Marine Mammal Education and Research Internship (Fall 2020)
Apply now for: Fall 2019
Time commitment: Please see below (Spring Internship Begins Late-March)
Summary:
The New England Aquarium is currently seeking Marine Mammal Education & Research Interns to assist with the daily operations of our commercial Whale Watch Cruises, which are offered in partnership with Boston Harbor Cruises. Marine Mammal Education & Research Interns are responsible for collecting, and transcribing data of the identification, location, and behavior of marine mammals found in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region. Interns are also involved in public education aboard the vessels. Additional duties include data entry, photo-identification processing, and educational outreach.
The position will report to Boston Harbor Cruises’ Director of Marine Education & Conservation and will be an active part of the New England Aquarium’s internship community, which includes more than 50 individuals that serve in various departments throughout the Aquarium.
Duties/Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
- Assists with collecting, transcribing and analyzing field data relating to marine mammals sighted in the Stellwagen Bank Region
- Provide engaging environmental interpretation for the public while aboard commercial whale watching vessels
- Provide exceptional customer service to all members of the public, volunteers, interns and staff
- Assists with a variety of educational outreach opportunities
- Manages a variety of research related data processing including data entry, photo-identification
- Assists with minor cleaning of the boats
- Active participation in NEAq intern community including attendance to trainings and events
Skills/Qualifications:
- Requires minimum of 1 year of completed undergraduate study
- Demonstrated interest in biology, zoology, environmental education, or related field
- Knowledge of scientific research methods
- Ability to work and communicate well with others; ability to work independently and on a team
- Strong scientific, educational, interpersonal and communication skills
- A desire to educate the public about ocean conservation and biology
- Self-motivated, enthusiastic and willingness to work long days in the field
- Experience on boats strongly preferred
Time Commitment:
- Minimum of 12 weeks
- 3-4 days/week consisting of 1-2 whale watches each day (Weekends and holidays included)
- 1 Mandatory Training Session: Spring: Thursday, March 23rd|Summer: Thursday, May 25th | Fall: Thursday, August 24th
- Average about 25 hours/week on the boats
- Additional time will be spent in office based data entry
Organizational Description:
The New England Aquarium’s mission is to protect the blue planet through hands-on programs, live animal and interactive exhibits, public lectures and forums, and research and conservation projects.
This mission is fulfilled through exhibits, and through education, conservation and research programs. Exhibits showcase the diversity, importance and beauty of aquatic life and habitats, and highlight critical aquatic conservation issues. Programs emphasize species, habitats and issues critical to New England. The Aquarium is also a pioneer in marine animal rescue and a leading ocean conservation organization with research scientists working around the globe.
The New England Aquarium serves as a responsive community resource that attracts and involves the broadest possible audience; seeks a culturally diverse staff and governing board that reflect our community; adheres to the highest standards of animal stewardship; and is committed to delivering the highest quality visitor experience in a welcoming and enjoyable manner that evokes wonder, curiosity, understanding, caring and action.