Seasonal Right Whale Ecology Internship

~ Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) conducts scientific research with emphasis on marine mammals of the western North Atlantic and on the coastal and marine habitats and resources of the Gulf of Maine; to promote stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems; to conduct educational activities and to provide educational resources that encourage the responsible use and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems; and to collaborate with other institutions and individuals whenever possible to advance the Center's mission. ~

Our Right Whale surveillance and monitoring activities are aimed at providing management agencies with information to assist in their time-critical decision making (e.g., amendments to seasonal gear restrictions or the issuance of vessel speed restrictions), intended to mitigate human impacts on Right Whales in the waters of Cape Cod Bay.

Position Overview

The Center for Coastal Studies is seeking a seasonal Right Whale Ecology Intern from January through May 2018. This long-term project focuses on documenting the abundance, distribution and behavior of North Atlantic right whales and their food resource in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters. The intern will be the primary vessel observer for the project and will participate in research cruises up to four days a week.

CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale and Cape Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for over 50% of the estimated population in recent years. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine mammal survey techniques, and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work with one of the world?s most endangered cetaceans.

This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in photo-identification, matching, and data entry and analysis. Experience in oceanographic sampling can also be gained. Details of our work can be found here.

Responsibilities

• Fieldwork responsibilities include photographing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, collecting behavioral and environmental data, recording other sightings events (species, vessels and fishing gear), and working with a habitat research team both in the field and in the lab.
• Lab responsibilities include photo-analysis (downloading images, inputting sightings information, matching individuals to known animals using an online and in-house catalog, cataloging), database entry and maintenance, assisting the aerial team and maintaining vessel field equipment.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• A college degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences.
• Previous marine mammal survey experience, including experience in photo-identification of large cetaceans.
• Experience with digital SLR cameras, lenses, and filters.
• Basic computer literacy and experience using Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with database entry and management is preferred.
• Experience working on boats, ability to withstand harsh elements, and not be prone to serious seasickness.
• Must be able to live and work well in a team.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using iMatch image database software.
• Experience using GPS equipment.
• Ability to estimate object ranges from a vessel.
• Not prone to seasickness.
• A valid US driver’s license.

Additional Information

• The successful applicant will be required to work a minimum of four full days per week and will need to be flexible for research cruises due to weather constrictions.
• The intern will often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants must be available for the full field season and must be willing to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed.
• Housing will be provided, as well as a small stipend to cover general living expenses.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload the following documents:

• A cover letter describing your specific interests in marine mammal
  science, internship qualifications, and how the experience would assist you in reaching career goals
• CV/resume
• College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient)
• The names and contact information of two references

Application materials must be e-mailed in PDF format to: Stephanie Richardson with the following text in the subject line: 2018 RW observer internship.

Deadline for submissions: September 30, 2017