SEACR MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS – SUMMER 2009
The Society for Ecological and Coastal Research - SEACR - is a
non-profit organization, established in 1998, dedicated to scientific research
on the ecology of nearshore marine systems. SEACR is sponsoring several
longterm ongoing research projects on gray whale ecology in Clayoquot Sound,
British Columbia, Canada. The projects are organized and run by the Whale
Research Lab of the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/).
INTERNSHIPS
Enthusiastic individuals with a keen interest in nature and
science are invited to discover the challenges of marine field research along
Canada's coastal rainforest through SEACR's Marine Research Intern Program!
MRIP is a volunteer program where Research Interns assist
experienced and dedicated marine biologists and ecologists with their field
research. Through MRIP, Research Interns will live and work at a remote
research field-station in the coastal rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, British
Columbia, to aid researchers with ongoing field research related to coastal and
marine ecology.
Internships are offered on a competitive basis, at cost and
provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, the Pacific coastal ocean
environment, marine mammal research, intensive training and mentoring in marine
ecology, and encouragement to work and play hard!
We are offering 2 or
4 week Marine Research Internships for May and June 2009. There is no deadline
to apply. However, approved applications are reviewed and accepted on a
first-come, first serve basis.
QUALIFICATIONS
This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual
working toward a career in marine science to gain practical experience in the
field. Ideal candidates possess a
personal interest in marine ecology and a commitment to conservation research.
Marine research is difficult and challenging work, so being a
Research Intern is not for everyone! Those who wish to participate in MRIP must
be in good physical health, especially free of back and leg injuries, as the
field hours (in the boat and in the lab) can be long - though very satisfying!
This is not a program that certifies individuals in field research. It is,
however, an experience that delivers a unique opportunity for education,
development of field ecology research skills, travel, and enjoyment of
wildlife.
THE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT
Flores Island is the home of the Ahousaht First Nations peoples
and is nestled in world-famous Clayoquot Sound, in the Pacific Coast
rainforest. Flores is an excellent place to learn about marine ecology and the
study of nature. Along with learning field and technical skills during the
course of work, when the opportunity arises Research Interns may engage in
informal talks with graduate students, take hikes along the Wild Side Trail,
have beach campfires, and interact with the Ahousaht First Nations peoples.
Professors from the University of Victoria, local scientists and previous MRIP
researchers will be frequent visitors to the field research station.
Flores Island's natural beauty, sandy beaches, and abundant
wildlife will keep you enthralled. Being here is the experience of a lifetime.
APPLICATION PROCESS & COSTS
Unlike many other volunteer internship opportunities, SEACR
provides and organizes the room and board for our interns at cost. The
internship package includes basic accommodations and three meals per day at the
research station. Interns and research staff live together and are responsible
for cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with at least one other
person. The internship costs do not include transportation to and from the
research camp on Flores Island, personal items, or special dietary
requirements. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required upon acceptance to
MRIP.
Two week Internship -
$ 2000 Cdn
Four week Internship -
$ 3000 Cdn
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Laura Joan Feyrer - SEACR Director
& Christina Tombach Wright - SEACR Intern Coordinator
Society for Ecological and Coastal Research
P.O. Box 35052
Victoria, British Columbia
CANADA V8T 5G2
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Christina Tombach Wright
Wildlife Biologist / Marine Mammal Specialist
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed . . . " -- Jung