Description of duties: Upon arrival, all interns will receive research, boat crew, and Irish marine natural history training by both ORCA Ireland and the Baltimore Whale Watch Companies. As an ORCA Ireland field season does not begin until early May and peaks in June/July/August - the first several weeks will be focused on learning whale watch deckhand responsibilities and performing humpback whale and dolphin photo-ID, in addition acoustic analysis in ORCA's Marine Science Centre, or dealing with stranding response. 

Sherkin Island: We hope for interns to complete several shifts working  at our offshore marine science centre. While on Sherkin island, interns will be involved in public out-reach and education, participate in land-based monitoring from an observation point, conduct seal counts, gull counts, and maintenance/construction projects at the station.  Interns will also receive experience working in a remote off-the-grid location. 

Accommodation: Those accepted to the program are volunteers and do not earn an income while volunteering with local whale watch operators.  Interns may receive a free First Aid Certification and Marine Mammal Stranding training from ORCA Ireland. Provided camping facilities on Sherkin Island is mandatory for a fee. Contribution to join the field season is €800/month for use of shared camping facilities including communal showers and a shared kitchen, in addition to supporting the project to cover costs of use of equipment, insurance and boat fuel for our vessel. While food is provided for free, interns are expected to alternate cooking and cleaning duties according to the rota.

To apply: To apply for a position as a Humpback whale R.A. with ORCA Ireland, applicants must send an up to date C.V. and cover letter stating their motivation to join the team to ORCA’s Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer.orca@gmail.com by July 10th, with interviews to be held mid-July.