*Marine Research Internship opportunities are available with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari (www.awads.co.nz <http://www.awads.co.nz>), New Zealand onboard their year-round, daily 4.5hr eco-safaris in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.The internship is an excellent opportunity for aspiring marine biologists to gain fieldwork skills, on-water experience from a platform of opportunity and public speaking experience within a successful commercial & research operation. The internship will involve:* * - Onboard experience:- Visual surveying to locate and identify marine mammal species (mostly common dolphins, Bryde’s whales, bottlenose dolphins and orca/killer whales) - Data collection during marine mammal encounters (photo-ID, GPS, environmental data, behavioural data) and other marine life encounters (ranging from plankton to megafauna)- Passenger interaction- Assisting crew with general duties during particularly busy periods - Land-based experience:- updating sightings databases, photo processing and other marine research tasksRequirements: - Min. 3 month stay preferred with preference going to those who can stay longer (full-time or part-time volunteer hours available dependent on number of successful applicants)- Genuine interest and motivation in the field of Marine Biology/Ecology and Conservation- Preferable previous experience in marine mammal observation and data collection - Must have the ability to communicate effectively with crew and passengers- Must be flexible and willing to work weekdays and weekends- Due to the nature of fieldwork, must be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient - Be flexible in their approach/expectation of tasks to be fulfilled - Be able to work independently - Speak fluent English- Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude to get on well with our small crew- Must be comfortable working on boats Important: - This is an unpaid, volunteer internship. Successful candidates are responsible for all associated costs including: travel, visa & insurance, housing and food.- Applicants and successful candidates must understand that the majority of the internship is weather-dependent & therefore that there may be prolonged periods of time on or off the water. Bad weather days will be used for land-based data processing and database tasks or as days off. How to apply:Please send applications in an email titled “Marine Research Internship” to Catherine Lea at cat@awads.co.nz <cat@awads.co.nz> including: your CV and a cover letter detailing why you would like to volunteer for Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari, the dates you would be available and relevant experience. Applications will be examined in order of reception.*