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<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:
* 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 Coordinators, Janis Magee and Robin Allen, at the address
listed below. Alternatively, application materials may be submitted via email
to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Please indicate in your cover
letter the position for which you are applying and the dates you are available.
Robin Allen
Internship Coordinator
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 8th Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020
Applicants may contact FWRI's Manatee Photo-identification Project Manager,
Kari Rood, ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>, 727-896-8626
x1912) with questions regarding the internship.
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