Marine Mammal Jobs

[Intern] Dolphin Research Internship, Charleston, SC at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

2010-03-11 03:02:24

Location: United States
URL: noaa.gov

Description:

NOAA’s Cooperative Center for Marine Animal Health (CCMAH) is recruiting to fill two dolphin photo-identification internship positions for the summer of 2010. The positions will be stationed at the NOAA National Ocean Service Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina and will involve a commitment of 20 hours per week extending over a 15 week period from May 17, 2010 to August 20, 2010. There is some flexibility in these start and end dates.

The CCMAH will be conducting boat-based surveys in estuaries and near-shore waters of South Carolina and Georgia to investigate fecundity and survival of Western North Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and to examine relationships of these population parameters with chemical contaminant exposure. Interns will assist with laboratory activities such as data entry and photo-analysis and will participate in boat-based fieldwork. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers.

There is no compensation for this position and interns will be responsible for their own living expenses and transportation to and from the laboratory. There may be travel involved for some components of the fieldwork which will be covered by the laboratory.

Ideal applicants will be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates of
a scientifically-oriented university program in marine science, biology
or a related field. Preference will be given to applicants with
well-developed computer skills and boat-based field experience. The
internship application consists of a letter of interest, transcripts of
university coursework and two letters of recommendation from professors
or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research
skills and work habits.
Interested applicants should first correspond with Todd Speakman by
email (Todd.Speakman@noaa.gov ) before
preparing and submitting application materials. We anticipate filling
this internship position by the first week of April, 2010.

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[Contract] Food web modelling at LIttoral ENvironnement et Sociétés (LIENSs)

2010-03-11 03:00:22

Location: France
URL: lienss.univ-larochelle.fr/

Description:

In the scope of the project FACTS (Forage Fish Interactions), funded under the FP7 European Program, we are looking for candidates for a postdoctoral position of 18 months to be based in La Rochelle, in the Joint Research Unit “Littoral ENvironnement et Sociétés, LIENSs” CNRS – La Rochelle University, in collaboration with the Instituto Español De Oceanografía.
The main objective of this work will be to evaluate ecosystem-level consequences of potential shifts in distribution and abundance of the main target species of the fisheries in the Bay of Biscay, especially in relation to the conservation of the top predators of the Bay. As part of the French Programme National Environnement Côtier, a preliminary model has been established by Nathalie Niquil, gathering all information then available about pelagic compartments. The work of the postdoc will be 1) to update the available datasets and to establish appropriate spatial units for modelling, 2) to implement an end-to-end model using Ecopath with Ecosim, 3) to make a stability analysis of the food web obtained in order to establish the most sensitive compartments and processes, and 4) to run simulations of various scenarios concerning changes in environmental conditions, fish abundance and fishery legislation, with particular focus on implications for conservation of top predators. The tools available in the Ecopath with Ecosim will be complemented with other methods derived from Inverse Analysis (Kones et al 2009) and Stability Analysis (Hosack and Eldridge 2008).
The main contributors will be, i) in LIENSs, Nathalie Niquil for food web modelling, and Paco Bustamante, Vincent Ridoux, Jérôme Spitz and Florence Caurant for marine mammal foraging strategies and predator-prey interactions, ii) in IEO, Miguel Bernal for fish ecology, and Begoña Santos and Graham Pierce, for marine mammal foraging strategies and predator-prey interactions. The collaborations will also involve researchers from IFREMER and other European participant to the FACTS program.
We seek candidates with relevant knowledge and experience in ecosystem analysis and modelling. Candidates should ideally already possess a background in trophic network analysis and a high level of computational skills.
Please send a cv, 2 recommendation letters and a motivation letter, in pdf format, to Nathalie Niquil (nniquil@univ-lr.fr) before March, 30 th . The 18 month contract will be based at La Rochelle in the LIENSs joint research unit (http://lienss.univ-larochelle.fr/) and will be funded by the FACTS project. It will begin September 1 st , 2010 and the salary will correspond to the CNRS postdoctoral level, i.e. around 2000 Euros net per month.

