Pacific Whale Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine wildlife through research, education and conservation. Our researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 35 years and currently conduct or support projects in Hawaii, Australia, Ecuador and Chile. A research internship with Pacific Whale Foundation is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in marine mammal research.
Commitment & ResponsibilitiesWe seek performance-driven, dedicated individuals for long-term internships based in Maui, Hawaii. Interns must be available on a full-time basis, including weekends as needed. This internship is primarily office-based and focuses on photo-identification cataloging. Interns assist research staff with processing and analyzing data collected for mysticete (humpback whale) and odontocete (toothed whale and dolphin) studies and related projects.
In the office you will learn: how to input and organize data, how to quality control data, how to photographically identify dolphins and whales, how to use database software, and learn about the general biology and ecology of Hawaii’s marine wildlife.
In the field you will learn: how to scan for and identify whales and dolphins, how to collect photo-ID data, how to collect underwater footage, and how to make behavioral observations of wild animals. Field days can range from 8-12 hours in length and occur approximately 1-2 times per week. Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures and carrying heavy loads of equipment.
APPLY FOR A RESEARCH INTERNSHIPRequirements- Possess a university degree or be advanced undergraduates in biology, zoology, marine biology, ecology, or related field;
- Available on an unpaid full-time basis for the entire internship period;
- Available for all field work;
- Have a mature attitude towards research;
- Proficient with computers and data entry; specifically using PCs and Microsoft Office;
- Willing to spend long hours in front of a computer doing repetitive tasks;
- Have a strong work ethic and superior organizational skills;
- Be independent, adaptable, and a fast-learner;
- Able to collect and process data in a detail-oriented manner;
- Have boating experience;
- Able to speak, read and write English fluently.
CompensationThere is no financial compensation for internship positions and no housing is provided. Interns are responsible for their own travel and living expenses. There is public transportation available on the island.
Application ProcessApplicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. or authorized to legally remain in Hawaii if they are not U.S. citizens. International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation.
Interested candidates should submit an application with the following:
- A cover letter including your availability, i.e. preferred time period (1 page only);
- A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills (2 pages only);
- Names and contact information of three references.
Please specify in your cover letter which internship period you are applying for.
Season | Internship Period | Application Deadline |
Winter-Spring | January 28– April 26 | November 15 |
Summer | May 1 – August 30 | February 1 |
Fall | September 4 – December 20 | June 1 |
Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to research@pacificwhale.org - No phone calls or drop-ins, please!
Mahalo,