CAREERS

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CONSERVATION CAREERS

Conservation careers at ORCA Ireland are diverse and varied, and include people with inter-disciplinary skillsets in  administration, business, marine science and statistical ecology.


On this page you will find details of current vacancies for staff at ORCA Ireland's Head Office in Munster Technological University (MTU), in Cork, Ireland. We also offer volunteer summer field internship placements.


 Current Vacancies:


 Finance Manager - Part-time - Voluntary.


The team at ORCA Ireland has grown significantly over the past couple of years and now manages a range of exciting award-winning partnerships with brands, businesses and influencers all over the world. This role will suit a motivated, ambitious individual who is passionate about the environment. It will focus on and take responsibility for a variety of work streams under the banner of ORCA's brand-new finance management plan.



Apply Here:

Welfare Officer - Part-time, Voluntary.


ORCA Ireland are seeking a Welfare Officer to oversee our Marine Mammal Stranding Response Network. This role will involve managing a team of marine mammal stranding responders, overseeing training of first responders, liaison with government officials and more. This position will suit a highly motivated Individual who has graduated with an MSc or equivalent of Marine Science, Veterinary science or related field.



Apply Here
Apply Here:


 Volunteer Internship Placements (May - August):


 HUMPBACK WHALE RESEARCH ASSISTANT - Full-time (2 months).


ORCA is Ireland’s fastest growing marine conservation non-profit organisation and we are delighted to be placing ORCA scientists on-board platforms of opportunity for whale watching surveys in Baltimore since 2017, and in Bantry Bay, Glengarriff Nature Reserve since 2020. 


Our goal at ORCA Ireland is to understand the health of our oceans by monitoring and protecting the population health of the largest animals on the planet – the great whales.  conserving their critical habitats ensures that the ocean, and indeed the planet, remains in good health.


Become an ORCA Ireland intern/ research assistant in the beautiful West Cork Islands and participate in an ongoing study to conserve the magnificent humpback whale.


The Ocean Research Conservation Association of Ireland (ORCA Ireland) are seeking to expand their marine mammal research lab at Munster Technological University (MTU) and seek interns/research assistants for the 2022 field season based in West Cork. These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research.


As a volunteer humpback whale research assistant you will spend up to 5 days a week at sea recording behavioral response data, analysing acoustic recordings, plotting GPS positions, capturing photo identification images. 


You will also support research that aims to tackle increasing tourism pressure on these animals on an important feeding ground. Data collected will be processed and used to enhance management strategies such as a code of ethical whale watching and reserve designation.


Summer positions (May through August 29th) are available. R.A’s must stay a minimum of 1 month but preference will be given to interns who can volunteer for two or four months or the entire season. *Students based at Munster Technological University (MTU) and University College Cork (UCC) can have flexible start dates beginning as early as March.



Apply Here:

FAQ's


Q. What should I bring with me for the internship?


All research assistants are required to bring their own camping equipment, i.e. waterproof tent, blow-up bed and sleeping bag. RA's should also be equipped with appropriate footwear and waterproof clothing for out-door activities. Camera's and binoculars will be provided, but if you have your own, please bring these with you.


Q. What does my internship fee cover?


Your internship fee covers accommodation and food at ORCA Ireland's campsite on Sherkin Island, training and mentorship, use of equipment, your place on the whale watch boats, fuel and insurance cover.


Q. What can I expect facilities to be like?


Facilities on Sherkin Island are small and basic, but are kept clean and in working order. Living and working on an island, often leads to challenges with equipment and infrastructure incurring damage due to salty sea air. ORCA Ireland will ensure that all living and working facilities meet Health and Safety Standards to the best of our ability through-out the internship programme.


Q. What can I do to prepare for my internship?


To prepare for your internship you should become familiar with marine megafauna species in Irish waters. Please explore the Species ID Portal on the website and learn how to identify different species of marine mammals and seabirds.


Q. Do we follow a Schedule/ Training Plan?


Interns will be required to follow a schedule, including taking days off when prescribed. In some rare circumstances, certain workshops or training sessions may have to be re-scheduled depending on the availability of the field team leader.  All sessions will be completed at an agreed date with the field team and the field team leader.


Q. Will a Field Team Leader be present the entire field season?


A Field Team Leader will be present as much as possible through-out the field season, particularly early on in your placement while you are being trained in field methods, but is not required to be present  24/7 at Basecamp or at the Marine Science Centre on Sherkin Island.  All RA's must be over 18 years old, and are expected to become independent researchers and to be capable of living and volunteering in a remote location without constant supervision.


Q. What happens if I leave my internship early?


All interns are required to provide 10-14 days notice to cancelling their internship in writing via email. If you leave your internship before the pre-booked dates, your placement will be cancelled and you will not be entitled to a refund.  Please see 'Terms & Conditions' below.


Q. What happens if we cancel your internship early?


ORCA Ireland will provide 10-14 days notice in writing with a detailed explanation of the reason for cancelling your internship placement. If we cancel your internship due to mis-conduct or conflict of interest, you will not be entitled to a refund on your placement fees. If we cancel your placement due to a reason on our side, we will provide you with a full re-fund. Please see "Terms & Conditions' below.


Q. Can I do my MSc Thesis at ORCA Marine Science Centre?


Yes, you may have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork for your MSc Thesis during your internship with ORCA Ireland. Please highlight this during your interview and we will send you relevant documentation.


Terms & Conditions
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