Reef HQ - Curatorial Internships 2003 available

[Kirstenm]

Hi there,

I would like to advertise the following internship positions:

ReefHQ –Curatorial internships 2003

As part of its education and outreach role, reefHQ offers two curatorial
internship positions to suitable applicants for 2003. Each internship
position carries one specialist research and development project, which
will be the core duty of the candidate. For the 2003 intake we seek
responsible individuals with an interest in developing techniques for
the culture of reef fish and gastropods respectively. However, interns
may also assist reefHQ 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 ReefHQ 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, 34 smaller aquaria, an
extensive interpretative facility including a 200 seat theatre and a
classroom for school groups, a large mechanical workshop, display
preparation areas, support aquaria, turtle research and rehabilitation
centre and 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. 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 3 consecutive months with a
possibility of extending the internship to 6 months (if agreeable to
reefHQ and the candidate).  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 reefHQ
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 fish/ and or gastropod culture 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 applicants
interests to our focus program.
Candidates successfully reaching phase two will be notified within one
month of the application reaching reefHQ and a (phone) interview will be
scheduled.

Applications close on 31 October 2002 and a start of the program is
envisaged for between March and June 2003.

Please email info at reefhq.gov.au to determine the status of your
application.

For more information about reefHQ and the internship program please see
our web site http://www.reefhq.org.au

Regards,

Kirsten

Dr. Kirsten Michalek-Wagner
Biologist Coral Reef Ecosystems
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

"For myself, I am an optimist.  It does not seem to be much use being
anything else." Sir Winston Churchill

http://www.reefhq.org.au

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