The Animal Care Department at SeaWorld is seeking applicants for volunteer research internship positions. There is flexibility on the start date, but each session requires at least a 10 week commitment. This is an educational research opportunity. These positions do not prepare students for employment at SeaWorld Parks.

The successful candidate will assist in data retrieval, organization, tabulation, evaluation, and presentation and/or manuscript preparation of a topic of marine species ecology, biology, physiology, or medicine.  Duties may include digital or phone contact with collaborators, data management and use of a variety of imaging software programs. The goal of each project is to complete all or part of a study relative to wildlife issues in marine mammals.

Additional opportunities that are possible but not guaranteed include observing animal care and medical treatments with wildlife. 

Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications:

• Minimum of 19 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies
• A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field
• Evidence of valid current health insurance
• Computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office Suite and internet searches using library resources. Use of statistical programs is a specific advantage
• Able to work well with others and/or with limited supervision
• Able and willing to work flexible hours for 40 hours/week

There is no compensation for this internship position. The successful applicant will be responsible for living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Assistance in locating housing is provided. This program qualifies for university credit from many institutions and scholarship funding from a few organizations. Interns are responsible for making arrangements with their educational institution to meet course/credit requirements and for applying for scholarships if desired. Assistance with scholarship applications via program descriptions are available to selected candidates.

Selection for these positions is based on academic qualifications. The following application material is required and should be submitted electronically (PDF or Word document attachments) to Pacifique Rugira (Pacifique.Rugira@seaworld.com) by February 7, 2014.

1. Statement of Interest (no more than two pages) including:

a) Your professional interests and career goals

b) Your reasons for applying for this internship

c) Your availability dates and plan for housing

2. College transcript (unofficial copy is fine) indicating classes and grades and when completed. 

3. Resume or curriculum vitae (two pages or less) describing any relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, scholarships and/or other activities that you have held or participated in and other skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify

4. One letter of recommendation from an individual capable of commenting on your academic qualifications, research skills, and/or general personality. College faculty preferred. Letters of recommendation must be sent directly from the person writing the letter, preferably via email.

If email submission is not possible, application material can be faxed to Pacifique Rugira at 619-226-3951 or mailed to: Pacifique Rugira SeaWorld Zoological Department; 500 SeaWorld Dr.; San Diego, CA 92109. USA It is the responsibility of the applicant that all required material is received by the deadline.  Identified grant opportunities for this project are due February 15.

Judy St. Leger, DVM, DACVP

Director of Pathology and Research

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment

500 SeaWorld Dr.

San Diego, CA 92109

Judy.st.leger@seaworld.com

619-225-4259 (W1)

619-563-6708 (W2)

518-993-4983 (W3)