Pacific Whale Foundation is now accepting applications for its Research Internship Program based in Maui, Hawaiʻi. This is a full-time, four-month paid internship beginning in March, offering hands-on experience in marine mammal research. The internship combines photo-identification, data analysis, and regular fieldwork on whales and dolphins alongside experienced researchers. Pacific Whale Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine wildlife through research, education, and conservation.

 

In the office, interns will learn: how to input, organize, and quality-control data; how to photographically identify dolphins and whales; how to use database software; and gain a working understanding of the biology and ecology of Hawaiʻi’s marine wildlife.

 

In the field, interns will learn: how to scan for and identify whales and dolphins, collect photo-identification data, and conduct behavioral observations of wild animals. Field days are weather dependent, typically occur approximately once per week, and can range from 7–12 hours in length.

 

Requirements:

 

Compensation:
Interns receive a $1,000/month stipend and are responsible for their own travel and living expenses. Public transportation is available on the island.

 

Application process:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States or legally permitted to remain in Hawaiʻi for the duration of the internship. International applicants may be considered but are responsible for securing any required visas and documentation.

 

Interested candidates should email the following materials as PDF attachments to research@pacificwhale.org with the subject line “Hawaiʻi Research Internship Application”:

 

More details are available here:
https://pacificwhale.org/what-we-do/research-internship/