Dolphin Research Internships

Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the winter/spring term. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys.

Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety to research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on the job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with behavioral research sessions. In addition, educational opportunities are available, such as informal journal article reviews and the development of personal learning objectives.

Specific job duties include:
Collecting observational data
Preparing stimuli for behavioral research sessions
Setting up equipment for behavioral research sessions
Operating video equipment
Entering data into the computer for analysis
General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.)

Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For information on past or current research projects at DRC, please visit our website, at www.dolphins.org

Publications:
Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A.M., & Guarino, E. (2005, in press). Understanding the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology.

Internships require a minimum of a 12-week commitment (16 weeks is preferable), 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended, but not required.

Internships in other departments such as Education, Visual Communications, Special Needs, and Animal Care & Training, are also available.

The deadline to apply is October 1st. Further information, application directions, and application materials can be found on our website at www.dolphins.org.


Emily Guarino, Research Coordinator
Dolphin Research Center
58901 Overseas Highway
Grassy Key, FL 33050
drc-res@dolphins.org
http://www.dolphins.org