4 Internship positions for the Humpback Whale Project Puerto Rico, USA December 29, 2014 - May 01, 2015
Four full time internships are available for the winter of 2015 to assist in on-going research focusing on humpback whales wintering off Puerto Rico. *General description:* Research for this project includes seasonal occurrence patterns and social behaviors of humpback whales. You can anticipate a minimum of 1-3 days/week of vessel based data collection, 2-3days/week land based data collection (including theodolite), and 1-2 days/week at the field house analyzing data. Acoustic data will be analyzed during days when field excursions are not practical or possible. There may be opportunity for limited aerial survey experience. Days off are infrequent but we will find time to let interns do some sight-seeing! Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in marine and coastal ecology, humpback whale ecology with a focus on behavioral ecology, and an excellent mastery of field equipment related to this project. Boat work includes data collection using hydrophones. *Commitment:* Interns must be available full time from December 29, 2014 until May 01, 2015. This is a low density area for humpbacks. The ability to maintain land based observations for hours (or even a full day) without seeing a whale requires commitment and patience. Vessel based data collection will be from a small boat and is dependent on a team that is able to work well in close quarters and is not prone to getting sea sick. Commitment and dedication should be applied to computer tasks as they can become monotonous. Day to day tasks will include posting updates to FaceBook, updating the MCERC website, and other tasks as needed. Some training will take place in December via meetings over the internet prior to arrival in Puerto Rico. Interns must be willing to dedicate effort from home, including reading publications and installing required software. *Responsibilities:* Interns are fully involved in this project! You will work with students to make our research team effective. You will be coached in teaching methods to facilitate mentoring students, and assist in surveying and data collection. Tasks include- demonstrating equipment and providing instruction to students, preparation and maintenance of equipment, leading and participating in round table discussions of peer reviewed publications, interacting with the public and peers, overseeing household chores and field house living expectations. You will be working on continually updating our humpback whale catalog, photo identification, fluke matching, and acoustic analysis. You will be taught to use bioacoustics software and databases. Neatness and attention to detail is essential. *Provisions & Accommodations: * You will be provided with a place to sleep at the field house, meals, training, required software, and transportation to all field sites from the research station at no cost. Interns will pitch in for internet access and other amenities (details are discussed in interviews). Please visit the MCERC website and read the entire description of the research station ( www.Marine-Eco.org <http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.Marine-Eco.org%2F&h=0AQFZZMcK&enc=AZPHZTI3DYBA9a-sZly4nyF6HPSnJd2amDQmYvYpr2ijEwmKX06xkRXXPtTOABtH--DwFQH5MygI8bBaZvxKG4ABGXtzzFWpSJj8KbIjNI1dtNJCCbjFsSqU3dcHDNwzSTeDIt528ct5WDAOhdDbk_2k&s=1>). While the field house is comfortable, there is no air conditioning or hot water. *Travel: * Interns are responsible for transportation to and from San German, Puerto Rico, USA. All interns are required to live at the field house with the team during their internship. International interns are responsible for determining and acquiring all necessary travel documents to the USA. *Qualifications: * You must have at least a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or related field. Priority is given to students with an upbeat, hardworking and positive attitude. The ability to take direction and live in close quarters with up to 10 people is a key to a successful field season. A stellar academic average is a plus, but is not a requirement and should not discourage interested people with less than perfect academic scores from applying. A strong desire to learn new skills, mentor other students, and promote a positive attitude towards stewardship is essential for candidates. Please be self-motivated, energetic, patient, and enthusiastic! You must enjoy working with a group from around the globe and be respectful of cultural differences. Experience in boat operations and cetacean research is a plus. Candidates for internships must complete 3 interviews via Skype (2 are with former interns) or in person prior to being accepted for a position for the 2015 field season. Interns must bring their own snorkel gear and lap top with windows (and be willing to load the required programs) to the project. Applications are being accepted until August 22, 2014. Notification for the 2015 season will be in early September. You must be prepared to purchase travel (airfare, etc) immediately if you are accepted. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest and CV (include availability) in a single MS Word document to mithr...@marine-eco.org. Please flag the application by putting “2015 Internship application” in the subject line and labeling your attachment with your name and “internship Application”. Questions? Please post to our Face Book page or on the “Contact Us” option from the MCERC website (www.Marine-Eco.org). -- *}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> * *}-wh^ale>* Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Candidate Marine Mammal Research Program Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston (830) 688-9878 mithriel.mac...@gmail.com and Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center San German, Puerto Rico, USA and Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 www.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/> mcerc.m...@gmail.com
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