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Florida Biodiversity Collection Intern or Volunteer

Primary responsibilities are: assisting with various collection tasks related to maintaining biological specimens and attendant data according to museum protocols, taxonomic identifications, and support of ongoing projects by FWRI scientists.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's (FWRI) Florida Biodiversity Collection (FBC) section is seeking detail-oriented interns and volunteers to assist with FWRI's natural history collections during the fall, spring and summer semesters in St. Petersburg. Internships are available for students who have at minimum completed their junior year of undergraduate training. We also welcome graduates and graduate students. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

Successful candidates can work both independently and in groups. The primary responsibilities for volunteers and interns include assisting staff in museum tasks such as specimen fixation, preservation and maintenance according to established protocols, data entry and report production, and taxonomic identification. Other tasks include supporting research groups at FWRI with voucher processing and reference collections, and may occasionally include field collections and/or development of educational materials.

In addition to the above duties, interns are expected to complete an independent research project. Most interns research a specific phylogenetic group and produce a taxonomic key or detailed morphological descriptions report. Interns are also required to submit a final manuscript and present a 15-20 minute seminar on their work.

College credit is possible. Check with your department advisor at your home institution.

Qualifications:

  • Willingness to learn about and have an interest in museum protocols.
  • Courses or experience in invertebrate zoology or ichthyology.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a group.
  • Computer literacy preferred.

Application Process:
We are accepting applications for the spring/winter (January-May), summer (May-August) and fall (August-December) semesters. Internships require a 12- to 16-week commitment. Starting and ending dates are flexible. Hours are somewhat flexible, but must include at least 12 hours per week in blocks of no less than 4 hours each.

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 contact information 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

This intern position is open until filled.

All positions are unpaid. Housing and transportation are not provided.

For more information, please visit the Internships and Volunteers section.