Internships
Cape Ann Whale Watch accepts interns for its Field Research and Environmental Education internship program. Based in Gloucester, MA, each of our trips takes between 150 and 250 passengers out to the Gulf of Maine, which may include the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. We are a Planet Whale 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. On each trip, up to three interns and the naturalist help accomplish our goal of educating people about whales and fostering a stronger appreciation and respect for the marine environment and wildlife. With this newfound respect and appreciation, the team of educators hope to promote stewardship for our planet. Marine life and the environment have a better chance of thriving if we can change the attitudes and behaviors of our passengers.
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 aboard the Hurricane II, in addition they are expected to participate in activities off the boat. Interns will submit data electronically, participate in regular meetings that provide a forum for discussion about whales, current issues and the whale watch program and are encouraged to complete an independent study project either directed by their university or developed in conjunction with the Educational Director at Cape Ann Whale Watch.
Interns work a minimum of two to three days a week on the boat and have an opportunity to complete a portion of their internship at Ocean Alliance: the non-profit organization founded by Dr. Roger Payne in 1971. Dr. Payne discovered that humpback whales sing songs and was a crucial advocate in the campaign to end commercial whaling.
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 high school upperclassmen, college students and recent graduates. However, anyone who is interested in volunteering, on a consistent basis, to help educate and promote stewardship for the marine environment is encouraged to apply. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about whales, marine wildlife, the ocean and education. Applicants for this position should feel comfortable with public speaking, teaching 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:
Email to: cawwnaturalist@gmail.com (preferred method)
Or
Cape Ann Whale Watch
Attn: Christina McMahon Foley
P.O. Box 345
Gloucester, MA 01930
We are presently accepting applications, and early submissions are highly encouraged. Applications for the spring/summer 2025 will be accepted until March 1st; applications for the fall 2025 season are accepted until July 1st. 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 8-10 weeks to the spring/summer 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 Foley
