Overview:  

Alaska Whale Foundation (AWF) is seeking five interns to participate in our gray whale research project in Sitka, Alaska. Successful applicants will assist in collecting and analyzing data for projects examining gray whale abundance, distribution, health, foraging ecology, and bioenergetics.

 

Responsibilities:  

Interns will work in teams  and will split their time between on-the-water activities and data processing. Field teams live in a cooperative environment, so interns will also be responsible for cooking, cleaning and basic equipment maintenance. Interns are asked to supply their own foul-weather gear (rain gear, boots, etc.) appropriate for work in the Alaskan marine environment. 

 

Compensation:  

In return for participation, AWF will provide room and board, Mustang-style float coats and pants and additional safety gear. AWF will also provide travel reimbursements (up to $1000) and a $500 honorarium for US residents. Interns will gain tangible data collection and processing skills, and AWF can assist students who wish to receive credit from their academic institutions for this internship.

 

Schedule:  

Dates for our 2026 Sitka gray whale field season are March 15 - May 14, although the start and end dates are subject to minor changes. Interns are expected to be present for the full two month commitment.

 

Qualifications:  

All applicants will be considered; however, preference will be given to individuals that are pursuing or have recently been awarded a BS/BA degree or higher in biology, environmental science, or similar field, and who have basic first aid training. Additionally, the following will be viewed favorably: 

 

• Desire to pursue a career in marine sciences

• Experience operating small boats, especially in marine waters

• Experience working in remote field settings

• An ability to work well with colleagues in both research and cooperative living situations

 

How to Apply: 

Interested individuals should apply using the form below.  You will need to include a link (i.e., in Google Drive or similar) to a CV, brief cover letter (no more than 500 words), and contact information for two references in a single PDF file.  

 

Priority will be given to US-based applicants. Alaska-based applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Applications should be submitted no later than Tuesday, December 31, 2025 @ 11:59 pm PST. Qualified candidates will be contacted within two weeks to set up interviews, and final decisions will be made no later than January 31, 2026. Further announcements - including notification that positions have been filled - will be posted on Alaska Whale Foundation’s social media pages.

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For more information contact:  liahlm@hawaii.edu