Post date: Jan 30, 2017 11:15:42 PM

Pennington Marine Science Center

2017 Spring Aquarist / Marine Science Education Internship Santa Catalina Island, CA

Position Title: Aquarist / Marine Science Education Intern

Company/Organization: Pennington Marine Science Center, Western Los Angeles County Council- Boy Scouts of America

Location: Camp Emerald Bay, Santa Catalina Island, CA. 33° 28' 08" N, 118° 31' 52" W

Duration: 3 months

Spring Internship: February 20 – May 29, 2017 Application window: January 1 – February 8, 2017

Position Summary:

The Pennington Marine Science Center is a part of the Western Los Angeles County Council’s Camp at Emerald Bay located near the West end of Santa Catalina Island. Camp Emerald Bay serves more than 8,000 Boy and Girl scouts, YMCA groups and other students on an annual basis. In addition to the marine science center, the camp offers environmental education, ceramics, archery, shooting sports, mountain biking, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, scuba and snorkeling facilities which are used to support our mission to teach leadership, ethics and stewardship to participants through Merit Badges and experiential outdoor education.

Located on the West End, far from the bustling tourist destination of Avalon, Camp Emerald Bay offers staff unparalleled opportunities for diving, hiking, trail running, swimming, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, and many other activities that add to the allure of working on the west end of the island. The nearest town, Two Harbors, is home to approximately 100 year round residents and is 30-minutes away by car.

Applicants must consider our isolated location because it can be difficult to “run into town” and while there is one general store, the emphasis must be placed on “general”. Luxuries may not be readily accessible, but the island’s spectacular beauty and atmosphere more than make up for any lack of modern conveniences.

Aquarist and Marine Science Education Interns report to the Director of Marine Science. Our facilities and programs provide interns with experience in animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, life support systems, water quality, accession and de-accessions of specimens, scientific diving, small boating operations and the opportunity to interpret marine science to students of a variety of ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. The skills acquired during the internship prove to be invaluable in a number of careers involving research, public aquarium work, outdoor science education, and aquaculture. In addition, interns will receive training as Divers Alert Network (DAN) Diving Emergency Management Providers, Fill Station Operations and Cylinder Hazmat handling.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

● Husbandry of temperate marine fish and invertebrates ● Maintaining the appearance of exhibits

● Animal diet preparation and feeding ● Water Quality monitoring and testing

● Assist the Director in collecting specimens for exhibits using S.C.U.B.A, hook and line and other methods

● Life Support system monitoring and maintenance ● Interpretation of exhibits to weekend groups

● Record keeping

● Facilitation of group tours ● Public Speaking

● Other duties as assigned such as general maintenance of campsites, mail runs or assisting kitchen staff

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

● BS/BA in Marine Biology, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, Education or other related discipline or be working towards the aforementioned degrees at an accredited 4 year university

● Professional animal husbandry experience in an aquarium or zoo a plus ● Experience teaching science or outdoor education

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

● Current S.C.U.B.A certification from a nationally recognized agency such as PADI, SSI or NAUI

● ReefCheck/AAUS scientific diver certification a plus

● First Aid and CPR preferred but not required

● Oxygen First Aid and Hazardous Marine Life Response training preferred ● Familiar with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and Google docs ● Strong organizational and writing skills

● Ability to work effectively with co-workers

● Familiarity with use of plumbing, hand and power tools, ● Ability to climb up and down stairs

● Ability to lift 50 lbs

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports. Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 75% of the time. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Pay Rate: $274.29/week. In addition, room and board provided for the duration of the internship in camp style housing and dining facilities. Travel stipend for transportation to and from the island available.

Application Instructions:

If interested, please send cover letter, resume and unofficial transcripts to the Marine Science Director. Questions regarding the position should be directed to David Chan using the contact information listed below.

Contact Information:

David Chan, Director

Pennington Marine Science Center 1 Cove Road

Avalon, CA 90704

1-310-510-1795 ext 36 penningtonmsc@gmail.com