Cascadia Research, a non-profit marine mammal research organization in Olympia, Washington, is offering a volunteer internship position this spring and/or summer.

The primary activities of this position will be to assist staff in our long-term photo-ID studies of humpback, blue, and gray whales off the US West Coast and the inside waters of Washington state. In this capacity, you will be expected to do quite a bit of matching, and may additionally be involved in processing of digital images and data entry. The position will be largely office-based, although there will be some opportunities to assist staff in field data collection, which is conducted primarily in small boats. Spring interns also assist in collection of gray whale photo-ID and sighting data in weekly surveys aboard local whale watch charters.

In addition to this, interns will assist staff in stranding response (Cascadia responded to roughly 80 strandings in 2006). Responsibilities will include data and specimen collection, data entry, and participation in necropsies of both pinnipeds and cetaceans. Responses may involve hiking into remote areas and carrying heavy loads, and participants should be comfortable with the sight of blood, and strong, unpleasant odors.

This is a learning position and prior experience in marine mammal research is not a prerequisite, however preference will be given to applicants with some experience in digital photography, good computer skills, and a basic working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Access. Familiarity with boats is also a plus, as is the ability to acquire new skills quickly and work independently.

The position is unpaid, however students can arrange to receive credit through their educational institution. Although room and board is not provided, we are willing to assist candidates in finding accomodations in the Olympia area. The duration of the internship is flexible, but we appreciate a minimum commitment of 8 weeks at 30-40 hours per week.

If interested, please send a cover letter and current CV to Erin Falcone (efalcone@cascadiaresearch.org). Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview and may be asked to provide letters of recommendation or references.