The Whale and Dolphin Conservation society is seeking a research intern to assist with a non-lethal vessel strike scar study. The study will evaluate the proportion of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeanglia) in the Southern Gulf of Maine bearing scars consistent with vessel strikes. This population of humpback whales has been the subject of detailed entanglement scar studies, but there is currently little data about human related impacts of vessel strikes to these whales. The results of this study will help decision makers to understand the actual risk posed by vessels operating in the vicinity of whales.

           

The intern will work directly with the Project Supervisor and will conduct a secondary image review for quality control.  The candidate will be required to work from WDCS-NA Headquarters in Plymouth, MA, US and commit to the position full time from April 1st –June. This is not a paid position, however, WDCS will work with the candidate to receive university credits in cases where this is possible. 

 

The individual who successfully fills this position will be very detail-oriented, have prior Photo-identification experience, be proficient in database entry; work well independently, and successfully meet deadlines.  Prior experience with Microsoft Access and IMatch preferred, but not required.

 

To Apply:

Please submit your CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references to Alex.Hill@wdcs.org by Monday, February 27, 2012. For more detailed information about the project please do not hesitate to contact.

 

WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society is the largest global charity dedicated solely to the conservation of cetaceans.  www.whales.org