The mission of Oceanic Society (OS) is to conserve marine wildlife and habitats by deepening connections between people and nature through research, community engagement, and first-hand experience.  

Interns are sought to assist with field surveys on two long-term projects: ¨Social and behavioral ecology of bottlenose dolphins¨ and ¨Monitoring and conservation of manatees”  Both projects are based at Oceanic Society’s Blackbird Caye Field Station on Turneffe Atoll, Belize. This is an extraordinary field experience for biologists interested in working with marine mammals as a career. Interns will learn and apply standard field methods, teach and lead volunteer groups, and develop his/her own short project. 

Intern activities:

1. Learning. The intern will be trained in marine mammal survey methods by an experienced marine biologist.  

2  Teaching. The intern is expected to lead volunteer groups and to teach basic aspects of marine mammal biology and ecology to non biologist volunteers and students.

3. Research.  We encourage the candidates to propose a scientific project in keeping with the framework of OS’s long-term marine mammal research program. The intern will be mentored by OS marine scientists and staff to assure their adherence to safety and scientific protocols. This project is not mandatory but highly recommended, and candidates with demonstrated curiosity and innovative ideas will receive preference in the selection process. 

The intern will be required to fulfill several key tasks:

·         Lead boat-based survey to observe and photograph bottlenose dolphins

·         Take high-quality photos of dolphins for photo-ID 

·         Assist with manatee research 

·         Collect ecological data and perform habitat surveys  

·         Assist with data organization, processing and preliminary analysis.

·         Prepare expedition reports

·         Coordinate the activities of our volunteer groups (1 to 8)  

·         Prepare and present lectures on marine mammals and their habitats.  

Requirements of Candidates:

·         Passion, optimism and a high degree of interest in conserving marine wildlife and habitats

·         A degree in a related field (Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Behavior)

·         English speaking

·         A commitment of at least 3 months in Belize

·         Broad knowledge of aquatic mammal biology and marine ecosystems and a willingness to learn and teach  

            -          Previous field experience with cetaceans and/or manatees

·         Be organized and responsible, adaptable, patient and team-orientated

·         Be physically fit, able to work in outdoor conditions and to swim and snorkel

·         Be willing to live on a remote atoll with poor telephone and internet connectivity  

Desirable Traits of Candidates:

Compensation

Monetary compensation cannot be provided.  OS will cover round trip transport costs from the intern’s home city and regularly scheduled shuttles to and from Turneffe Atoll . We will reimburse the selected candidate for the airfare after s/he has completed the third month in the field station.  Accommodation and food at the Blackbird Field Station is also covered.  

Send a letter of application, CV and two references to Dr. Nataly Castelblanco, Research Coordinator of Oceanic Society (castelblanco@oceanicsociety.org )

For more information about the Oceanic Society, visit: www.oceanicsociety.org

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Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez, PhD
Research Coordinator - Oceanic Society