Intertidal Mussel Ecology – Raimondi Lab
BACKGROUND: Summer internship in marine ecology. This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in marine ecology, conservation of nearshore species, and oceanographic drivers of ecological processes. Successful candidates will participate in a large-scale rocky intertidal monitoring program along the west coast.
INTERN DUTIES: Intern will work independently in the lab on a mussel growth and predation rate experiment, for their final project. The purpose of this experiment is to compare the annual growth and the rate of predation, of the California sea mussel (Mytilus californianus) at several study sites. In addition, the intern will help prepare and maintain equipment for local and remote field missions and participate in surveys at rocky intertidal sites along the California coast. More information about the monitoring program at https://marine.ucsc.edu/.
QUALIFICATIONS: Position requires traveling and working on multiple overnight trips often camping and working in adverse weather conditions and working very early mornings. The position also requires the ability to do technical hiking with a heavy load as well as considerable time bending and kneeling in the field. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; will be self-motivated and have the ability to work well independently and as part of a diverse team. In addition, candidates must follow instructions well, record data neatly and accurately, and pay strong attention to details. Knowledge and the ability to identify local intertidal invertebrates and algae are preferred, but not required.
See more information about the monitoring program at https://www.eeb.ucsc.edu/pacificrockyintertidal/index.html
Should I Volunteer during Spring Quarter? Yes – Not required, however highly recommended.