Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute Internships
The Chicago Zoological Societys Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute (DRCI), based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, conducts the worlds longest-running study of a wild dolphin population. The programs goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them. The DRCI uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the DRCI and the individual projects listed below, please visit: www.sarasotadolphin.org. The DRCI is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for the fall 2010 internship program (27 September - 17 December). Positions are available within our dolphin population monitoring project, which will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin population in Sarasota Bay. This internship will consist of approximately fifty percent field and fifty percent laboratory duties. While in the field, work will generally involve boat based surveys for dolphin groups along survey routes. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group. While in the lab, work will generally involve photo-identification of dolphins sighted, data entry, dolphin ID catalog maintenance, equipment maintenance and other duties. There is no compensation for these internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available (cost: $85/week). A few scholarships are available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US citizens only). Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies; A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field; Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access); Some field research experience preferred but not required; Must be able to swim; Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods; A willingness to spend a minimum of 2-3 months working full time with our program. To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship, interested persons should: 1) Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratorys website (www.mote.org/interns). Be sure to select Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute as your first choice; 2) Complete and provide to Motes intern office all other application materials including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, and curriculum vitae; 3) Send a brief email to the DRCIs Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh, kmch...@mote.org) stating your name, contact information, exact dates available and that you have provided all of your application materials to the Mote intern office, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by June 15th will be given first priority. We are seeking 1-2 interns for the fall of 2010, depending on scheduling. Applicants may contact Katie McHugh (941-388-4441 ext. 375, kmch...@mote.org) in the DRCI with any questions. _______________________________________________ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
