Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), based in Maui, Hawai‘i, is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine life through research, education, and conservation.  Our researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 30 years and currently conduct projects in Hawai‘i, Australia, and Ecuador.  We are currently seeking intern candidates with availability from September 13 - December 30, 2016.   

 

Commitment                                  

PWF seeks performance-driven and dedicated individuals for long-term internships. Successful applicants are expected to dedicate 30 - 40 hours per week working both in the office and on our research vessel. Applicants must be available to work Monday - Friday and be available for all field work. Some weekend work may also be required.

 

Responsibilities

Interns will be based at PWF’s headquarters on Maui, Hawaii and will participate with multiple projects involving mysticetes (humpback whales) and odontocetes (numerous species of toothed whales and dolphins).  

 

Primary responsibilities are office-based and may include:

• Photo-identification matching of whale flukes and/or dolphin dorsal fins;
•  Data entry and archival tasks;
• Data processing and analysis;
• General operational tasks.

Additional responsibilities include field work: boat surveys within the four-island region of Maui, and land-based surveys using a theodolite. 

Each intern may be assigned to a specific cetacean project according to skill set and availability. Interns also assist staff with other projects, such as outreach events, as the need arises.

Requirements

Ideal applicants should:

• Be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates in biology or a related field;
• Be available to volunteer on a full-time basis and must be available for all field work;
• Have a mature attitude towards research;
• Be proficient with computers and data entry; specifically using PCs and the Microsoft Office suite of products;
• Have a strong work ethic, attention to detail and superior organizational skills;
• Have the ability to work well both in a team and independently;
• Have the ability to admit to mistakes;
• Be adaptable and a fast-learner;
• Be able to collect data in a detail-oriented manner;
• Have boating experience;
• Speak, read and write English fluently.

Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur approximately two times per week.

 

Compensation

There is no financial compensation for these positions and interns are responsible for their own travel and living expenses. There is public transportation available on the island. 

 

Application process

Applicants must be authorized to legally remain in Hawai’i if they are not U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the U.S.

 

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 send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to research@pacificwhale.org - No phone calls or drop-ins, please!

Research Department