[Coral-List] Internships available at Reef HQ in 2005
Kirsten Michalek-Wagner
kirstenm at gbrmpa.gov.au
Tue Jul 20 22:38:21 EDT 2004
Dear Colleagues,
As part of its education and outreach role, Reef HQ, the education
centre for the Great Barrier reef Marine Park Authority, offers up to
four curatorial internship positions to suitable applicants for 2005.
Each internship position carries one specialist research and development
project, which will be the core duty of the candidate.
I would very much appreciate if you would pass on this offer for up to 4
curatorial internships at reefHQ to your students at your facility
(please see detailed information below).
Thank you for your support
Regards,
Kirsten
Dr. Kirsten Michalek-Wagner Coral reef ecosystems biologist
ReefHQ
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
2-68 Flinders Street, Townsville, Qld. 4810
Australia
phone: 07 4750 0876
fax: 07 4772 5281
email: kirstenm at gbrmpa.gov.au
*Reef HQ –Curatorial internships 2005*
**As part of its education and outreach role, Reef HQ offers up to four
curatorial internship positions to suitable applicants for 2005. Each
internship position carries one specialist research and development
project, which will be the core duty of the candidate. However, interns
may also assist Reef HQ staff with animal husbandry responsibilities of
all exhibits, including feeding of fish, turtles, corals, maintenance of
aquariums systems and other routine duties related to animal care. This
program is designed for individuals intending to undertake a technical
or professional career in marine science, aquaculture or a closely
related discipline. Many of the skills acquired will have application in
a range of marine scientific disciplines and will be an advantage to
recent graduates seeking industry experience.
The Reef HQ work environment
Reef HQ, formerly the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, is the aquarium and
education section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which
is a statutory department of the Australian Government empowered with
the task to care for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Reef HQ
consists of a 2.5 million litre living coral reef exhibit, the largest
in the world, a 750,000 litre predator exhibit, 24 smaller aquaria, an
extensive interpretive facility including a 75 seat theatre and a
classroom for school groups, a large mechanical workshop, display
preparation areas, support aquaria, diverse marine research facilities,
laboratory, staff offices and a gift shop.
Internship specifics
Interns will work in the Curatorial Unit at the Reef HQ, which is
responsible for maintaining the live exhibits at the aquarium. Interns
will be exposed to practical and theoretical marine biology areas and
fields. Interns will assist in current research involving specimen
handling and collection, coral reproduction, physiology and
identification, experimental design, sampling techniques, data analysis
and basic laboratory techniques. Interns will also acquire aquarist
experience by assisting trained aquarists in animal husbandry
techniques, feeding, water quality analysis and more.
Daily duties to be performed include preparing animals' diets, feeding
animals, maintaining water quality in aquaria and holding tanks,
recording animal health and water quality data in logbooks, and routine
cleaning and upkeep of equipment and husbandry areas.
//
//*Eligibility for Curatorial Internships*//
A background in university-level science at Bachelor level (3 years) in
the field of aquaculture, marine biology or related fields and previous
experience with marine animal care and handling is a must. Diving
qualifications (advanced open water or higher) are highly desirable.
Familiarity with wet lab, water testing, and microscopy procedures are
highly desirable. Experience at a marine lab or with home aquaria would
also be of value. Interns must be able to work at least three
consecutive months, however, a six-month tenure is preferred. Interns
must be in good physical condition and able to commit to 5 full days
(generally Monday to Friday 9am-5pm), however, must also work on
weekends if required. Interns must provide their own housing and
transportation while participating in the program. While the internships
are unpaid, the opportunity for skill and knowledge development is
unparalleled. Moreover, where possible Reef HQ is willing to cooperate
with colleges and universities to obtain course credit for each student.
There is a two-phase application process: a mail-in application and an
interview. To apply for the two available positions, please provide the
following materials:
1. Cover letter including:
· Name and contact information (address, email, phone)
· University name, address, and your academic program
· Previous experience in marine husbandry or marine biology
· Your specific interests in marine biology and aquaria in particular
· Tentative schedule of availability
2. Current resume including three academic or professional references
with contact information
3. A letter of support from a current faculty member who is familiar
with your internship-related interests
Please note that applications will be evaluated based on academic
skills, experience, motivation, and relevance of the applicant’s
interests to our focus program.
Candidates successfully reaching phase two will be notified within one
month of the application reaching Reef HQ and a (phone) interview will
be scheduled.
Applications close on the 15^th of August 2004 and a start of the
program is envisaged for between February and August 2005.
Please send your application to: Reef HQ, Dr Kirsten Michalek-Wagner,
2-68 Flinders Street, Townsville QLD 4810, Australia; e-mail:
kirstenm at gbrmpa.gov.au
--
Dr. Kirsten Michalek-Wagner
Coral reef ecosystems biologist
Reef HQ
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
2-68 Flinders Street, Townsville, Qld. 4810
Australia
phone: 07 4750 0876
fax: 07 4772 5281
email: kirstenm at gbrmpa.gov.au
http://www.Reef HQ.org.au
--
Dr. Kirsten Michalek-Wagner
Coral reef ecosystems biologist
ReefHQ
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
2-68 Flinders Street, Townsville, Qld. 4810
Australia
phone: 07 4750 0876
fax: 07 4772 5281
email: kirstenm at gbrmpa.gov.au
http://www.reefhq.org.au
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