Internships
Each year we take 1 or 2 interns for an in-person field research experience. Our primary need for field assistance is between May-September and we require a minimum two-month commitment. Please apply by December 31 to be considered for the following year’s summer field season, and decisions will be made by the end of January. In addition to field experience, interns can also receive mentorship for a thesis, school project, or independent research project during their placement.
Successful candidates must be able to live on San Juan Island for the duration of their internship. We can assist with locating housing. Due to the nature of the shore-based components of our research, a driver’s license and access to a vehicle is also required. No particular degrees or previous coursework are necessary, as we are more interested in candidates who are thoughtful, passionate observers of nature than those with a specific background. Everyone who applies loves orcas, but having some specific knowledge about the populations we study can help you stand out. We encourage non-traditional applicants to apply.
Successful candidates must be able to live on San Juan Island for the duration of their internship. We can assist with locating housing. Due to the nature of the shore-based components of our research, a driver’s license and access to a vehicle is also required. No particular degrees or previous coursework are necessary, as we are more interested in candidates who are thoughtful, passionate observers of nature than those with a specific background. Everyone who applies loves orcas, but having some specific knowledge about the populations we study can help you stand out. We encourage non-traditional applicants to apply.
We fully recognize the concerns with volunteer internships in the field of marine mammal science. As a small non-profit, we hope to grow into being able to offer paid internships in the future, but we are unfortunately not there yet. Stipends are available to help cover costs of living, and we can also assist with university or grant applications for internship funding. Part-time internships are also available if a candidate needs or wants to work part-time on the island for the duration of the internship. We encourage candidates to apply regardless of financial status and we can work for solutions with successful applicants as needed.
To apply for an internship, please submit a letter of introduction (2 pages maximum) that includes answers to the following questions. Letters can be sent to monika@orcabehaviorinstitute.org.
To apply for an internship, please submit a letter of introduction (2 pages maximum) that includes answers to the following questions. Letters can be sent to monika@orcabehaviorinstitute.org.
- What is your background and why are you interested in the work OBI does?
- What do you hope to gain out of an internship with OBI?
- Describe a memorable encounter or experience you've had in the natural world. What did you learn from it and/or what questions did it raise for you?
- What dates are you available, and if you will be completing a school-related project as part of your internship (e.g capstone project or thesis) what are the requirements of that project?
Remote Student Projects
In addition to formal internships, we also work with students on research projects outside of our core field season, including providing access to OBI data. These projects can be done remotely. We can only collaborate on a limited number of such projects each year, but they are considered year-round on a case by case basis. Projects with a research topic of interest will be prioritized over general inquiries, though the specific research question can be defined in cooperation with OBI if needed. To inquire about a student project collaboration, please send a short letter of introduction describing you, your background, and the project requirements to monika@orcabehaviorinstitute.org
In addition to formal internships, we also work with students on research projects outside of our core field season, including providing access to OBI data. These projects can be done remotely. We can only collaborate on a limited number of such projects each year, but they are considered year-round on a case by case basis. Projects with a research topic of interest will be prioritized over general inquiries, though the specific research question can be defined in cooperation with OBI if needed. To inquire about a student project collaboration, please send a short letter of introduction describing you, your background, and the project requirements to monika@orcabehaviorinstitute.org
