Background Information

Since 1982, the project has managed the nesting beach and collected loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting data for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to contribute to the state database. Tagging was implemented in 2001. Each year, Pritchards Island hosts hundreds of guests visiting the island to participate in the turtle project.

Duties

Seeking highly self-motivated team player that enjoys fieldwork under all weather conditions in an isolated location. Staff will provide safety, environmental and educational briefings for participants visiting the island. Duties include performing outdoor physical labor, leading participants on educational turtle walks at night, nest management and relocation, assistance with research projects and tagging study, data collection and entry, and following standard operating procedures for marine turtle protection established by the SCDNR. Other duties include, but are not limited to, interacting with groups that visit the island, cleaning the dormitory facility, assisting the island manager with daily maintenance, and driving ATVs and boats.

Requirements

1. Operating boats and ATV’s (experience a plus, but will train)
2. Ability to swim
3. Current CPR/First Aid certification (must be certified by your start date)
4. Must have own transportation
5. Ability to work independently and as a team player in an isolated location
6. Good physical condition for walking the 2.5 mile (4 km) beach during night and early morning hours.
7. Mutual respect for all team members and the ability to share work responsibilities

Preference will be given to applicants with :

1. BS or current enrollment in marine or biological science program.
   
2. Basic knowledge of Southeastern U.S. coastal ecology (fish, marine invertebrates, plants, etc.) Respect for the environment and an understanding and enthusiasm for conservation
3. Sound, thorough, and up-to-date knowledge of sea turtle life history;
4. Saturation tagging techniques and methodology (PIT and flipper) for loggerhead sea turtles;
5. Recording straight line and curved morphometric measurements for loggerhead sea turtles.

Benefits/Costs

Housing and utilities are provided. Interns are responsible for their own groceries. Three to four interns will share one co-ed room and bathroom. This is an internship position; interns are expected to work in excess of 40 hours per week on weekends and nights. This internship may be used for college credit. Any University accreditation must be coordinated by the student through his/her school. Pritchards Island will provide validation of participation upon completion.

Application Instructions

If you'd like to apply for the internship, please go to the following webpage and click on "Apply for this Posting".