[MARMAM] Stranding Investigations Program Internships
Victoria Socha
vsocha at mote.org
Tue Nov 6 06:13:57 PST 2007
STRANDING INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM INTERNSHIPS
Mote Marine Laboratory’s Stranding Investigations Program (SIP) is
seeking applicants for spring, summer, and fall internships. SIP
provides 24-hour response to sick, injured and dead marine mammals and
sea turtles in west central Florida. In addition, the program aims to
increase our understanding of the biology, ecology and pathology of
marine animals, investigate natural and human-related mortality, monitor
long-term mortality trends, and provide data to managers for effective
conservation of marine species. The intern will be directly involved in
the 24-hour response, recovery, and transport of live and dead stranded
marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and manatees) and sea turtles from
Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee Counties. These internships are unpaid.
INTERN DUTIES:
Share responsibility for responding to a 24-hour stranding notification
pager and coordinating response based on the species, number, size, and
condition of the animal(s). Direct involvement in marine mammal and sea
turtle rescue and recovery is required.
Involvement in the examination, data collection, necropsy, tissue
sampling, processing and distribution, and disposal of marine mammal and
sea turtle carcasses.
Data entry, database management, supplies inventory and biological
sample archive management.
Equipment maintenance, errands, and other duties as requested.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Valid Florida Class E driver’s license or equivalent
The ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs, swim, walk long distances, work
in hot field conditions, tolerate strong odors, and work with the public
and media
The ability to work independently and follow instructions
The ability to operate personal watercraft and ATVs, or the willingness
to learn
DESIRED SKILLS:
Computer knowledge (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, ArcGIS), strong
verbal and written communication skills, and high attention to detail
DESIRED EDUCATION:
A background or degree in biology, zoology, or animal behavior
OTHER:
MUST be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
This position can require long days, including late night and early
morning hours.
Please understand that the level of stranding activity is not only
physically demanding, but also extremely unpredictable. As a result,
there are no guarantees about the number of animals or species we will
encounter. In addition, much of the work related to SIP can be
classified as “non-glamorous”. In many cases, field examination,
dissection, tissue collection, and disposal of large decaying carcasses
is involved. Interns should be prepared for direct involvement with
large, putrid carcasses.
Interns may be able to participate in other marine mammal and/or sea
turtle program activities, as needed, and as time allows.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
Interns should wear casual and comfortable clothing, and be prepared for
all types of weather. Clothing should be suitable for public
presentation, but casual enough to withstand getting wet and dirty.
Occasionally, a swimsuit or wetsuit is required for stranding response.
SUPERVISION:
The intern will be trained by Stranding Investigations Program staff.
Once the intern has gained adequate knowledge about the strandings
program, biology of the animals, and the tasks involved in our stranding
response, they will be assigned independent projects, some of which they
will help initiate. The supervisor/s will monitor the projects and
remain accessible to the intern for questions and advice.
HOURS/SALARY:
This position requires a commitment of 3 months, 40 hours per week, on a
voluntary basis – interns will not be paid, nor will housing or
transportation be provided (however Mote can assist interns in finding
housing). There is flexibility on the start dates.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Mote provides the opportunity for some interns to receive a scholarship
to help pay for living expenses during the internship. Please visit our
website at www.mote.org for more information.
TO APPLY:
Please visit www.mote.org for internship applications and general
information. When submitting your application, please indicate your
interest in the Stranding Investigations Program on the form.
QUESTIONS:
Any general questions regarding internships at Mote should be directed
to Dana O’Mara at danaomara at mote.org or (941) 388-4441 ext. 462.
Any questions directly related to the Stranding Investigations Program
Internships, please contact Vikki Socha at vsocha at mote.org or (941)
388-4441 ext. 239.
Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit research
organization dedicated to excellence in marine science and education.
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Victoria L. Socha, Staff Biologist
Stranding Investigations Program
Mote Marine Laboratory
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 388-4441 x239 (phone)
(941) 388-4317 (fax)
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