Marine Mammal Research Intern

Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), based in Maui, Hawai‘i, is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine life through research, education, and conservation.  Our researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 30 years and currently conduct projects in Hawai‘i, Australia, and Ecuador.  We offer internships in our Marine Mammal Research Program year-round.  

Commitment

PWF seeks performance-driven and dedicated individuals for long-term internships based out of our Maalaea, Maui office. Interns are expected to be available on a full-time basis, including weekends as needed. 

Responsibilities

Interns assist research staff at PWF’s headquarters on Maui, Hawaii processing and analyzing data from mysticete (humpback whale) and odontocete (toothed whale and dolphin) studies.

Primary responsibilities are office-based and may include:

• Photo-identification matching of whale flukes and/or dolphin dorsal fins;
• Data entry and archival tasks;
• Data processing and analysis;
• General operational tasks.

Additional responsibilities include field work: year-round boat surveys for odontocetes and marine debris, and, during the winter, land-based surveys for humpback whales using a theodolite. 

Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures, hiking into remote areas, and carrying heavy loads of equipment. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur approximately 1-3 times per week.

Interns also assist staff with other projects, such as outreach events, as the need arises.

Requirements

• Possess a university degree or be advanced undergraduates in biology, zoology, marine biology, ecology, or a related field;
• Be available to volunteer on a full-time basis for the entire internship period and must be available for all field work;
• Have a mature attitude towards research;
• Be proficient with computers and data entry; specifically using PCs and the Microsoft Office suite of products;
• Willingness to spend long hours in front of a computer doing repetitive tasks;
• Have a strong work ethic and superior organizational skills;
• Be independent, adaptable, and a fast-learner;
• Be able to collect data in a detail-oriented manner;
• Have boating experience;
• Speak, read and write English fluently.

Compensation

There is no financial compensation for these positions and no housing is provided. Interns are responsible for their own travel and living expenses. There is public transportation available on the island.

Application Process

Applicants must be authorized to legally remain in Hawai’i if they are not U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the U.S. International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation.

Interested candidates should submit an application with the following:

• A cover letter including your availability, i.e. preferred time period (1 page only);
• A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills (2 pages only);
• Names and contact information of three references.

Please specify the internship period you are applying for. The date ranges for our internships are:

• January 1  – April 30  (deadline September 30)
• May 1 – August 31  (deadline for applications February 28)
• September 1 – December 31  (deadline for applications June 30)

Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to research@pacificwhale.org - No phone calls or drop-ins, please!