Internship: Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP) Photo-ID

Hiring Organization: Center for Coastal Studies

Job Title: Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP) Photo-ID Intern

Reports to: RWEP Photo and Database Manager

Job Classification: Seasonal Intern

Pay: $15/hour; housing provided

Hours: An average of 40 hours/week; including weekends and holidays as fieldwork requires

Term: January 04, 2027 through May 28, 2027

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Application Deadline: September 4, 2026

Job Summary: The RWEP conducts long-term monitoring of North Atlantic right whale abundance, distribution, behavior, and prey in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters. The photo-ID intern will participate in research cruises as a vessel observer and the primary vessel photographer, working alongside the habitat intern and assisting the RWEP marine ecologist in research cruise objectives. Office work requires processing all vessel photos and sightings data collected in the field. The intern may also assist with some of the habitat field and office tasks, which include collecting and processing zooplankton samples.

Essential Duties:

• Photographing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales


• Collecting behavioral, environmental, and sightings data (other species, vessels, marine debris, and fishing gear)


• Photo analysis: downloading images, matching individuals to known animals using online and in-house catalogs, inputting sightings information


• Database entry and maintenance


• Processing sightings data from other platforms


• Maintaining vessel field equipment

Minimum Requirements:

• An undergraduate degree, completed or in progress, preferably in biological/environmental sciences


• Previous marine mammal survey experience, including background in species identification and photo-identification of large cetaceans


• Experience with digital SLR cameras, lenses, and filters


• Basic computer literacy (including Windows operating system) and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications


• Experience working on boats and ability to withstand harsh elements for up to 10 hours


• Not prone to serious seasickness


• Ability to live and work well in a small team


• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods


• Strong attention to detail and ability to work well independently and under pressure

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience using iMatch image database software


• Experience with database entry and management


• Experience using GPS equipment


• Demonstrated ability to estimate object distance ranges from a vessel


• A valid US driver’s license

The successful applicant will be required to work a minimum of four to five full days per week and will need to be flexible for research cruises due to weather constraints. The intern will often collect data independently in the field; thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the full field season and must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed. International applicants must secure their own visas or other required documentation.

The RWEP has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. Cape Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for around 50% of the estimated population in recent years. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in photo-identification, behavioral observation and analysis, and data processing of one of the world’s most endangered cetaceans. Details of our work can be found on our website: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/

How to Apply:

The application package should include the following as a single PDF:

• Cover letter describing your qualifications for this internship, your specific interests in marine mammal science, and how the experience would assist you in reaching career goals


• CV/resume


• Names and contact information of two professional references


• College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient)