Spend a month on a research vessel

Bring your multimedia skills onboard the R/V Sikuliaq. A seafaring project funded by the National Science Foundation is looking for a youth media intern to sail from Nome to Dutch Harbor from August 6 to September 4.

On board, the project scientists will take sediment cores from the Bering Sea to reconstruct the animals, plants, and climate of the Bering Land Bridge. One young media-maker (18 to 24 years old) will take photos, shoot videos, and create social media posts. The intern’s final short documentary will be entered in various film festivals and contests across Alaska

The intern will collaborate with and be mentored by a media specialist from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. They will join researchers in Nome in advance of the August 6 departure to participate in public outreach events and will work with Alaska Teen Media Institute after the voyage to edit footage.

Once aboard the Sikuliaq, all staff, including the intern, will work 12-hour shifts, 7 days/week, for 29 days at sea. Daily responsibilities for the media intern include capturing photos, audio, and video of the science crew and their activities, including individual interviews with key players. The overarching goal is to document project progress and share the nature and variety of tasks performed at sea. 

The Alaska Teen Media Institute will loan the intern the necessary audio/visual equipment and train them on how to best use it. 

The media intern will earn a summer salary of $420/week during the science cruise, plus room and board on the ship, as well as $10.50/hour for time invested in training and preparation during the months of June and July, as well as time spent editing after the voyage. Benefits include student health insurance and travel to and from training sites and ports. Alaska Native students and members of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply.

Applications are due on or before Sunday, May 14. A final applicant will be notified before June 1. In your cover letter, please express why you’re interested in the position, share what you can add to the voyage, and let us know how you will fit the dates of the voyage (August 6 to September 4) in your schedule.