Research Internships

Our internships are ideal for students and recent graduates, or those who wish to expand their working knowledge of marine mammal research. We do not have any specific requirements for degrees or qualifications: it’s more important to us that candidates are thoughtful, curious, and passionate about the marine environment!

*All 2025 are now FULL! If you would like to be added to the waitlist for Summer or Fall, please email info@pacmam.org.

Benefits of PacMam Internships

Practical Experience

One of the major skillsets employers and colleges look for is hands-on experience working in marine-related field. As an intern, you'll have chance to participate in a wide range of research activities including photo-ID training, educational outreach, data processing, boat-based research, and much more!

Mentorship & Support

Interns are at critical stages in their career, often having graduated from high school, in college, or recently graduated from an undergraduate degree. Receive support and guidance from our seasoned researchers, who cumulatively have 30+ years experience working in marine mammal research.

References & Letters of Support

We are happy to provide references, testimonials, and letters of support for former volunteers and interns who are interested in pursuing jobs in STEM or furthering their education with post-graduate qualifications.

Build Your Network

Connect with other Interns, Team members, and volunteers as you build a network in the marine research field! If you're pursuing a career in the STEM industry, this is a great opportunity to chat with like-minded individuals and learn from each other!

Testimonials

"In May of 2023, I joined the amazing team of marine biologists at Pacific Mammal Research as an intern and have had one of the most rewarding experiences. I am planning on continuing my academic career with a master’s degree, but I wanted to gain more field experience before jumping back into school. My time at PacMam has given me just that, and more. I got experience with taking data on observation sheets in the field and wildlife photography for harbor porpoise and harbor seal ID’s. I also was able to work on their bioacoustics project by analyzing data retrieved from their passive acoustic monitoring device. Both Cindy and Kat prioritize their interns and want everyone to get the most out of their internship at PacMam. Along with everything else, I have gained valuable advice when it comes to graduate school and my career. Thank you Cindy and Kat for your passion for science, educating your community and opening the doors for future marine scientists to gain valuable experiences and skills that they will take with them forever."

Carsen Vannoy, May - November 2023

The Details

PacMam Research Internships are part-time (12-16 hours per week) for a 3-month period, consisting of fieldwork + a data-based project.

Internship cohorts begin at the start of the month (e.g. first week of March, first week of June), and conclude at the end of the final month (e.g. last week of May, last week of August).

Three internship positions are available during each cohort period:

March - May (Spring)
June - August (Summer)
September - November (Fall)
*All 2025 cohorts are now full.
To be added to the waitlist, please email info@pacmam.org.

Fieldwork is located in Anacortes, Washington, U.S.A. Our fieldwork is land-based and weather dependent, so having some flexibility in availability during the week is strongly recommended.

Successful candidates must be willing/able to live within reasonable driving distance of Anacortes for the required 3-month duration of the internship, and should be able to commit to the full internship period. Interns must be available to begin their internships at the start of the cohort period (e.g. beginning of March).

Current data projects include:

- Harbor seal identification

- AI and photo-ID software

- Science communication

- Join Us -

Become A Research Intern!

Stay tuned for our 2026 cohorts!

Current Interns

Marynne Strobel - harbor seal AI program, harbor porpoise movements.

Andrea Segers - harbor seal identification, harbor porpoise scarring.

Shanti Nelson - social media & outreach.