.org or by calling the office at (508) 746-2522.
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