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[Volunteer] WHALE RESEARCH STATION at Cetacealab

2010-03-08 01:12:24

Location: Colombia
URL: www.whaleresearch.ca

Description:

VOLUNTEER POSITION FOR REMOTE WHALE RESEARCH STATION NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Cetacealab is a non-profit research organization located on the southern end of Gil Island along the north coast of British Columbia. Our location is unique as we monitor the acoustic habitat of both orca and humpback whale populations. We are the only residents of Gil Island and Cetacealab the only facility.Volunteers must be prepared for the remoteness of our location. We are currently looking to fill volunteer positions starting in June until late September 2010. Priority will be given to those willing to stay for at least one month. Cetacealab has an array of hydrophone stations located from 5 to 20 km from the facility. All signals are broadcast to the lab and digitally recorded when cetaceans are present. In late spring northern resident orcas arrive, followed by groups of feeding humpback whales; transient orcas are found year round but not as frequent. In the last 3 years there has also been an increase in fin whale sightings.

Volunteers will be asked to assist with the following: -Land based observations – scanning for blows and all marine mammals from the lab, listening for and digitally recording all cetacean vocalizations/activity
-Boat surveys to collect digital photographs to add to our photo identification catalogue of orca, humpback and fin whales; document feeding and social behaviour during each cetacean encounter – Identification and organization of all cetacean photographs taken from survey – Knowledge of excel and data base entry essential
-Updates to website of daily encounters
-Cetacealab has recorded over 800 hours of humpback whale song display in the northern waters of BC before their annual migration south. This season there will be a strong emphasis on volunteers having some experience or to take the initiative to understand spectrographic analysis.
-This facility is completely off the grid, powered only by sun, wind and water. Volunteers will be expected to help in the daily activity of living so remote. This will include chopping wood, helping with the maintenance of hydrophone stations and other more labour intensive types of jobs.
-Volunteers will be asked to bring their own tent for accommodation and are asked to prepare their own breakfast and lunch in a supplied kitchen area. We will have a communal dinner each night in our house.
Due to our extreme remote location we need to be informed of any medical conditions volunteers may have. Access to immediate medical care can be difficult. Transportation to Gil Island will be paid by the volunteer. While on Gil the only expense will be a monthly charge of $175 for food.
Of all the qualities we are looking for a positive attitude and ability to work as a member of a team is vital. For those who decide to join us we know this will be an experience of a lifetime.
To apply for a volunteer position please send a CV, with a letter describing your reason for wanting to join us this season and one letter of reference. Once your application has been received an interview via phone/Skype will be arranged. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Website www.whaleresearch.ca
Contact: Janie Wray/Hermann Meuter

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[Intern] Research Internship at Marine Environmental Research Institute

2010-03-08 01:11:01

Location: United States
URL: www.meriresearch.org

Description:

The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) is recruiting to fill a Research Internship position for the spring/summer of 2010. This internship requires a 6-month commitment (minimum), with a possible extension to one year.
MERI is a non-profit scientific research and education organization dedicated to understanding the impacts of environmental pollutants on wildlife and human health, and to interpreting this information to a broad audience. Current projects include Seals as Sentinels, a long-term investigation of the impacts of pollutants on northwestern Atlantic harbor seals and the Blue Hill Bay Coastal Monitoring Project. MERI collaborates with Northeast Region Stranding Network in the response to marine mammal strandings in Downeast Maine.
MERI is located on the Blue Hill Peninsula in a unique coastal ecosystem bridging mid-coast and Downeast Maine. This rocky coastline is primary habitat for a rich variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife including bald eagles, ospreys, seals, porpoises, dolphins and whales. The landscape is dotted with uninhabited islands, rocky ledges, small fishing villages, boatyards, and blueberry fields.
This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in environmental health sciences, ecotoxicology, veterinary medicine, or public health to gain practical experience assisting with a variety of wildlife research projects and communicating the results to the scientific community and the public. The ideal candidate will possess a personal interest in the marine environment, wildlife, and human health, and will be committed to the mission of the organization.
Primary Internship Responsibility

This position involves assisting the Research and Monitoring staff with the implementation of the Seals as Sentinels project, MERI’s long-term investigation of pollutant levels, trends and health effects in stranded and free-ranging seals and their major prey fish, as well as studies of pollutant-related disease in domestic animal sentinel species. Primary responsibilities include assisting in marine mammal stranding response, necropsies, sample collection and sample processing, storage, and shipping; performing literature searches, data interpretation, and science communication. Additional duties assisting with a new pinniped monitoring survey, photo-documentation, and community outreach.

