Cape
Ann Whale Watch is accepting applications for its Field Research and
Environmental Education Internship. Based in Gloucester, Ma, our whale
watch boat takes between 150 and 250 passengers a day on whale watches
in and around the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. We work
with Ocean Alliance, a non-profit organization founded in 1971 by Dr.
Roger Payne and dedicated to the conservation of whales and their ocean
environment through research and education.
Passengers aboard the
Hurricane II are an extremely diverse group of people ranging from
elementary school children to families from across the globe. Four
interns and one naturalist on every trip help accomplish our goal of
educating people about whales and fostering a stronger appreciation and
respect for whales and the ocean environment. With this newfound
respect and appreciation, the team of educators also hopes to positively
influence how the passengers regard the environment and to increase
their role in helping to preserve it. The whales and the environment
have a better chance of surviving if we can change the attitudes and
behaviors of our passengers.
In order to accomplish this
goal, the interns circulate the boat with hands-on teaching tools to
educate the public about whales and their environment. To give
an
idea of what we use, there are samples of whale baleen and teeth for
passengers to touch. A 3-D model of Stellwagen Bank allows people to
better understand why whales migrate to the coast of Massachusetts. Our
whale tail identification board allows passengers to become scientists
and test their skills at matching whale tails. Once the actual whale
watching begins, the naturalist provides educational interpretive
commentary while the interns collect data on whale behavior and
identification for our research project. The interns are also on board
to answer questions on a wide variety of topics, on everything from
whale behavior to whale conservation. Finally, the interns are expected
to help with the general functioning of the whale watching vessel.
Interns not only have
responsibilities aboard the Hurricane II, but they are also
expected to participate in activities off the boat. The naturalists,
interns, and volunteers meet
once
a week. The meetings provide a forum for discussion about whales,
current issues, and the whale watch program. Also, interns are expected
to help enter data, photo-identify whales, and do a project that
together we will decide on.
Interns work four to five
days on the boat. It might seem like a lot, but in reality, you are
spending your summer aboard a boat on the Atlantic Ocean watching
whales. What can be better than that? We are looking for students who
will make the most of the amazing opportunities this internship
provides.
This
internship is geared for college students and recent college graduates
with a degree in education, biology, psychology, sociology, etc.
However, anyone who
is
interested in helping Cape Ann Whale Watch and Ocean Alliance or in
learning about whales is encouraged to apply. We are looking for
individuals who are passionate about whales and the ocean environment.
Applicants for this position should feel comfortable with public
speaking, teaching in small groups, and working with school age
children. The application deadline is March 1. Interviews will be
conducted during March. In-person interviews are highly recommended,
but we will make accommodations if it is unreasonable. Applicants will
be notified by the beginning of April. The whale watching season begins
in early May and it runs through October. During this time, we ask that
people can devote at least 10 weeks to the internship.
This is an unpaid internship,
and housing in not provided, but we will work with all the interns to
find something suitable.
If you are interested please
send a resume, cover letter stating why you are interested in this
internship, two written letters of recommendation, and an unofficial
transcript to:
Cape Ann Whale Watch
PO
Box 345
Gloucester, Ma 01930
Attn: Cynde McInnis
