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Southwest Florida Manatee Intern

Normally, four positions are available per year: two positions in the spring (January-April) and two positions in the fall (September-December). Schedules will be Sunday-Wednesday and Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., but some additional evening and weekend hours may be required. We occasionally accept, self-motivated individuals during the summer session. Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research for ten counties, and cetacean rescue, carcass salvage, and research for three counties in southwest Florida. Interns will operate trucks, trailers, and boats up to 22' in length. Interns will assist with manatee and dolphin field necropsies as needed and conduct photo ID and radio tracking research as time permits. Interns will also complete mortality reports, label and catalog slides, perform equipment maintenance, and assist with other office and public outreach work as needed. The intern is required to complete a project and a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. This position is unpaid and housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station.

Qualifications:

  • College juniors, seniors, and recent graduates are eligible.
  • Interns must have some research field experience.
  • Interns must be comfortable speaking to the public.
  • Previous experience in the use of 35 mm cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters is preferred, but can be trained.
  • Computer literacy
  • Previous animal handling experience is desirable but not necessary.
  • Ability to trailer and operate watercrafts up to 22' in length and experience with radio telemetry tracking gear is desirable.
  • Interns must possess a valid US Class E driver's license, be able to lift 50 lbs., and swim.
  • Interns should understand that this job will require them to be wet, dirty and outdoors in all weather conditions.

Application Process:

We are accepting applications for the fall, summer and winter-spring sessions.

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
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020