*Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships*
The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), a partnership led by the
Chicago Zoological Society and based at Mote Marine Laboratory in
Sarasota, Florida, conducts the world’s longest-running study of a wild
dolphin population. The program’s primary 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 SDRP uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative
approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota
Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Naples/Marco Island, and the Gulf of
Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the SDRP, please
visit:<http://www.sarasotadolphin.org>www.sarasotadolphin.org
<http://www.sarasotadolphin.org>.
The SDRP selects volunteer interns during three seasons each year:
* Winter/Spring (positions January to April, applications due to Mote
by September 1st);
* Summer (positions mid-May to August, applications due to Mote by
March 1st);
* Fall (positions September to December, applications due to Mote by
June 1st).
**WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING INTERNS TO BEGIN IN JANUARY 2020, APPLICATION
DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 10th. All applications received by
this date will be fully reviewed.**
Internships must be a minimum of 10 weeks of participation, but ideally
will run for 12-16 weeks. Please note that we typically only seek 2-4
interns for each session and that we receive many more applications than
we have openings – the selection process is very competitive.Successful
candidates will participate in the following research projects:
1)*Dolphin population monitoring project**:*(/YEAR ROUND/) This study
continues to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community in
Sarasota Bay and vicinity. Duties in the field will include assisting
with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups
during one to two weeks per month. Behavioral, location, individual, and
environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group, and
additional data related to human-dolphin interactions will also be
collected in conjunction with this project. While in the lab (at least 2
weeks per month), work will generally involve photo-identification of
dolphins, computer data entry and double-checking, logging of videos
into database and archives, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog
updates, boat and field equipment maintenance, and other duties.
2) *Dolphin prey and habitat use project**:* (/JAN-MAR & JUN-SEPT ONLY/)
This study uses the Sarasota dolphin community and fish populations to
study relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey and
factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide. While in
the field, work will involve sampling of fish communities through purse
seining techniques and collection of other environmental data. Interns
typically participate in this project 2-3 days per month.
3)*Other projects* (/TBD/)Interns may participate in other research
projects, depending on availability and timing of grant funding for
specific projects.Interns may also be asked to assist with dolphin rescues.
Interns should expect to spend about 20% of their time in the field, and
about 80% of their time in the lab working with data, or performing
equipment maintenance. There is no financial compensation for these
internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for
their own living and transportation expenses. Shared housing
opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available. A few
scholarships may be 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 or graduate studies;
* A background or degree in marine biology, biology, ecology, zoology,
wildlife, fisheries, or a related field;
* Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially
Excel and Access);
* Excellent verbal communication skills, fluent in English;
* Must be physically fit and able to swim;
* Must be able to work effectively as part of a team;
* Some prior field research experience preferred but not required;
* Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based
research methods;
* A willingness to spend a minimum of 10-12 weeks working full time as
a volunteer with our program.
**
**
*To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship, interested
persons should:*
1) Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory’s website
(http://mote.org/research/internships) and be sure to select “Sarasota
Dolphin Research Program” as your first choice;
2) Complete and provide to Mote’s intern office all other application
materials including: a statement of interest, current college
transcript, letter of recommendation, and /curriculum vitae /(incomplete
applications will not be considered);
3) Send an email to SDRP Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh,
_kmchugh@mote.org_) stating your name, contact information, exact dates
and duration of availability, where you learned about the internship
opportunity (/e.g. /Mote, SDRP, Chicago Zoological Society, MARMAM,
etc.), and that you have provided all application materials to the Mote
intern office, as detailed above.
All applications will be reviewed; those received by the application
deadline will be given first priority. Applicants may contact Dr. Katie
McHugh (941-388-4441 ext. 450, kmch...@mote.org
<mailto:TUkmchugh@mote.orgUT>) in the SDRP with any questions.
Applicants applying because of an interest in engaging in graduate
studies with the SDRP should discuss their interests with Program
Director Randall Wells, PhD, upon acceptance into the program.There is
no assurance that participation as an intern with the SDRP will lead to
graduate research program opportunities.
--
************************************
Katherine McHugh
Staff Scientist
Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
Chicago Zoological Society
c/o Mote Marine Laboratory
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 388-4441 x450 office
kmch...@mote.org
************************************
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