*Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships*
The Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
(SDRP), based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, conducts
the world’s longest-running study of a 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>.
Starting with the Winter 2022 season, the SDRP will select volunteer
interns through the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) during three seasons:
* Winter (positions January to April, applications due to CZS by
October 1st);
* Summer (positions mid-May to August, applications due to CZS by
February 11th);
* Fall (positions September to December, applications due to CZS by
June 1st).
All 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
monitors 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.
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 on the Chicago Zoological Society’s
internship website (https://www.czs.org/SDRPinternships
<https://www.czs.org/SDRPinternships>)
2) Complete and provide to CZS all required application materials
including: a statement of interest, resume or CV, two letters of
recommendation, and a current college transcript/. /Materials should be
submitted via the appropriate links within the “Application Steps”
section of this page
<https://www.czs.org/Centers-of-Excellence/Center-for-Conservation-Leadership/Internships/SDRP-Internships/InternshipApplication>
(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 CZS
intern office, as detailed above.
Only those applications received by the deadline will be reviewed.
Applicants may contact Katie McHugh (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
Chicago Zoological Society's
Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
c/o Mote Marine Laboratory
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL 34236
(650) 400-2776 cell
kmch...@mote.org
************************************
_______________________________________________
MARMAM mailing list
MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca
https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
