Internship: Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP) Photo-ID

Center for Coastal Studies•Provincetown, MA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The RWEP conducts long-term monitoring of North Atlantic right whale abundance, distribution, behavior, and prey in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters. The photo-ID intern will participate in research cruises as a vessel observer and the primary vessel photographer, working alongside the habitat intern and assisting the RWEP marine ecologist in research cruise objectives. Office work requires processing all vessel photos and sightings data collected in the field. The intern may also assist with some of the habitat field and office tasks, which include collecting and processing zooplankton samples.

Requirements

An undergraduate degree, completed or in progress, preferably in biological/environmental sciences
Previous marine mammal survey experience, including background in species identification and photo-identification of large cetaceans
Experience with digital SLR cameras, lenses, and filters
Basic computer literacy (including Windows operating system) and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
Experience working on boats and ability to withstand harsh elements for up to 10 hours
Not prone to serious seasickness
Ability to live and work well in a small team
Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods
Strong attention to detail and ability to work well independently and under pressure
Must be available for the full field season
Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed

Nice To Haves

Experience using iMatch image database software
Experience with database entry and management
Experience using GPS equipment
Demonstrated ability to estimate object distance ranges from a vessel
A valid US driver’s license

Responsibilities

Photographing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales
Collecting behavioral, environmental, and sightings data (other species, vessels, marine debris, and fishing gear)
Photo analysis: downloading images, matching individuals to known animals using online and in-house catalogs, inputting sightings information
Database entry and maintenance
Processing sightings data from other platforms
Maintaining vessel field equipment