[MARMAM] Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships - Summer 2014

[Katie McHugh]

*Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships*

The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), a partnership led by the 
Chicago Zoological Society and 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, 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>.

 

The SDRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for our Summer 
2014 internship program (a minimum of 10 weeks of participation during 
mid-May to mid-September, with applications due by March 1st).  Please 
note that we are only seeking 3-6 interns this session and that we 
receive many more applications that we have openings -- the selection 
process is very competitive.   The successful candidates will 
participate in the following research projects: 

 

1)      *Dolphin population monitoring project**:*  (/YEAR ROUND/)  This 
study will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community 
in Sarasota Bay.  Duties in the field will include assisting with 
boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups 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 wks per 
month), work will generally involve photo-identification of dolphins, 
computer data entry, video logging, dolphin dorsal fin identification 
catalog maintenance, equipment maintenance and other duties.  

 

2)      *Dolphin prey and habitat use project**:* (/JAN-MAR & JUN-SEPT 
ONLY/)  This study will use 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, collection of prey fish 
for nutritional analysis, and collection of other environmental data. 
Interns may participate in this project 2-3 days per month.

 

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 compensation for these internship 
positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own 
living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. 
Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be 
available (cost: $90/week). A few scholarships are available from Mote 
Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US citizens 
only).

 

Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications:

    * Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed
      undergraduate studies;
    * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology,
      Zoology or a related field;
    * Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
      (especially Excel and Access);
    * Some field research experience preferred but not required;
    * Must be able to swim;
    * 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 at Mote Marine Laboratory's website 
(www.mote.org/interns <http://www.mote.org/interns>). Be sure to select 
"Sarasota Dolphin Research Program" as your first choice; 

2) Complete and provide to Mote's intern office all other application 
materials including: a statement of interest, current college 
transcript, letter of recommendation, and /curriculum vitae/;

3) Send an email to SDRP Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh, 
_kmchugh at mote.org_) stating your name, contact information, exact dates 
and duration of availability, where you learned about the internship 
opportunity (/e.g. /Mote, SDRP, Brookfield Zoo website, MARMAM, etc.), 
and that you have provided all application materials to the Mote intern 
office, as detailed above. 

All applications will be reviewed; those received by the application 
deadline of March 1st will be given first priority. We are seeking 3-6 
interns for the summer, depending on scheduling. These are competitive 
positions - we typically receive many more applications than we can 
accept. Applicants may contact Katie McHugh (941-388-4441 ext. 450, 
kmchugh at mote.org <mailto:TUkmchugh at mote.orgUT>) in the SDRP with any 
questions.

Applicants applying because of an interest in possibly being involved in 
graduate studies with the SDRP should discuss their interests with 
Program Director Randall Wells upon acceptance into the program.

-- 
************************************
Katherine McHugh
Staff Scientist
Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
Chicago Zoological Society
c/o Mote Marine Laboratory
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL 34236

(941) 388-4441 x450 office
(650) 400-2776 cell

kmchugh at mote.org
************************************

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