Marine mammal and sea turtle husbandry internships, Spring 2006

 

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization that operates the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program in New York State.  The primary mission of the Riverhead Foundation is to preserve and protect the marine environment through education, rehabilitation, and research. The Riverhead Foundation is located in Riverhead, Long Island, NY.

 

           The Riverhead Foundation is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of seals, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The Riverhead Foundation is the only organization authorized by New York State to operate the New York State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program.

 

           The Riverhead Foundation’s educational efforts are dedicated to informing the public about the marine environment and how they can aid in its preservation.  The Riverhead Foundation engages in tours of the facility, lectures, seal cruises, ecology walks, and beach cleanups to foster good stewardship of the environment.

 

            In addition to rehabilitation and education, the Riverhead Foundation engages in research.  The Riverhead Foundation is currently conducting an extensive marine mammal and sea turtle abundance study throughout the coastal waters of New York State.  The study encompasses aerial, shipboard, and land-based surveys.  The goal of this project is to establish baseline populations for several species of marine mammals and sea turtles.  Baseline population data can then be used by agencies such as the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Riverhead Foundation as a basis for regulatory decisions regarding management parameters, stranding and rehabilitation efforts, and public conservation and education.

 

            The Riverhead Foundation is recruiting to fill ten animal care internship positions for the spring semester of 2006 (January through May). The interns’ duties will include, but are not going to be limited to:

 

• Assisting with all aspects of animal husbandry, including restraining animals for treatments/assisted feeds, prepping food, feeding non-critical animals, assisting with physical examinations and prepping blood samples to be sent out to the lab
• Maintaining the equipment and water quality of the tanks
• Responding to calls about stranded marine mammals and sea turtles
• Working with digital stills and video footage
• Conducting public lectures and educational programs
• Conducting beach walks, beach clean ups, seal walks and seal cruises
• Assist with fundraising activities if necessary

 

 

 

 

 

Internship requirements:

 

• Applicants must be undergraduates registered at a two or four-year college or university.
• Applicants must have a basic background (taken the relevant courses) in biology, marine science or similar areas.
• Students must be able to work a minimum of 120 hours (8-10 hours per week) for the semester he/she is applying.
• Students must receive academic credit from their academic institution (college or university).
• Applicants must have his/her own transportation.
• Applicants must have his/her own lodging.
• Applicants should also be responsible, reliable, mature individuals, who work well as a team or independently.
• Applicants must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs and be willing to work in inclement environmental conditions.

Application process:

1. Complete the online application at www.riverheadfoundation.org
2. Forward us your resume. Include three letters of reference from a professor or employer on the appropriate letterhead. Personal references will not be accepted.
3. Fax to (631) 369-9826, email to jwocial@riverheadfoundation.org or mail to:
   The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research & Preservation
   467 East Main Street
   Riverhead, NY 11901
   Attention: Julika Wocial
4. Applicants are encouraged to contact the school to determine school requirements & obtain approval.
5. Questions? Call (631) 369-9840 or email jwocial@riverheadfoundation.org

Deadline to apply is December 31, 2005, however, applications sent after that date will be considered if all of the positions have not been filled by then.