The Cape Eleuthera Institute is seeking an intern for the queen conch research program. By assisting with ongoing research at the Cape Eleuthera Institute and The Island School, the successful applicant will gain valuable hands-on field and lab research experience, as well the opportunity to develop teaching and educational outreach skills.
Position Description: Queen Conch Intern
Primary responsibilities include performing midden surveys around south Eleuthera for spatial and size class distribution analysis. As queen conch is both socially and economically important to the islands the project will also involve population surveys, monitoring migration patterns, and interviews with local residents. This internship also will involve a teaching aspect throughout the Island School semester. The successful applicant will be expected to learn and help teach experimental design, analyzing fisheries pressure, be responsible for data entry, as well as assisting and supervising students during and outside of field work. Outside of the research class the applicant can expect to scout sites for the students to examine, propose additional data collection and interact with the local community through outreach programs. Secondary responsibilities may include assisting with other research and work projects at CEI including: cobia aquaculture, aquaponics, shark and bonefish research, patch reef ecology etc. This position requires the ability to work long hours, often in harsh environmental conditions (long days in/out of the water), and with a close-knit group of peers.
The position requires five and a half day work week, but interns should expect their schedule to be flexible as some work may outside normal hours of operation. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of sustainable living, live on a campus that is nearly entirely off the grid, interact with researchers and scientists in a variety of fields, and spend quality time in an unmatched tropical environment.
Qualifications
Applicant must have a background in biology, marine biology/ecology, fisheries management or some related field. Previous leadership roles will be taken into account along with an ability to work well with others .Teaching experience in an environmental setting is a plus.
Skills
Applicant should be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power point. He/she should also be in good physical condition as swimming and some free diving will be necessary. The applicant should also be SCUBA certified. Boat driving experience is a bonus but not required. As boats will be used throughout the semester, those prone to seasickness need not apply.
Costs
$600 per month for Fall 2011
$700 per month for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2012
Costs cover room and board, three meals a day on campus, airport transfers, internet, professional development and networking activities. Based on program schedule interns may have opportunity to experience kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, community outreach and island exploration.
Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume and 3 references by August 31, 2011 in a single PDF via 4c79+33f4@app.catchthebest.com