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Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) -based in Maui, Hawaii- 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 Hawaii, Australia, and Ecuador. We offer internships in our Marine Mammal Research Program year-round.

Applicants with little biology or marine expertise that possess outstanding skills in programming, statistical analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and databases are also welcomed.

PWF seeks performance-driven and dedicated individuals for long-term internships -applicants willing to commit longer than 3 months will be favored-to assist with our research efforts. Successful applicants are expected to work a minimum of 30 hours per week on a fixed schedule.

Interns work alongside Research Staff at PWF’s headquarters in Ma’alaea, Maui, processing and analyzing data from humpback whale and odontocete (toothed whale and dolphin) studies in Hawai’i and Australia.

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 may include vessel-based data collection on board PWF’s whale-watching or snorkeling trips, and/or research-specific surveys within the four-island region of Maui County.

Each intern may be assigned to a specific cetacean project (with ancillary duties supporting field projects) according to skill set and availability. Occasionally, interns may be asked to assist staff in other projects as the need arises.

Ideal applicants should:

– Be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates in biology, zoology, marine biology, ecology, or a related field;

– Possess a mixture of experience in both field work and data-handling;

– Have a mature attitude towards research, i.e. be willing and able to work long hours in office environment and in adverse field conditions;

– Have boat experience(driving of small vessels preferred);

– Be able to collect data in a detail-oriented manner;

– Be proficient with computers and data entry;

– Have strong work ethics and superior organizational skills;

– Be independent, adaptable, and a fast-learner;

– Be enthusiastic and possess a positive attitude;

– Be sociable and team-oriented;

– Speak English fluently.

COMPENSATION:

There is no financial compensation for these positions and interns are responsible for their own living and transportation expenses. This is, however, an excellent opportunity to gain experience in marine mammal research.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Positions are available immediately and will remain open until filled. Internships are open all year-round, with flexible start and end dates around the two following time periods: December – May and June – November.

Applicants must be authorized to legally remain in Hawai’i if they are not a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S.

Interested candidates should submit an application (preferably at least one month prior to your desired starting date) with the following:

– A cover letter, including your availability;

– A resume/CV;

– Names and contact information of two references.

Please send these items as e-mail attachments to researchdirector@pacificwhale.org.  No phone calls, please!

If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to:

Research Department

Pacific Whale Foundation

300 Ma’alaea Rd., Suite 211

Wailuku, HI 96793, USA