Term: May 1 – August, 2024
Compensation: $325/week stipend with free intern housing, or $480/week stipend + toll reimbursement if providing own accommodation
Job description:
Two internship positions are available to help with sea turtle research on Sanibel and Captiva Islands from May 1 – early August. The interns will be responsible for monitoring the beach overnight (~8pm to 6am) on ATVs in search of nesting sea turtles. Morphometric data will be collected for each turtle and the turtles will be tagged with flipper and PIT tags. Successful candidates must be able to work closely with other staff and a large group of volunteers. Previous experience conducting nighttime sea turtle nesting surveys and tagging sea turtles preferred but not required. Weekend/holiday work will be required, and the intern will have 1-2 days off per week. A start date of May 1st is required.
We are currently in the process of rebuilding our intern housing units which were damaged from Hurricane Ian. While we are aiming to find alternative housing, it is possible that we may not be able to provide housing for this position by the May start date. In such a case, applicants able to provide their own housing may be given preference, and the stipend will be adjusted accordingly ($480/week).
Required qualifications:
- Recent college graduates with a background and/or degree in Biology, Marine Science, Env. Science, or related field
- Related experience working outdoors in hot, buggy conditions
- Ability and desire to work long hours overnight
- Ability to work under adverse conditions (biting insects, rain)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team to accomplish set goals
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude & sense of humor
- Ability to persist under stressful conditions in a physically demanding environment
- A valid US driver’s license
- SCCF is a drug-free workplace and the successful applicant will take a drug screening test within 2 weeks of starting the position.
Desired qualifications:
- Previous experience conducting nighttime sea turtle surveys
- Previous experience tagging sea turtles (flipper and PIT tags)
- Experience driving ATVs and UTVs
- Experience with public outreach
Work environment & physical demands:
- This position works daily in outdoor subtropical conditions of SW Florida
- Ability to sit or stand for long periods, may require walking for significant distances throughout the day
- Reaching above shoulder height, below the waist or lifting up to forty (40) pounds, as required throughout the work day; proper lifting techniques required
To apply:
Application deadline: January 31, 2024
Send cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for 3 references though the online link or through our website at SCCF.org
Contact for questions: Savannah Weber, sweber@sccf.org
We will contact qualified applicants to set up interview appointments. No phone calls, please.