VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR IMPORTANT MANATEE RESEARCH!!!

     The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Tampa BayWatch are looking for detail-oriented candidates to serve as volunteers and interns during our upcoming sampling session in St. Petersburg, Florida.  The Tampa Bay boater-comparison study is a three-year study designed to protect manatees and promote stewardship of Tampa Bay.  The goal is to observe boaters and gather data regarding their activities while promoting education within the boating community.

Please note there are various positions available, with different application processes and deadlines.

Manatee Watch Research Intern

     Research project interns act as "site captains" at one of five designated study areas. They are responsible for data collection and entry, equipment maintenance, and administration of volunteers. Interns may also participate in photo-identification activities and habitat-restoration projects. Interns are expected to fulfill a twelve-week commitment, working Tuesday through Saturday for approximately forty hours per week.

Qualifications:

• Must be a college Junior, Senior or graduate 
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must be able to stand for up to three hours in variable weather conditions
• Must be a competent swimmer
• Must have basic computer proficiency. Microsoft Access literacy is preferred
• Must be able to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment
• Experience working with community volunteers is preferred
• Some animal research field experience is preferred
• A working knowledge of 35mm cameras, filters and lenses is preferred
  

Application Process:

    Applications for the winter 2002 session (September 17-December 5, 2002) are currently being accepted. Please send a hard copy of your resume along with your cover letter, college transcripts, three references and contact information to:

Bill Arnold
FWC/FMRI
100 8^th Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3095

The application deadline is June 28, 2002.

*All positions are unpaid. Housing and transportation are NOT provided.




Manatee Watch Education Intern

     The education intern will work both in the office and in the field.  The intern will primarily assist in the educational program, which involves working in a busy office environment. The intern will be responsible for developing and preparing boater education materials, writing and publishing community newsletters, scheduling training sessions, organizing the volunteer calendars, data entry, and additional receptionist tasks.  The intern will often lead volunteers during outreach activities at area boat ramps, festivals, or on the Manatee Watch Boat.  Many fieldwork situations will require public speaking, interaction with volunteers, and recruitment.  Interns are expected to fulfill a 12-week commitment, working 30-40 hours per week.  A consistent schedule (including Saturdays) will be required.

Qualifications:

• Must be a college Junior, Senior or graduate 
• Must possess good communication skills (public speaking)
• Must have basic computer proficiency. Microsoft Access literacy is preferred 
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must possess leadership skills
• Must have a positive attitude
• Must be able to stand for up to three hours in variable weather conditions
• Must be a competent swimmer
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds of equipment
• Boating experience preferred
• Some animal research field experience is preferred
• Experience in working with community volunteers is preferred
• This internship is open to science (Biology, Marine Science, Marine Biology, Environmental Science) as well as education (Science Education, Environmental Education, General Education) majors.
  

Application Process:

     Applications for the winter 2002 session (September 17-December 5, 2002) are currently being accepted. Please send a hard copy of your resume along with your cover letter, college transcripts, three references and contact information to:

Kip Koelsch
Manatee Watch Coordinator
Tampa BayWatch, Inc.
8401 9^th Street North
Suite 230B
St. Petersburg, FL
(727) 896-5320
[email protected]

The application deadline is June 28, 2002.

*All positions are unpaid. Housing and transportation are NOT provided.




Manatee Watch Coordinator Intern

     The coordinator intern will keep track of and organize the hours of community volunteers for the scheduled field days. This position requires frequent interaction with the volunteers; good interpersonal communication skills are required.  The candidate will enter the boater-education data and help the "site captains" at one of five designated study areas when needed. This position may also participate in photo-identification activities as needed.  Interns are expected to fulfill a 12-week commitment, working 30-40 hours per week.  A consistent schedule (including Saturdays) will be required.

Qualifications:

• Must be a college Junior, Senior or graduate 
• Must possess good communication skills (public speaking)
• Must have basic computer proficiency, Microsoft Access literacy a plus
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must possess leadership skills
• Must have a positive attitude
• Must be able to stand for up to three hours in variable weather conditions
• Must be a competent swimmer
• Must be able to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment
• Experience working with community volunteers is preferred
• Some animal research field experience is preferred
• A working knowledge of a 35mm camera, filters and lenses is preferred
• Boating experience is preferred
  

Application Process:

Applications for the winter 2002 session (September 17-December 5, 2002) are currently being accepted. Please send a hard copy of your resume, along with your cover letter, college transcripts, three references and contact information to:

Kip Koelsch
Manatee Watch Coordinator
Tampa BayWatch, Inc.
8401 9^th Street North
Suite 230B
St. Petersburg, FL
(727) 896-5320
[email protected]

The application deadline is June 28, 2002.

*All positions are unpaid. Housing and transportation are NOT provided.




General Community Volunteer Manatee Specialist

     Community Manatee Specialists are paired with the research project intern, education intern, or the coordinator intern and work on the boater-comparison study during three-hour shifts (morning and/or afternoon). The Specialists may also participate in promoting boater education within the Bay area at boat ramps, marinas, festivals, or on the water.

Qualifications:

• Must be able to work 12 hours per month
• Must be a resident of the Tampa Bay area
• Must attend a training session 
  
  

For additional information about the training dates or about becoming a Community Manatee Specialist, please contact:

Kip Koelsch
Manatee Watch Coordinator
Tampa BayWatch, Inc.
8401 9^th Street North
Suite 230B
St. Petersburg, FL
(727) 896-5320
[email protected]

There are no applications deadlines for these positions. Specialists are always needed!

*All positions are unpaid. Housing and transportation are NOT provided.