Bottlenose DolphinPhoto-ID Internship Positions for Summer 2025 The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research (OBXCDR)/Nags Head Dolphin Watch are currently acceptingapplications for the 2025 summer season. The research season is May 5th-October18th. Four internship positions are available for the followingdates: May 5th-September 27th, May 5th-August16th, May 19st-September 27th, and June 9th– October 18th. Start/end dates are flexible but successfulapplicants must be able to commit for the entire internship period.
The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to theconservation of bottlenose dolphins in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Ourprogram’s goal is to gain an understanding of the population dynamics, movementpatterns, and behavioral ecology of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the soundsand coastal waters near the Outer Banks. The OBXCDR conducts a long-term photo-identificationmonitoring study of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke, Croatan, Albemarle, Pamlicoand Currituck Sounds. Data is collected via dedicated small boat surveys aswell as opportunistically from a local dolphin watch. Information from themonitoring study is used to examine annual population trends, habitatutilization, social associations, and ecology of the dolphins as well as aid inefforts to examine bottlenose dolphin stock structure and movement patternsalong the U.S. Atlantic coast. Interns will gain experience in field datacollection, photo-identification of dolphins, and environmental education. Formore information about the OBXCDR, please visit: obxdolphins.org. The internshipposition will consist of bottlenose dolphin photo-identification,opportunistic/dedicated field research, and environmental education.Responsibilities include: § Mate/naturalistduties aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch: This involves the implementation of educational programs,including public speaking aboard the eco-tours (using a microphone andone-on-one) to educate others about local dolphin biology and marineconservation, as well as additional mate duties. The mate/naturalist will alsocollect opportunistic sighting data aboard the eco-tours (measuringenvironmental parameters, and recording sighting data) and assist in generalmaintenance of field equipment. For additional information about the NagsHead Dolphin Watch, please see www.nagsheaddolphinwatch.com (70% of time) § Photo-identificationof dolphins in the lab:This includes photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, andassisting in maintenance of the long-term OBX catalog using the programs finFindRand FinBase. This work will be completed remotely through a remote login to ourlab computer. (20% of time) § Boat-basedphoto-identification: The intern willassist with dedicated boat-based photo-identification surveys to contributionto the examination of site fidelity and stock structure of bottlenose dolphinsin northeastern North Carolina sounds. Responsibilities may include operating asmall vessel during transect surveys and sightings, assisting withphoto-identification, collecting sighting data for dolphin groups, and generalmaintenance of field equipment. (10% of time) This internshiprequires a minimum commitment of 36 hours per week, consisting of eco-tours,lab photo-identification, and dedicated surveys. The intern will carry outmate/naturalist duties aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch for 3-4 days per weekthroughout the field season while 1-2 days per week will be spent conductingphoto-identification using FinBase and finFindR. Dedicated surveys will beconducted 2-3 times per month from May through October. Salary: Thisinternship is a paid position. Applicants will receive an hourly pay of $15/hr.for the naturalist position on the dolphin watch portion only. (Lab workand dedicated surveys are not included) Tips aboard the dolphin tours areexpected, but not guaranteed. Housing: Housing is offeredat a cost of $800. per month for a private room including all utilities.Interns are responsible for their own transportation to and from the OuterBanks as well as to and from the field sites and lab. The successfulapplicant would ideally have the following qualifications: § Minimum of 18 years of age and recentlygraduated with an undergraduate degree in marine biology, biology, zoology, orrelated field § Strong interest in the marine environment andconservation § Ability to swim § Basic proficiency in MS Access, Word, Excel,and Picture Manager as well as digital photography § Enthusiasm, attention to detail, responsible, independent,focused, and dedicated § Works well in a team environment as well asindividually § Experience in boating and marine field datacollection prefered § Experience in environmental outreach preferred § Experience in photo-identification preferred § Adequate strength and agility to performduties necessary to dock 45 ft. boat § First AID/CPR certification preferred § Due to employment aboard the dolphin eco-tours,all candidates must be U.S. citizens NOTE: The United States Coast Guard requires allpassenger vessels to be drug free work environments. In order to work aboardthe dolphin eco-tours, the intern will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test andto participate in random drug testing during the period of the research season. Application Process: Please submit coverletter, resume, and contact information for 3 references via email to outerbanksdolph...@gmail.com. Use“Dolphin photo-id internship” in the subject line of the email. Applicationsreview will begin on February 1st and applications will be reviewedin the order received. Applications will be accepted until February 28th. John Kerner Owner/Captain NagsHead Dolphin Watch Executive BoardMember, Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research P.O. Box 7721 Kill Devil Hills, NC27948 Obxdolphins.org
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