Marine Mammal Research Internships

(For a detailed description and application, please see our website at www.whalecenter.org/intern.htm)

The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of the behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off of Massachusetts. The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. We are currently looking to fill research internships for the summer (May 21-August 24) and fall (August 20 – December 21) semester of 2007 and for the spring (January 28 - May 23) semester of 2008. Please note: All positions are filled in the spring of each year.

The Whale Center of New England internship provides experience needed to further pursue fields in marine biology and animal behavior. It is our goal to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to collect valuable information important to the marine mammal field and to see how this information is used in management and conservation efforts in this area. Each internship session offers different experiences in marine mammal science that will depend on the season. These duties may include, but are not limited to: extensive photo-identification and computer work (training provided), field data collection aboard commercial whale watching vessels and our 27’ research vessel Silver II, attendance at necropsies (whale autopsies), marine mammal stranding response, harbor seal surveys and attendance at conferences and meetings.

A fee of $1000 for the period will be charge and in return interns will receive housing and a $30 weekly food stipend. A common apartment is used, where interns live together and share cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with one other person. A living arrangement such as this is conductive to open discussion and interaction between peers and home life is often a continuation of the day in the field. Also, college credit may be arranged by the student through their department or as an independent research program at their college or university. The Whale Center of New England encourages this, and will take whatever steps are required to facilitate such efforts.

Internship applicants should have the following:

* A background in biology, zoology, or related field

* Some knowledge of research methods and design

* An ability to work, live and communicate well with others

* Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or lab

* Completed their freshmen year at the time of application

In order to apply for an internship: please send a resume, a cover letter detailing your reason(s) for applying, one letter of reference, and an updated transcript. Once your application has been received, an interview will be arranged. In-person interviews are preferred, necessitating travel to Gloucester, MA, during one of two weekends in March 2007 (10^th-11^th & 24^th-25th). All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2007. Applicants should note which semesters they are applying for (a single application may enter an applicant into the pool for more than one session, in case they are not selected for their first choice). All positions are highly competitive. Because of an increased work calendar during the summer session, volunteer positions are also available.

Application materials and questions regarding the internship should be directed to the intern coordinator:

Jennifer Tackaberry

P.O. Box 159

Gloucester, MA 01930

978-281-6351 (office)

978-281-5666 (fax)

jenn@whalecenter.org