We are not currently offering any field internships.
Check out our RIMS ecotour program if you want to experience field work and an introduction to DCP!
Internships with DCP
The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) offers internships for college students during fall, spring, and summer semesters on a revolving basis. We offer office Internships on a case-by-case basis. Internship positions involve data processing component at the DCP office located in the USA. Office interns must be at least 18 years old at the start of their internship and provide their own housing and transportation.
School Credit
Many universities offer course credit for internships. Credit for internships must be arranged by each intern individually and independently with their school. Please contact your college’s Intern Program Coordinator or your advisor for information on arranging credit. DCP can provide documentation of a completed internship once the intern has finished the program.
Lodging and Logistics
All intern positions with DCP are UNPAID. At this time, we cannot offer free lodging to interns. Once an intern is confirmed for a particular semester, we will do our best to assist that intern with finding contact information for local property managers and college housing offices; however, the responsibility ultimately lies with the applicant to find and secure lodging during their internship. We strongly encourage incoming interns to make lodging considerations BEFORE committing to the internship with DCP. Because DCP’s office is located in a relatively small town, finding affordable short-term housing can be challenging. Interns are also responsible for their own transportation between their accommodations and DCP. All interns should be advised that there is no public transportation in the area. For this reason, all interns have their own vehicles and many live within a 50-mile radius.
Office Internships
Office Internships with DCP are generally offered to college students who are willing to spend a semester (8–12 weeks) working with us on data processing. Weekly commitments vary depending on the student’s school schedule and requirements. Interns gain skills and understanding in data processing, including but not limited to photo-identification, focal follows and event sampling for behavioral analyses, and acoustic analyses of dolphin sounds (whistles & echolocation clicks). Interns learn about statistical applications as well. Interns may be required to develop a project or research question of their own for a formal school report – often these reports lead to conference presentations or papers. Interns are given access to Dudzinski’s reprint and book library and encouraged to debate topics and hypotheses with other DCP volunteers, interns, and research associates when available. Interns may also assist as needed with the development of education programs for secondary schools and the general public as well as presentation materials for dissemination of results through DCP via classes or the Internet. As a general rule, academic-year internships will see the intern in the office for ~15–20 hours per week, whereas the summer internships average 25-35 hours per week. Office internships positions are UNPAID.
Fieldwork Internships
DCP is not currently offering any field internships. Students are encouraged to sign up for our RIMS ecotour as an introduction to DCP and dolphin research.
Short Field Experience Internships
DCP is not currently offering any Short Field Experience internships.
Required Qualities
*An interest in biology, marine biology, animal behavior and/or conservation
*Strong written, speaking and computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
*Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills
*Ability to work both independently and in team settings
***Willingness to receive, absorb, and adjust to constructive criticism/feedback
***Capacity to represent DCP in a respectful manner at all times
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Note: All applicants for office-only internships must be 18 years of age. Although international applicants are invited to apply, all applicants should know that interns are responsible for their own daily transportation to/from the office and public transportation is not available in this area; therefore all interns have their own vehicles (or bicycle if housing to close to office). All application materials must be submitted electronically. No hard copies will be accepted. Please submit all materials together, with the exception of letters of recommendation, which may be sent separately.
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How To Apply
To apply for one of DCPs internship spaces, download the internship application form as a PDF . Applications must be sent via email to info {at} dcpmail {dot} org with the applicant name as part of the file name on each attached document. Please clearly state which position(s) you are applying for. Due to field schedules and our mission to be “green,” hard copies of application materials cannot be accepted. Applicants will be contacted by DCP to confirm receipt of their application materials, however unsuccessful applicants may or may not be contacted after that confirmation.