Manatee Photo-identification Internships
The manatee photo-identification program is based in St.
Petersburg, Florida at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI).
FWRI is the research arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC), a state agency of Florida. For more information about
FWRI, please visit: http://Research.MyFWC.com. FWRI's manatee
photo-identification research focuses on the long-term monitoring of
Florida manatees in southwest Florida. The primary goal of our program
is to document individual manatees. These capture histories are used to
estimate annual adult survival rates and to model population dynamics
for state and federal assessments of Florida manatee status and
recovery. Photo-identification data also provide insight regarding
manatee movements, site fidelity, habitat use, behavior, intra- and
inter- specific associations, and reproductive parameters such as
calving intervals and length of calf dependency.
Interns will primarily assist staff members with photographing
manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites
around Tampa Bay. Interns will also be responsible for a number of
lab-based photo-identification tasks, such as downloading images,
database entry, and matching images to known animals. Interns often
collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail
oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Most field work is
land-based, however during the winter session opportunities are
available to assist with boat-based manatee photo-identification. Other
responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, data entry,
special projects, and outreach activities. This internship provides a
great opportunity to gain valuable field and lab experience at a
government agency.
Five positions are available each year: two positions in the winter
(December-March), one position in the spring (March-May), one position
in the summer (June-August), and one position in the fall
(September-November). Start and end dates are flexible. There is no
compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants
will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from
the Institute. Positions are open until filled.
Qualifications:
* Basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred;
* Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses
preferred, but not required;
* The ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment;
* A valid U.S. Driver's License;
* Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research
methods;
* A willingness to spend a minimum of three months working four
days per week with our program.
Application process:
Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts
(unofficial are sufficient), and the contact information for three
references via hardcopy to FWRI's Intern Coordinator, Dr. William
Arnold, at the address listed below. Alternatively, application
materials may be submitted via email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are
applying and the dates you are available.
Dr. William S. Arnold - Internship Coordinator
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 8th Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Applicants may contact FWRI's Manatee Photo-identification Project
Manager, Kari Rood, ([EMAIL PROTECTED], 727-896-8626 x1912) with
questions regarding the internship.
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