Internship Description:
• Assist with response to marine mammal strandings: travel to stranding locations, assess animal condition; work with MERI’s stranding specialist to report strandings to the network
• Assist with necropsy of stranded marine mammals in the field and in the MERI laboratory; perform tissue collection from stranded animals for toxicology studies; process and store tissue samples in the MERI Tissue Bank
• Assist with collection of tissues and health assessment data from veterinarians for studies of pollutant-related hyperthyroid disease in domestic animal sentinel species
• Prepare samples for shipment, maintain chain-of-custody documentation for samples
• Assist with the pilot phase of a boat and aerial survey of harbor and gray seals in Blue Hill Bay
• Communicate with cooperating network organizations, veterinarians, and laboratories to ensure compliance with sampling protocols
• Assist with literature surveys, enter references into Endnote, compile articles relevant to preparation of publications and reports
• Photo-document research and monitoring activities for web-available reports and lectures; contribute to the MERI image library
• Create Power Point presentations and perform other tasks related to science communication and preparation of publications and reports
• Assist the Education department with mentoring and training of young scientists
• Pitch in, as all employees do, to help with MERI events, lectures, and programs and activities as needed

Reports to: Senior Research Assistant and MERI Director

Qualifications
Applicants should possess a BA or BS degree in environmental health sciences, ecotoxicology, veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, or related field. Applicants should be well-organized and detail oriented. Experience collecting, processing and documenting biologic samples according to standard protocols is required. Experience with sick or injured animals, working in a veterinary clinic, or performing animal necropsies is a plus. Experience handling small to medium-size boats in marine waters is highly desirable.

Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and digital photography is required. Experience with statistics (SPSS), Endnote, and graphics software is highly desirable. As this position requires some local travel, applicants must possess (or be able to obtain) a valid U.S. driver’s license and have a good driving record. Applicants must be available to work occasional nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. This position requires physical activity and applicant should be able to lift up to 40 lbs and maintain balance while walking on uneven terrain (island ledges) and on small boats.

Time Requirements: This position requires a 6-month commitment (minimum) from approximately April to October 2010 (start and end dates are somewhat flexible). Upon a satisfactory review, the internship may be extended up to one year. Full-time hours (40 hours/week); additional hours to be agreed upon by intern and the Director.

Compensation: Stipend and shared housing in Blue Hill, Maine. Housing is within walking distance to the Marine Environmental Research Institute. Interns are responsible for all travel expenses, food, and visa arrangements if applicable.

To Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter outlining your experience, CV, a relevant writing sample, and three references to:
Michelle Berger, Senior Research Assistant, mberger@meriresearch.org
Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI)
PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street
Blue Hill, ME 04614
Website:.www.meriresearch.org
MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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[Full-time] Head of Bioacoustics Technology at Aquatec Group

2010-03-08 01:08:49

Location: United Kingdom
URL: www.aquatecgroup.com

Description:

About Aquatec
Aquatec Group is a UK-based manufacturer of oceanographic and subsea instrumentation, sold throughout the world for use by research organisations, survey companies, fisheries and the oil and gas industry. Our product range includes a number of bioacoustics-related products, including the AQUAclick (a Static Acoustic Monitoring data logger) and various models of AQUAmark (acoustic deterrent devices) for bycatch mitigation.

About the Role
To support our growing bioacoustics-related business, we are currently recruiting at our UK office for a Head of Bioacoustics Technology position, reporting to the Managing Director.

Aquatec develops and manufactures solutions for marine mammal monitoring and bycatch mitigation, with an in-house engineering team that comprises acoustics, electronics and software engineers. Within the role, you will be expected to provide the interface between the engineering team and the needs of regulators, specifiers and end users of the technology. You will be in regular contact with marine mammal scientists around the world.

Within the role you will be expected to develop the bioacoustics arm of the business, take part in product development and testing, and support existing users of products. The role requires someone who has a well-rounded mix of personal, scientific, and business development skills.

About You
You will be degree qualified with a Masters or PhD in Marine Biology or similar. You will be a citizen of the European Community or will have a permanent right to work in the United Kingdom. You will have practical field experience in the use of static acoustic monitoring systems, and a good understanding of bioacoustics principles. You will be able to process and present bioacoustics data using Matlab, C or both. Ideally you will be in a similar position, or actively working in marine mammal research in the field, and looking for a new challenge. You will need to be competent and confident in the representation of Aquatec to potential customers as well as confident with Aquatec’s internal team to build and expand the company’s business.

The Reward
Aquatec is based in pleasant semi-rural surroundings in Hampshire, UK, approximately 40 miles or one hour’s train journey from London. You will be working with a highly motivated and dynamic team and a diverse range of clients and contacts around the world, with opportunities to travel. Salary will be competitive and will reflect your current experience. Assistance with relocation may also be available.

