Sea Turtle Nesting Research (Tequesta)
The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Sea Turtle Nesting Program is seeking up to four detailed-oriented interns each term to assist with field 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 threats that will support population and nesting trend analyses and conservation status assessments.
These positions are located in Tequesta, on the southeast coast of Florida, although remote positions may be considered for specific tasks, especially for the winter term. The summer term (May-August) will be mostly field-based, the fall term (September-December) may include a mix of field work and data processing, and the winter term (January-April) will focus on data processing.
Applicants for the summer term should be available to work 30-40 hours per week. Applicants for the fall and winter terms should be available to work at least 10 hours per week. Start and end dates are somewhat flexible.
Successful candidates will be task-oriented individuals that can work independently and in a team in a field and/or online setting. The primary responsibilities of the interns will be assisting with research tasks, which may include:
- Sea turtle nest identification and monitoring
- Nest inventories
- Collection of field data and measurements
- Data processing and analysis
- 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 have 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 if applying for the summer or fall terms.
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 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020