FWC Intern Opportunity

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Florida FWC Seeks Fisheries Monitoring Intern
Location: Apalachicola/Eastpoint, Florida field lab

Supervisor: Bob Gorecki

The FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Fisheries Independent Monitoring Program (FIM) is seeking detail-oriented interns and volunteers to assist with general field and laboratory duties in its Eastpoint field lab. Recent graduates, and current undergraduate and graduate college students with an interest in fish biology or a related field may apply for this internship opportunity.

Successful candidates will be task-oriented individuals that have the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The primary expectations and responsibilities of the interns will be assisting with field and laboratory tasks, including:

Participate in fisheries-independent sampling in rivers, bays, and nearshore areas to evaluate relative stock abundance and condition.
Responsible for assisting with maintenance and general repair of sampling gear including: boats, motors, trailers, nets, protective gear, office equipment, and electronic equipment.
Identification of common fish and select invertebrates in both laboratory and field environments following strict QA/QC protocols. This may include using dichotomous keys, microscopes, and/or video cameras.
Taking and preparing biological samples for use by other sections (i.e. otolith extraction, fin clips, and tissue samples)
Complete fish and invertebrate identifications following strict QA/QC protocols using a microscope and/or video cameras.
Complete data entry using FIM application, as well as proof data for accuracy of entered data.
Opportunities to work on offshore cruises (while not required) may also become available to those that are interested.

In addition to the above duties, interns are encouraged to develop an independent research project. Interns are also required to submit a final report and present a 15-20 minute seminar on the work accomplished during their internship.

College credit is possible, and candidates seeking college credit are preferred. Check with your department advisor at your home institution.

Housing may be available on location.

Qualifications:

a current student who has successfully completed introductory coursework in some of the following areas: environmental science, chemistry, marine science, geology or biology;
Willing to perform strenuous physical activities (including heavy lifting at least 50 pounds) under sometimes arduous conditions (hot weather, bugs, and/or heavy seas).
able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
possession of a valid U.S. Class E driver's license.
Preference will be given to applicants seeking an undergraduate or advanced degree (or recent graduates) in the following (or related) scientific disciplines: Environmental Science, Oceanography/Marine Science, Biology and/or a closely related field. Candidates with working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) are also desired. Prior fieldwork experience is preferred but not required.

If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required:

A cover letter describing the internship you are applying for; area(s) of academic/research interest; and the dates, days, and hours of availability.
A résumé (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience.
Current academic transcripts.
Names and contact information for three references.
Please submit application items as an e-mail attachment to:
Interns@MyFWC.com

If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to:
Internship Coordinator
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020