For more information or queries please send CV/Resume to Reva Perryman, Office Administrator at Aquatec Group, email rperryman@aquatecgroup.com.

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[Volunteer] MORIGENOS RESEARCH ASSISTANT at MORIGENOS - marine mammal research and conservation society

2010-03-06 08:25:14

Location: Slovenia
URL: www.morigenos.org

Description:

WHAT
Research assistants are required to assist with the ongoing long-term research and monitoring programme of the Slovenian Dolphin Project. The project focuses on the study, monitoring and conservation of the local population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Slovenian and adjacent waters in the north Adriatic Sea since 2002, collecting information on distribution, abundance, social structure, habitat use, fishery interactions and tourism impact.

WHERE
The research base is located in Portoroz, Slovenia (EU). The fieldwork is carried out in Slovenian and adjacent waters (north Adriatic Sea).

WHEN
20th June – 1st October 2010
Candidates are expected to committ to the project for a minimum of 1 month, but can also apply for the whole period.

DUTIES
The research assistant will be responsible for assisting the project leaders in all aspects of research and associated tasks. Duties include, but are not limited to:
• daily fieldwork (boat surveys on a 5.7 meter RIB, land-based watches with binoculars and theodolite tracking, photo-identification, behavioural sampling, data recording)
• database entry, database management, data analysis
• boat upkeep and maintenance
• research base upkeep and maintenance
• coordinating teams of participants in Morigenos research camps

CONDITIONS
This position is unpaid, but accommodation and food are provided. Successful applicants need to cover their own travel costs.

IMPORTANT SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
• A background in biology, veterinary medicine, geography or related sciences
• Previous experience in cetacean research
• Nautical licence and experience in handling RIBs
• Good IT skills (Word, Excell and Access are a must)
• Ability and willingness to work long hours outdoors, in often hot weather
• Ability to work well in a small international team
• Good verbal and written communication skills

The following qualifications are not required, but one or more of the following will be considered an advantage:
• Good knowledge of GIS
• Previous experience and knowledge of photo-ID, distance sampling, habitat modelling, theodolite tracking or C-POD use
• Experience in the use of software packages MARK, SOCPROG or R

HOW TO APPLY
Send a letter of interest and a CV, outlining why you are applying, your previous experience and qualifications, why you think you should be considered for the position and your availability in the given period. Include contact details of two references.
Send your application to tilen.genov(at)gmail.com. Please specify ‘MORIGENOS RESEARCH ASSISTANT’ in your subject title. Deadline: 3rd April 2010.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the 13th April 2010.

Morigenos team will be at the ECS conference in Stralsund, where we would be happy to talk to you. When you send your application, please let us know whether you are attending the ECS and we can possibly arrange a meeting.

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[Contract] Biological Technician at Alaska Fishery Science Center

2010-03-06 08:18:15

Location: United States
URL: www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/alaska/

Description:

Biological Technician position (May 17-Aug. 8, 2010)
NOAA/NMFS/Alaska Fishery Science Center
National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), Seattle, WA
Alaska Ecosystem Program/Steller sea lion field camps

Aquatic Farms (Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii), a contractor for The National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fishery Science Center, is
soliciting cover letters and resumes for the upcoming 2010 field season
to study the western stock of endangered Steller sea lions (/Eumetopias
jubatus/) in Alaska. This work is part of a long-term annual
population abundance and survival monitoring program. Duties include
conducting counts, identifying individual sea lions by tags, brands, and
natural markings, and monitoring reproduction and survival at remote
field sites in Alaska. For general information about the program, visit
this website: http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/alaska/

Employment will be from May 17-Aug 8, 2010. Between 1 and 6 new
biological technicians will be contracted for the 2010 field season.
Application information is listed below.

The first week of employment (May 17-21, 2010) is spent training in
Seattle. Attendance is mandatory and successful completion of training
is required for all field team members. Food and lodging in Seattle are
not provided. Transportation from Seattle to and from Alaska and the
field site, food, and lodging in the field are provided. Field teams are
typically in Alaska for 8-10 weeks.

