Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic located in Bar Harbor, Maine, seeks 4 intern/research assistants for the 2013 field season. These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research. Two three-month positions (June-August) and two five-month positions (June-October) are available.
Overview of position: This is a unique internship program in that the selected individuals will have the opportunity to participate and receive training in a wide range of marine mammal research activities while receiving a small income. Allied Whale currently supports multiple field projects in the behavioral ecology and distributions of humpback and fin whales, the ongoing housing and maintenance of the North Atlantic humpback and fin whale photo ID catalogs, an active stranding response program, and a continued relationship with the local whale watch company. In addition, Allied Whale maintains the facilities on and conducts research from Mount Desert Rock, a remote offshore island. The interns play a critical role in the success of the field season and serve as support to all aspects of summer activities within Allied Whale. Description of duties: Once the season is in swing, interns will rotate through time on land and offshore. While on land, interns will take shifts of working as a Research Assistant (RA)/Deckhand for the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. and being on call for boat-based cetacean surveys on our research vessel. On land: Research responsibilities on the whale watch tours include searching for whales, photo- identification of whales and data collection/entry. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, helping seasick passengers and passenger safety. RAs are also responsible for assisting the naturalist in promoting education and conservation programs on each trip. While on board our research vessel, interns will be responsible to participate in cetacean surveys along transect lines, computer data entry, and photo identification of whales. While not on the water, interns may freely structure their time to complete office work, assist with/develop independent projects, assist with stranding activities...or explore Acadia National Park! Offshore: Interns will have multiple shifts (at least a week in length) at our offshore research station Mount Desert Rock. While on the island, interns will participate in land-based whale monitoring from the lighthouse tower (with use of a theodolite), opportunistic small boat photo- identification data collection of whales, seal counts, and maintenance/construction projects at the station. Pay/Housing: Those accepted to the program are able to earn income by their work on the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. Deckhands are paid $50 a trip (at the height of summer, there are 3 trips running a day) plus considerable tips. Interns also receive free First Aid Certification. Housing in Bar Harbor is provided and mandatory for a fee. Rent is $375 a month during the summer when all four interns are present and increases to $500 a month Sept-October for the two five month interns. While at Mount Desert Rock, food is provided for free. Qualifications: Applicants should have a college background in biology and/or marine sciences. Previous experience in a research setting and knowledge of marine mammals are great advantages. Experience offshore and skills in small boat handling are also assets. Unfortunately, because of employment through the whale watch company, all interns must also be U.S. citizens. Most importantly, applicants must be positive in attitude, flexible to quickly changing schedules, able to work independently, and comfortable working on boats. Because of the community living situation both in Bar Harbor and on Mount Desert Island, applicants must get along well with others and be able to handle working in a team setting. These 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 (three of five month). Deadline of application is February 15th. Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume, and two letters of recommendation to: Tanya Lubansky ([email protected]) with subject title AW Interns 2013
