Information for prospective interns

What is Cascadia?

Cascadia Research is a private non-profit research organization founded in 1979.  Since then, Cascadia has received grants and contracts, primarily from government agencies, to pursue research primarily of marine mammals.  Cascadia also makes educational presentations to a variety of audiences from technical talks to scientists at international conferences, to presentations to elementary school children.  Based in downtown Olympia, Cascadia has conducted field research in the Canadian Arctic, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, and along the Pacific coast of Central America.

What kind of research does Cascadia conduct?

Although we study many marine mammal species, most of our current work is focused either on gray, blue, humpback and killer whales along the west coast of North America, or a variety of species of odontocetes (e.g., false killer whales, beaked whales) in Hawaii. Much of this work involves using photographic identification.  These species have natural markings unique to each individual, and by photographing and cataloging these markings, we can identify animals and study their behavior and movements and population structures over extended periods of time.

While photo-id is a large part of what we do, we are involved in other research projects, including: temporarily attaching instrument packages that record one or more of depth, sound, or video images (time-depth recorders, Bio-acoustic probes, Crittercams) to examine underwater behavior of blue whales, pilot whales and beaked whales; examining dead stranded marine mammals; assisting in live stranding rescues; satellite tagging false killer whales and beaked whales to examine movements; undertaking behavioral research on killer whales; and collecting skin samples for genetic studies.

 When does Cascadia accept interns and what are their responsibilities?

We take anywhere from two to four interns every quarter, and require a commitment of at least one quarter.  Full-time (35-40 hrs/wk) is preferred, but we have worked with students' schedules in the past (since it is a volunteer position, we understand not everyone can work full time for free).  Many of our interns are students from The Evergreen State College, located in Olympia, though we've had many from other schools in the U.S., Europe, and Central and South America.

The primary activities of interns will be to assist staff in our long-term photo-ID studies of humpback, blue, and gray whales off the US West Coast and the inside waters of Washington state. In this capacity, interns will be expected to spend a large portion of their time comparing photographs to our existing catalogs, and may additionally be involved in processing of digital images, data entry, and helping convert our historical catalogs to digital collections. The position is largely office-based, although there may be some opportunities to assist staff in field data collection, in small boats or as a part of large ship surveys.

In addition to this, interns will assist staff in stranding response. Responsibilities will include participation in beach surveys, data and specimen collection, data entry, and assisting in necropsies of both pinnipeds and cetaceans. Responses may involve hiking into remote areas and carrying heavy loads, and participants should be comfortable with the sight of blood, and strong, unpleasant odors.

 What are the qualifications required and desired?

We require that interested candidates have taken some course work in general biology and we would prefer (though not require) that applicants have some experience with independent research as well as some computer experience.  Since Cascadia is a small, busy organization, it's important that interns be able to work well with others or independently, and with various distractions going on around them.  Of course, it's also nice if applicants have an interest in the study of marine mammals.

 How do I apply for an internship at Cascadia?

Students interested in internships should contact us to set up an interview. For formal consideration, we simply request a letter stating your interest, what you would like gain out of the internship, relevant background experience, the time period you are interested in, and the number of hours you can work. If you have a resume, please also include it with the letter.

For information or to apply contact Jessie Huggins (JHuggins@CascadiaResearch.org).