Stranding Investigations Internship

The Stranding Investigations Program provides response provides 24-hour response to sick, injured and deceased marine mammals and sea turtles within the coastal waters of Southwest Florida, mainly in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The program also offers logistical support to state biologists in the verification and rescue of sick, injured or deceased manatees, an endangered species living in Florida’s coastal waters.

Interns will assist in responding to stranding calls, documenting stranding events and collecting samples and data. Interns will also assist researchers and program staff with other projects, such as sample processing, assisting in the Ruth DeLynn Cetacean Osteological Collection and general maintenance of stranding equipment. This position will involve both laboratory and field work assisting in the recovery and examination live and dead stranded animals. The majority of stranded animals reported are dead, beach-cast animals. Stranding response often occurs after hours and weekends, so interns should be prepared to work outside of normal business hours.
Roles and responsibilities of a Stranding Investigations Program intern include:
  • Assisingt staff in stranding responses, transport and necropsy
  • Lab cleaning/equipment checks, charging tools, restocking supplies etc.
  • Data entry
  • Following procedural instructions and collect/record detailed information during stranding response and necropsy
Qualifications
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds and drag 75 pounds
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to work long hours in wet, buggy, hot conditions

The Stranding Investigations Program accepts interns year-round, with an average internship length of 14 weeks.This is a full time position. Hours are usually 4-5 days per week from 9:00am to 5:00pm with occasional longer hours.