Internships

 

Cape Ann Whale Watch accepts interns for its Field Research and Environmental Education internship program. Based in Gloucester, MA, our whale watch boat takes between 150 and 250 passengers a day on whale watches in and around The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. We are a World Cetacean Alliance ambassador: One of 12 whale and dolphin watching companies from around the world committed to work in partnership to develop a more responsible and sustainable whale and dolphin watching industry. Specializing in education, we strive to educate passengers about whales and the environment. It is our goal to inspire a sense of respect and personal responsibility for the well-being of the planet.

 

Passengers aboard Hurricane II are an extremely diverse group of people ranging from elementary school children to families from across the globe. Up to four interns and one naturalist on every trip help accomplish our goal of educating people about whales and fostering a stronger appreciation and respect for whales and the ocean environment. With this newfound respect and appreciation, the team of educators hope to positively influence how the passengers regard the environment and to promote stewardship for our planet. The whales and the marine environment have a better chance of surviving if we can change the attitudes and behaviors of our passengers.

 

In order to accomplish this goal, our interns circulate the boat with hands-on teaching tools educating the public about whales and their environment: Some implements are baleen samples and teeth to touch, a 3-D model of Stellwagen Bank to help explain how feeding grounds are created in this region and our whale-tail matching board which allows passengers to practice their field identification skills. While we are in the presence of the whales, the naturalist provides an educational interpretive commentary while the interns collect behavioral data as well as data that supports their research project. The interns are also expected to answer questions on a wide variety of topics, from whale behavior to conservation. Finally, the interns help with the general functioning of the whale watching vessel.

 

Interns not only have the responsibilities on the Hurricane II, but they are also expected to participate in activities off the boat. The naturalist, interns and volunteers meet once a week typically after the last trip of the day. The meetings provide a forum for discussion about whales, current issues and the whale watch program. Interns are expected to attend the weekly meetings regardless if they are scheduled on the boat that day or not.

 

Interns work a minimum of two to three days a week on the boat and will have the opportunity to work with our nonprofit partner, Ocean Alliance 1-2 days a week to collect research data, data entry, and general whale conservation education. Ocean Alliance, founded in 1971, is a 501(c)3 organization based in Gloucester, MA. Their mission is to protect whales and their ocean environment through research, collaboration, education, and the arts. They gather data pertinent to the health and conservation of whales in the Gulf of Maine, in addition to long-term global programs studying Southern right whales in Argentina and blue whales in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

 

Past interns have received degrees in biology, psychology, education, history, foreign affairs, environmental law, hospitality, philosophy etc. You do not need to be a biology major to apply. We are looking for students who will make the most of the amazing opportunities this internship has to offer. This internship is geared for college students and recent college graduates. However, anyone who is interested in helping Cape Ann Whale Watch and the educators/researchers or in learning about whales is encouraged to apply. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about whales, the marine environment and education. Applicants for this position should feel comfortable with public speaking, teaching in small groups, working with school-aged children and diverse populations.

 

To Apply: send a resume, cover letter stating why you're interested in this internship, 2 written letters of recommendation and an unofficial transcript to: Cape Ann Whale Watch, P.O. Box 345, Gloucester, MA 01930 or Email to: cawwnaturalist@gmail.com

 

We are presently accepting applications and early submissions are highly encouraged. Applications will be accepted until March 15th. Once a completed application is received, you will be contacted for an interview (in person or via Zoom). Applicants will be notified soon thereafter. The whale watch season begins in late April and runs through the month of October. During this time, we ask that interns devote at least 10 weeks to the internship. This is an unpaid internship and presently housing is not provided. Interns do receive gratuities while working on the boat and we will work to help accommodate your schedule.

 

Questions can be directed to: cawwnaturalist@gmail.com; attn: Christina McMahon

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Reservations: 800-877-5110
Email: whalescapeann@gmail.com
415 Main Street, Rose's Wharf
Gloucester, Massachusetts