Field work is conducted by 2-4 member teams in remote camps located at
either Ugamak Island (eastern Aleutian Islands) or Marmot Island
(central Gulf of Alaska). All personnel are expected to perform daily
research duties as well as camp maintenance (chopping wood, hauling
water, cooking, and compost toilet maintenance etc). Participants are
required to stay for the duration of the field season and there are no
crew changes. Field stations are remote, there are no other residents on
the islands, and outside communication is limited (no cell phone
coverage and no email). Researchers live in small shelters at the
various sites with no running water or electricity. Field stations are
accessible only by ship or helicopter.

Each camp is staffed with one field camp leader and 1-2 assistants. The
camp leader serves as the senior person in the camp and has previous
experience on this project. Field camp leaders are responsible for field
camp logistics and maintenance, ensuring that research goals are met,
that safety protocols are followed, ensuring that all data is entered
and edited during the season, the field equipment and supplies are
returned, and producing an annual report at end of field season. Field
camp leaders generally have previous experience on the project at a
field camp. Under the guidance of a field camp leader, field camp
assistants help with camp preparation, data collection, data entry and
editing, and field gear inventory and packing. All team members maintain
a safe working environment for field personnel, participate in daily
camp maintenance and operation, and assist with the return of field
equipment and supplies at the end of the season.

Research Duties: Research is conducted outdoors 7 days per week, often
in inclement weather. Temperatures at field sites can range from 40 to
85 degrees. Fog, wind, and rain are common, with occasional snow early
in the season. Personnel should be prepared to hike (> 5 miles) with a
large heavy daypack, over rough uneven terrain, steep slopes, rocky
ledges, and have no fear of heights or flying in helicopters.
Observation stations are located on the edge of cliffs or overlooks
above the sea lions. Observers will be expected to use binoculars and
spotting scopes for long periods of time and be able to recognize
markings or brands on sea lions. /There is generally no animal handling
during field camp operations./ Sea lions should be unaware of the
presence of biologists. Personnel should be in excellent physical
condition with no pre-existing health problems such as heart disease,
severe allergies, depression, debilitating asthma or other ailments that
will compromise their health or the healthy and safety of others in the
camp or the completion of research duties.

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must be U.S. citizens and have an
education in a biological science. A Bachelor’s degree in biology or
related field with previous field experience is highly recommended.
Field work, employment, or life experience in very remote settings
particularly in Alaska or other cold wet climate regions is preferred.
The ability to work well as a team and independently, with good
communication and problem-solving skills is mandatory. Ability to follow
detailed verbal and written instructions and data protocols is
mandatory. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word
processing, spreadsheets, and relational database programs such as
Access is highly recommended.

Current First Aid and CPR certification is required. Wilderness First
Aid is highly recommended and candidates will be given extra
consideration with this certification.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2010

Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history,
education history, and the names and contact information (email and
phone numbers) of three work related references to:

Calinda “Cal” Goo
Aquatic Farms, Ltd.
49-139 Kamehameha Hwy.
Kaneohe, HI. 96744
(808) 239-2929
FAX: (808) 239-8436
officeafl@hawaii.rr.com

And Kathryn Chumbley: Kathryn.Chumbley@noaa.gov

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[Intern] Allied Whale Summer Internships at College of the Atlantic

2010-03-06 08:11:56

Location: United States
URL: coa.edu

Description:

Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic located in Bar Harbor, Maine, seeks 4 interns for the 2010 summer field season. Two three-month positions (June-August) and two five-month positions (June-October) are available. Individuals will assist in numerous research projects monitoring humpback, finback and North Atlantic right whales, including off-shore surveys, data collection on local whale watching boats, tower surveys on our remote off-shore research base, passive acoustic monitoring, and general logistics. Individuals will be able to earn limited income as deckhands. Research responsibilities include photo-identification of whales and data collection/entry. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, and passenger safety. Training will be provided.

The applicants should have a college background in biology and/or zoology. Some knowledge of research methods is an advantage. Knowledge of marine mammals and seabirds is an asset. Previous experience in photography (conventional and digital) is helpful but not required. Applicants must be positive, flexible, able to work independently, and comfortable working offshore on boats.

These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research.

The positions begin June 1st and applicants must be able to work through with no other commitments (excluding COA students).

Please specify which position you are interested in.

Hours will vary depending on schedules, housing is provided and mandatory for a fee (~$100/wk).

Application deadline is March 22, 2010.

Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume, and two letters of recommendation to:

Interns 2010
Allied Whale
105 Eden St.
Bar Harbor, Maine, 04609

(207)288-5644

Or e-mail to: alliedwhale@coa.edu

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[Full-time] Marine Mammal Spatial Ecologist at National Marine Fisheries Service

2010-03-06 08:09:15

Location: United States
URL: usajobs.gov

Description:

We would like to announce a new job position opening as a Research Ecologist in the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), located in Honolulu, Hawaii. The person in this position will conduct research in support of the PIFSC Cetacean and Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Programs. Research activities will include characterizing species’ distribution and terrestrial/marine habitat use and predictive modeling for population assessment and recovery efforts. Duties include: analyzes marine mammal spatial information; submits manuscripts for publication and works with other scientists to produce reports and scientific publications on the population assessment of Hawaiian monk seals and cetaceans; conducts and writes analysis to support permit applications for marine mammal conservation efforts; designs and develops studies on aspects of spatial distribution and other elements of Hawaiian monk seal ecology; conducts field studies as needed; works with other scientists and stakeholders to produce reports and presentations to inform the general public on the spatial ecology of Hawaiian monk seals and Pacific cetaceans.

This is a Permanent full time federal position. You must be a US Citizen to be accepted for this job.

For more details on job duties, application process and more please go to usajobs.gov and search for job number NMFS-PIC-2010-0012.

If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact the individual listed on the job announcement at the USAJobs website.

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[Intern] Gray Whale Research Intern at Society for Ecological and Coastal Reasearch

2010-03-05 04:03:04

Location: Canada
URL: www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html

Description:

SEACR MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS – SUMMER 2010

The Society for Ecological and Coastal Research – SEACR – is a non-profit organization, established in 1998, dedicated to scientific research on the ecology of near-shore marine systems. SEACR is sponsoring several long-term ongoing research projects on gray whale ecology in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Canada. The projects are organized and run by the Whale Research Lab of the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/).

INTERNSHIPS

Enthusiastic individuals with a keen interest in nature and science are invited to discover the challenges of marine field research along Canada’s coastal rainforest through SEACR’s Marine Research Intern Program!

MRIP is a volunteer program where Research Interns assist experienced and dedicated marine biologists and ecologists with their field research. Through MRIP, Research Interns will live and work at a remote research field-station in the coastal rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, to aid researchers with ongoing field research related to coastal and marine ecology.

Internships are offered on a competitive basis, at cost and provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, the Pacific coastal ocean environment, marine mammal research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work and play hard!

We are offering 2 or 4 week Marine Research Internships for June 2010. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first serve basis and spaces are quite limited.

QUALIFICATIONS

This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science to gain practical experience in the field. Ideal candidates possess a personal interest in marine ecology and a commitment to conservation research.

Marine research is difficult and challenging work, so being a Research Intern is not for everyone! Those who wish to participate in MRIP must be in good physical health, especially free of back and leg injuries, as the field hours (in the boat and in the lab) can be long – though very satisfying! This is not a program that certifies individuals in field research. It is, however, an experience that delivers a unique opportunity for education, development of field ecology research skills, travel, and enjoyment of wildlife.

THE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

Flores Island is the home of the Ahousaht First Nations peoples and is nestled in world-famous Clayoquot Sound, in the Pacific Coast rainforest. Flores is an excellent place to learn about marine ecology and the study of nature. Along with learning field and technical skills during the course of work, when the opportunity arises Research Interns may engage in informal talks with graduate students, take hikes along the Wild Side Trail, have beach campfires, and interact with the Ahousaht First Nations peoples. Professors from the University of Victoria, local scientists and previous MRIP researchers will be frequent visitors to the field research station.

Flores Island’s natural beauty, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife will keep you enthralled. Being here is the experience of a lifetime.

APPLICATION PROCESS & COSTS

To qualify as a candidate for the MRIP, see the preaplication process on our website: http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html

Unlike many other volunteer internship opportunities, SEACR provides and organizes the room and board for our interns at cost. The internship package includes basic accommodations and three meals per day at the research station. Interns and research staff live together and are responsible for cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with at least one other person. The internship costs do not include transportation to and from the research camp on Flores Island, personal items, or special dietary requirements. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required upon acceptance to MRIP.

Two week Internship – $ 2200 Cdn Four week Internship – $ 3400 Cdn

If you are interested in applying for a position, please see the details of our application process on our website http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html
Questions regarding the MRIP application or internships can be directed by email to: UVICwhalelab@gmail.com

****************************
Society for Ecological and Coastal Research
P.O. Box 35052
Victoria, British Columbia
CANADA V8T 5G2
UVICwhalelab@gmail.com

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