Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic, and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. seek five interns/research assistants for the 2018 field season. These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research. Two summer positions (May through August 31st) and three full season positions (May through October 31st) are available.
Overview of position: This is a unique internship program in that the selected individuals will have the opportunity to participate and receive training in a wide range of marine mammal research activities while receiving income when working as a crew/scientist aboard commercial whale watching trips operating from Bar Harbor, Maine. Allied Whale currently supports field projects in the behavioral ecology and distributions of humpback and fin whales, the ongoing housing and maintenance of the North Atlantic humpback and fin whale photo ID catalogs, an active stranding response program, and a research and education partnership with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. In addition, Allied Whale maintains the facilities on and conducts research from Mount Desert Rock, a remote offshore island. The interns play a critical role in the success of the field season and serve as support to all aspects of summer activities within both Allied Whale and the BHWW Co.. Description of duties: Upon arrival in May, all interns will receive research, boat crew, and Gulf of Maine natural history training by both Allied Whale and the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company staff. Once the season is in swing, interns will independently rotate through time “onshore” in Bar Harbor and “offshore” at our island field station at Mount Desert Rock. While in Bar Harbor, interns will rotate through shifts working as a Research Assistant/Deckhand for the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., being on call for field days on our Allied Whale research vessels, or assisting the Allied Whale strandings coordinator. Research responsibilities on the whale watch trips include searching for whales, photo-identification of whales and behavioral data collection. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, helping seasick passengers and passenger safety. RAs are also responsible for assisting the naturalist in promoting education and conservation programs on each trip. Maintaining a positive, professional, friendly and outgoing demeanor while engaging whale watch passengers and fellow crew is compulsory. While on board one of the AW research vessels, interns will be responsible observing for marine mammals along transect lines, for computer data entry, and for photo identification of whales. This season, they will also assist in data recording for whale biopsy collections contributing to a stable isotope project. When not scheduled on a boat, interns may freely structure their time to complete office work, develop independent projects, assist with stranding activities......or explore Acadia National Park! Interns will also have multiple shifts (each at least a week in length) at our offshore research station Mount Desert Rock. While on the island, interns will participate in land-based whale monitoring from the lighthouse tower (with use of a theodolite), plankton tows, oceanography data collection, seal counts, gull counts, and maintenance/construction projects at the station. They will also receive experience working in a remote off- the-grid location. Pay/Housing: Those accepted to the program are able to earn income by their work on the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. Deckhands are paid $50 a trip (at the height of summer, there are 2-3 trips running a day) plus considerable tips. Interns also receive free First Aid Certification. Provided housing in downtown Bar Harbor is mandatory for a fee. Rent will be approximately $375 a month. While at Mount Desert Rock, food is provided for free. The BHWW Co. also provides funding for RAs to attend the annual North Atlantic Right Whale Conference in New Bedford, Massachusetts in November. Qualifications: Applicants should have a college background in biology, ecology, and/or marine sciences. Previous data collection experience in a research setting and knowledge of marine mammals are great advantages. Prior experience offshore or skills in photography are also assets. Due to Coast Guard requirements, all crew onboard US commercial vessels and therefore all research assistant/interns, must be US citizens or have permanent resident alien status. Also, all interns will be drug screened prior to employment and will be enrolled in a random drug testing program. Most importantly, applicants must be positive in attitude, flexible to quickly changing schedules, able to work independently, and be seaworthy/comfortable working on boats. Lastly, because of the community living situation both in Bar Harbor and on Mount Desert Rock, applicants must get along well with others and be able to handle working in a team setting. These positions begin in early May and applicants must be able to work through the allotted time period. To apply: Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume, and two letters of recommendation to: Dr. Tanya Lubansky ([email protected]). Please specify which position you are interested in (summer or full- season). Deadline of application is February 20th.
