The Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Laboratory (SSUDS lab) is accepting applications for Fall 2015 interns.  There are 2 positions available.  Application deadline is July 20^th. 

The SSUDS lab is located adjacent to the marsh on the campus of Savannah State University in coastal Georgia.  The SSUDS lab and Dr. Tara Cox study spatial ecology and conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, marine and coastal policy and management, and human interactions with marine mammals.  Current projects include: Human-interaction behaviors (particularly begging), stock structure and abundance estimates, and diet of common bottlenose dolphins.

Interns will support graduate research on common bottlenose dolphins living in the local waterways.  In addition, there may be opportunities to help other marine science graduate students with diverse fieldwork. 

Dates:  Aug 24^th – Dec 11^th (Start and end dates are flexible)

Location: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia

Time: Interns are expected to commit to 20-30 hours per week and their time will be split between lab and field work.  Dolphin surveys will be conducted 2 days per month. 

              Lab duties include: photo-identification, data entry and double checking

Field duties: assisting with small boat-based photo-identification surveys including sighting dolphins, data recording, photography, and environmental measurements

Class: Interns are welcome to sit in on the Marine Mammalogy course taught by Dr. Cox in the fall.

Qualifications: 

• ·         Minimum age of 18 years old
• ·         Currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field
• ·         Strong interest in marine mammals, the environment, and conservation
• ·         Computer proficiency, especially MS Office
• ·         Enthusiastic, attentive to detail, responsible, and dedicated
• ·         Works well in a team environment as well as individually
• ·         Ability to work long days in the sun/cold on a small boat

To apply please submit the following via email with the subject “SSUDS Internship” to perrtreer@savannahstate.edu :

•        A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, how the experience will help you meet your long-term goals, and your dates of availability.

•        A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience.

•        Current academic transcripts (unofficial are sufficient).

•        Names and contact information for two references.

This position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to Savannah, GA.  If accepted, we can provide contact information for possible shared housing opportunities with SSU students. 

This is a great opportunity to work with scientists and graduate students in the field and lab while gaining experience with photo-identification and boat-based marine mammal surveys.  Savannah State University offers a Master of Science in Marine Sciences; thus, successful interns may have future opportunities for graduate study in the SSUDS lab.  For more information about Marine Sciences at SSU please visit: http://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/nat-science/marine-sci.shtml

Robin Perrtree

SSUDS Lab Manager

Marine Sciences Technician

Savannah State University