Position description:
The Marine Ecology Lab is looking for interns to help conduct research on several on-going projects in various nearshore benthic habitats along the Northern Gulf Coast. Research will be based out of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab located on Dauphin Island, Alabama at the mouth of Mobile Bay. Interns will work closely with Dr. Ken Heck, his lab technicians and graduate students.

We are looking for interns for both summer and fall seasons. The duration of the internship is about 3 months. The internship will have a flexible start date with summer interns starting on or about May 17, 2010 continuing through August 13, 2010. Fall interns will start on August 16, 2010 and continue through November 19, 2010. You may apply for both seasons if you wish.  

Duties and responsibilities:
Interns will be required to participate heavily in field-based activites, which are sometimes characterized by long hours and potentially arduous conditions.  Field research will include seagrass restoration and monitoring, juvenile snappers and gag grouper habitat assessment, and monthly sampling of restored oyster reefs near Dauphin Island, Alabama (for more information regarding current projects, please check the Marine Ecology Lab website at http://marineecologylab.disl.org/projects.htm). Applicants should have their own snorkel gear (both seasons) and wet suit (fall season only). Interns will be involved in sample collection and processing and will receive training in sampling techniques (benthic flora and fauna sampling, fisheries sampling, water column sampling, and seagrass monitoring techniques), fish and invertebrate identification, and analytical methods (chlorophyll analysis and nutrient analysis). There will also be opportunities to learn other ecological field sampling techniques in a variety of marine environments. In addition, interns are encouraged to attend seminars on current topics in marine science hosted at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama.

We are seeking people who are committed and enthusiastic about marine science and may be considering marine ecology as a career. This job requires long days of physically demanding field work and long hours sorting samples in the lab. Experience (although not necessary), as well as enthusiasm about marine research, are important aspects of a rewarding internship. This is a great opportunity for hands-on training in the field and laboratory.

Stipend:
A monthly stipend of $1400 is provided

Eligibility:
Undergraduate juniors and seniors enrolled in marine programs or with marine experience are preferred. Graduating seniors are also welcome to apply. This internship is available to U.S. citizens only.

Application Requirements: