Allied Whale Intern/ Research Assistant Positions

Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic
located in Bar Harbor, Maine, seeks 4 intern/research assistants for the
2015 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 three-month positions (mid
May-August) and two five-month positions (mid May-October) 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 a small income. 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
continued relationship with the local whale watch company. 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 Allied Whale.

*Description of duties: *Once the season is in swing, interns will rotate
through time on land and offshore. While on land, interns will take shifts
of working as a Research Assistant (RA)/Deckhand for the Bar Harbor Whale
Watch Co. and being on call for boat-based cetacean surveys on our research
vessel (TBD based on projects/funding).

*On land: *Research responsibilities on the whale watch trips include
searching for whales, photo-identification of whales and data
collection/entry. 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.

While on board our research vessel, interns will be responsible to
participate in cetacean surveys along transect lines, computer data entry,
and photo identification of whales.

While not on the water, interns may freely structure their time to complete
office work, assist with/develop independent projects, assist with
stranding activities…or explore Acadia National Park!

*Offshore: *Interns will have multiple shifts (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, seal counts,  and
maintenance/construction projects at the station.

*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 $45 a
trip (at the height of summer, there are 3 trips running a day) plus
considerable tips. Interns also receive free First Aid Certification.
Housing in Bar Harbor is provided and mandatory for a fee. Rent is $375 a
month. While at Mount Desert Rock, food is provided for free.

*Qualifications: *Applicants should have a college background in biology,
ecology, and/or marine sciences. Previous experience in a research setting
and knowledge of marine mammals are great advantages. Experience offshore
and skills in small boat handling are also assets. Unfortunately, because
of employment through the whale watch company, all interns must also be
U.S. citizens. Most importantly, applicants must be positive in attitude,
flexible to quickly changing schedules, able to work independently, and
comfortable working on boats. Because of the community living situation
both in Bar Harbor and on Mount Desert Island, applicants must get along
well with others and be able to handle working in a team setting.

These positions begin *~May **11**t*h and applicants must be able to work
through with no other commitments (excluding COA students). *Please specify
which position you are interested in (three of five month)*. Deadline of
application is February 1st.

**Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume,
and two letters of recommendation to:

Tanya Lubansky (tlubansky@gmail.com <alliedwhale@coa.edu>) with subject
title “AW Interns 2015”