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Sea Turtle Nesting Research (Tequesta)

The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Sea Turtle Nesting Program is seeking two detail-oriented interns to assist with field work, lab work, and data processing components of various research projects on sea turtle nesting ecology. Projects may include research related to nesting, hatching and emergence success, phenology, and sex ratio related to climate change. The research will support population and nesting trend analyses and conservation status assessments.

These positions are located in Tequesta, on the southeast coast of Florida. The internship will be a mix of field and lab work and might include some data entry or management.

NOTE: The term for these internships is early July through mid to late October. Start and end dates can be somewhat flexible, but applicants will need to be available for the entire term and must be available to work 15-20 hours per week.

Successful candidates will be task-oriented individuals that can work independently or in a team in a field or laboratory setting. The primary responsibilities of the interns will be assisting with research tasks, which may include:

  • Field work on nesting beaches during the night and daytime including:
    • Sea turtle nest identification and marking
    • Monitoring hatchling emergence
    • Conducting post-emergence nest inventories
    • Collection of field data and measurements
  • Preparation of biological samples (mostly unhatched sea turtle eggs and skin samples and dissection of hatchlings)
  • Sample organization and cataloguing
  • Pick-up of samples from collaborators at various Florida locations
  • Data entry, processing, and analysis
  • Proof of data accuracy
  • Field equipment use and maintenance

There may be occasional opportunities to assist with additional nesting program activities or research.

Qualifications:

  • You must be a current undergraduate student or recent graduate in the following (or related) scientific disciplines: Biology, Environmental Sciences, and Oceanography/Marine Science.
  • You must be willing to work on the beach in adverse conditions (heat, rain, bugs), sometimes at night (with a partner) and on weekends, if needed.
  • You must be willing to work with often smelly and rotten sea turtle eggs.
  • You must be willing to work with deceased hatchlings and conduct dissections.
  • You must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and be comfortable using mobile apps.
  • Prior sea turtle nesting experience is preferred but not required.
  • Prior experience with trailers and ATVs is beneficial but not required.
  • A valid driver’s license is required.

This position is unpaid, and housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station.

If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required:

  • A cover letter describing the internship you are applying for; area(s) of academic/research interest; and the dates, days, and hours of availability.
  • A résumé (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience.
  • Current academic transcripts
  • Names and contacts for three references.

Please submit application items as an e-mail attachment to: Interns@MyFWC.com

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

Internship Coordinator
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eight Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020