STRANDING INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM INTERNSHIPS Mote Marine Laboratory’s Stranding Investigations Program (SIP) is seeking applicants for spring, summer, and fall internships. SIP provides 24-hour response to sick, injured and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in west central Florida. In addition, the program aims to increase our understanding of the biology, ecology and pathology of marine animals, investigate natural and human-related mortality, monitor long-term mortality trends, and provide data to managers for effective conservation of marine species. The intern will be directly involved in the 24-hour response, recovery, and transport of live and dead stranded marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and manatees) and sea turtles from Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee Counties. These internships are unpaid. INTERN DUTIES: Share responsibility for responding to a 24-hour stranding notification pager and coordinating response based on the species, number, size, and condition of the animal(s). Direct involvement in marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and recovery is required. Involvement in the examination, data collection, necropsy, tissue sampling, processing and distribution, and disposal of marine mammal and sea turtle carcasses. Data entry, database management, supplies inventory and biological sample archive management. Equipment maintenance, errands, and other duties as requested. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Valid Florida Class E driver’s license or equivalent The ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs, swim, walk long distances, work in hot field conditions, tolerate strong odors, and work with the public and media The ability to work independently and follow instructions The ability to operate personal watercraft and ATVs, or the willingness to learn DESIRED SKILLS: Computer knowledge (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, ArcGIS), strong verbal and written communication skills, and high attention to detail DESIRED EDUCATION: A background or degree in biology, zoology, or animal behavior OTHER: MUST be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays. This position can require long days, including late night and early morning hours. Please understand that the level of stranding activity is not only physically demanding, but also extremely unpredictable. As a result, there are no guarantees about the number of animals or species we will encounter. In addition, much of the work related to SIP can be classified as “non-glamorous”. In many cases, field examination, dissection, tissue collection, and disposal of large decaying carcasses is involved. Interns should be prepared for direct involvement with large, putrid carcasses. Interns may be able to participate in other marine mammal and/or sea turtle program activities, as needed, and as time allows. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION: Interns should wear casual and comfortable clothing, and be prepared for all types of weather. Clothing should be suitable for public presentation, but casual enough to withstand getting wet and dirty. Occasionally, a swimsuit or wetsuit is required for stranding response. SUPERVISION: The intern will be trained by Stranding Investigations Program staff. Once the intern has gained adequate knowledge about the strandings program, biology of the animals, and the tasks involved in our stranding response, they will be assigned independent projects, some of which they will help initiate. The supervisor/s will monitor the projects and remain accessible to the intern for questions and advice. HOURS/SALARY: This position requires a commitment of 3 months, 40 hours per week, on a voluntary basis – interns will not be paid, nor will housing or transportation be provided (however Mote can assist interns in finding housing). There is flexibility on the start dates. SCHOLARSHIPS: Mote provides the opportunity for some interns to receive a scholarship to help pay for living expenses during the internship. Please visit our website at www.mote.org for more information. TO APPLY: Please visit www.mote.org for internship applications and general information. When submitting your application, please indicate your interest in the Stranding Investigations Program on the form. QUESTIONS: Any general questions regarding internships at Mote should be directed to Dana O’Mara at danaomara@mote.org or (941) 388-4441 ext. 462. Any questions directly related to the Stranding Investigations Program Internships, please contact Vikki Socha at vsocha@mote.org or (941) 388-4441 ext. 239. Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit research organization dedicated to excellence in marine science and education. -- *********************************** Victoria L. Socha, Staff Biologist Stranding Investigations Program Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 x239 (phone) (941) 388-4317 (fax)