The Mississippi State University Marine Fisheries Ecology Program (https://msucoastal.com/marine-fisheries/) is seeking applicants for an internship position working under the direction of Dr. Marcus Drymon and Extension Associates at the Coastal Research and Extension Center (CREC) in Biloxi, MS. This paid internship begins March 17th and ends October 15th.

The roles of the intern will fall into three categories: field, laboratory, and outreach/education. The first category involves assisting with shark bottom longline surveys throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, the intern will be responsible for preparing gear, performing shark and fish dissections, collecting samples, and recording and entering data. The second category involves completing various laboratory processing tasks using samples collected during the bottom longline surveys. The third category involves helping with outreach and education events and developing materials to use at these events. Travel for field work and outreach events may be necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. or B.A. in biological sciences (must be graduated by March 2025).
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on small and/or large vessels, handling fish, collecting samples and data, and conducting field surveys (e.g., trawl, gillnet, quadrat, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Knowledge and skill with computer programs, including Microsoft Office, QGIS, Photoshop, etc.
• Ability to speak with outside groups, particularly in an education setting.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Able and willing to spend long days on a boat, potentially in extreme weather conditions, including rough seas.
• Able and willing to work on a flexible schedule, which may include overnight trips, weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Work involves considerable physical activity. It requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling is required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.