Research Internship Program

Pacific Whale Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine wildlife through research, education and conservation. Our researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 35 years and currently conduct or support projects in Hawaii, Australia, Ecuador and Chile. A research internship with Pacific Whale Foundation is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in marine mammal research.

Commitment & Responsibilities

We seek performance-driven, dedicated individuals for long-term internships based in Maui, Hawaii. Interns must be available on a full-time basis, including weekends as needed. This internship is primarily office-based and focuses on photo-identification cataloging. Interns assist research staff with processing and analyzing data collected for mysticete (humpback whale) and odontocete (toothed whale and dolphin) studies and related projects.

In the office you will learn: how to input and organize data, how to quality control data, how to photographically identify dolphins and whales, how to use database software, and learn about the general biology and ecology of Hawaii’s marine wildlife.

In the field you will learn: how to scan for and identify whales and dolphins, how to collect photo-ID data, how to collect underwater footage, and how to make behavioral observations of wild animals. Field days can range from 8-12 hours in length and occur approximately once per week. Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures and carrying heavy loads of equipment.

APPLY FOR A RESEARCH INTERNSHIP

Requirements

• Possess a university degree or be advanced undergraduates in biology, zoology, marine biology, ecology, or related field;
• Available on an unpaid full-time basis for the entire internship period;
• Available for all field work;
• Have a mature attitude towards research;
• Proficient with computers and data entry; specifically using PCs and Microsoft Office;
• Willing 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;
• Able to collect and process data in a detail-oriented manner;
• Have boating experience;
• Able to speak, read and write English fluently.

Compensation

There is no financial compensation for internship 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 work in the U.S. or authorized to legally remain in Hawaii if they are not U.S. citizens. International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation. The date ranges and deadlines for our internships are:

• January 1 to April 30 (deadline September 1)
• May 1 to August 31  (deadline February 1)
• September 1 to December 31  (deadline June 1)

Interested candidates should submit an application with the following:

• Cover letter including your availability and preferred internship period (1 page max)
• Resume or C.V. describing training, experience and relevant skills (2 pages max)
• Names and contact information of three references

Send the above items as email attachments (PDF preferred) to research@pacificwhale.org with “Internship Application” in subject line. Please: NO phone calls or drop-in visits!