Mote Marine Laboratory Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program Tagging Internship Announcement Application Deadline: Mar...
Mote
Marine Laboratory
Sea
Turtle Conservation and Research Program
Tagging
Internship Announcement
Application
Deadline: March 1, 2014
Internship Period
May 15th through July 31st
Location
Mote
Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL
Monitoring/Tagging
conducted on 4.2 miles of beach on Casey Key, Nokomis FL
Background Information
Mote
Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program (STCRP) has
monitored sea turtle activity for over three decades. The
program supports conservation of the marine turtles (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) of the central Gulf
Coast of Florida through the collection of fundamental biological data about the
nesting, hatching, foraging, and migrations of sea turtles in Sarasota County.
The STCRP is a community-based program consisting of 3-4 staff members, 6-10
interns, and approximately 300 volunteers who monitor 35 miles of beach for sea
turtle activity. The STCRP also works with agencies throughout the state to
support conservation efforts for these federally protected marine turtles (read
more about the program at www.mote.org/seaturtles).
Duties
Tagging Interns participate in the nighttime monitoring/tagging of nesting sea turtles. Each evening presents different training opportunities as there will be nights when no turtles are encountered and there will be nights when numerous turtle activities are taking place simultaneously. In general, Tagging Interns will be trained to do the tasks listed below.
- Operate
an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), at night, to patrol the beach in search of nesting
sea turtles.
- Check
nesting turtles for existing external flipper tags and internal Passive
Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags, and apply new tags when none are
present.
- Take
standard sea turtle measurements.
- Record
all required data on applicable forms and validate data upon entry into
database.
- Utilize
handheld Tag Finder device and associated software.
- Collect
data/samples for other projects approved by governing agencies.
- Organize/Store
collected samples according to established protocols.
- Assist
in the attachment/deployment of satellite transmitters or data loggers used to
monitor sea turtle activities.
- Maintain
field equipment.
- Replenish
tagging supplies.
- Educate
the public about sea turtles, the hazards they face, and the proper actions
humans should take when turtles are encountered.
Requirements
College students or recent graduates that are responsible, adaptable, hard working, motivated to learn, and have an attention to detail are encouraged to apply. Maturity and professionalism are necessary when working with the public, other STCRP staff members, and STCRP volunteers. Specific requirements follow.
- MUST
HAVE A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE AND DEPENDABLE VEHICLE.
Tagging
interns are responsible for transporting themselves and field equipment in their
own vehicles.
- A
commitment to participate in nighttime monitoring/tagging for 10
weeks.
- A
background or degree in Marine Science/Biology/Ecology or related field
preferred.
- Research
field experience preferred, but not required.
- Ability
to handle high temperatures, humidity, and insects and carry up to 30
lbs.
- Basic
computer proficiency.
There is no compensation for the STCRP Tagging Internship position. Interns will be responsible for their own transportation to and from
Scholarships are available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process. Scholarship applications can be found on the Mote Internship Application webpage (referenced below).
Additional Instructions
If you are interested in applying for a Tagging Internship with the STCRP please:
- Complete and submit an internship application which can be found on the Mote Marine Laboratory College Internship webpage: www.mote.org/interns. On the application, when asked for your first choice program, choose Sea Turtle Conservation and Research – Nighttime Tagging.
- Read over the application carefully and provide all the required materials to the Mote Intern Office (statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, resume, etc.).
- Send a brief email to the STCRP Intern Coordinator (Kathy Klingensmith, kak@mote.org) stating your name, contact information, and exact dates/duration of your availability for an internship.
Applicants may contact Krystle Harvey (941-388-4441, ext. 269; intern@mote.org ) with any general questions related to Mote internships. Specific questions related to Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program internships can be directed to Kathy Klingensmith at kak@mote.org.
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