Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic in Bar
Harbor, Maine, conducts population and foraging ecology of fin and humpback
whales in the Gulf of Maine using photo ID, genetic, and stable isotope
sampling. The lab also responds to marine mammal strandings on the Maine Coast
and operates the Bar Harbor Whale Museum. Allied Whale is dedicated to
education through research, and relies upon student and volunteer help with
photo ID, catalogue curation, marine mammal stranding response, and museum
operation. Summer fieldwork, in which students and volunteers are encouraged to
take part, is conducted from the mainland as well as from our offshore marine
research station. Our team operates a small fleet of research vessels and often
has the opportunity to work aboard local whale watch boats.
Interns for the 2009 field season will be involved in data collection and
analysis and various other research and marine mammal response operations.
Interns will spend time working on the water aboard rigid hull inflatables or
our 26' cuddy-cabin vessel. Research activities are varied but may include
photographing and biopsying fin whales and humpback whales, conducting
biological surveys, taking part in oceanographic data collection, and observing
behavior from shore-based and whale-watch platforms. Boats are launched from
the mainland, as well as from our research station on Mount Desert Rock, a
small island 26 miles offshore, where interns will be based for short periods
of time. Some days will also be spent working in the office matching and
cataloguing photographs collected from the current and previous seasons,
entering and transcribing data, and maintaining field equipment.
There will be some opportunity to work on other projects, if interested, though
the main focus of the internships will be on data collection and analysis.
Other ongoing projects include:
- Working with our Marine Mammal Stranding Response Program to respond to
stranded marine mammals along
the Maine coast, performing health assessments, obtaining NOAA level A
data, and transporting animals to
rehab facilities
- Assisting in the operation of the Bar Harbor Whale Museum, which includes
exhibit curation, interpretation, and
public outreach
- Collecting photo ID, location, and behavioral data of fin whales and
humpback whales while aboard local whale
watch boats, in conjunction with the whale watch interns
Two interns are needed from late May / early June to mid September. A fee
covering housing and a deposit must be paid in full by May 1. All positions
are unpaid, however room and board is provided during stays on MDR.
Applicant Requirements:
- Ability to work and live under adverse conditions both on and off the
water
- Ability to work well with others in close quarters for extended periods
of time
- Willingness to work on datasets, administrative tasks, and other office
tasks when not in the field
- Strong interest in marine/environmental sciences
- Strong work ethic and enthusiasm
- Data management skills recommended
- Previous experience with fin and/or humpback photo ID useful
- Knowledge of Gulf of Maine cetaceans, sea birds, and pinnipeds helpful
- Experience working in Excel and Adobe Photoshop a plus
Please contact Robin Sewall with questions at the email address below.
Application review will begin March 8, 2009. Applicants should email a CV,
three references, and cover letter outlining your interest in this position to
rsew...@coa.edu with subject 'Internship 2009', or mail to:
Internship Coordinator
Allied Whale
105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor ME 04609
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