Sharks And Rays Australia (SARA) is seeking to fill the following positions:

  • One social media intern, to look after our facebook page. You will support our team in science communication. You will help us communicate, our work, what is happening at SARA and news from the world of sharks, rays and above all sawfishes. Start date January 2023.Our social media interns will be responsible for content creation for one of our three platforms (@SharksAndRaysAU on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), thus supporting our existing science and social media team. Content sourcing, and creating content from existing materials will also fall in the intern’s responsibilities. Creation of ads is outside of the scope of this role.
  • One video editor / content creator. You will help us create informative short videos from clips that we have filmed during our work. Start date January 2023.
  • Two research / conservation volunteers. Start date January 2023. As volunteers, you will help us with various research/ conservation related tasks. The tasks you will be helping with depend on your location. For example, if Cairns-based you will be helping us with DNA sampling of saws, shipments of display cases. If based somewhere else, you will help with online data collection of historic sawfish sightings, and data entry from fieldwork.

Our core values and mission:  At SARA we believe that long-term conservation goals can only be achieved if they are based on sound science, public outreach and an inclusive model of implementation, i.e. working with local stakeholders. SARA aims to not just produce science in the ‘ivory tower’ but to involve the general public in our sawfish and shark research expeditions. In many ways, it is ultimately up to local communities to look after the incredible species that share the natural world with us.

Our current work:  At SARA, we like to think outside the box. Our current main study species, sawfish, are the most endangered of all sharks and rays globally, but they are much more than that. These large animals (up to 7m length) are culturally important to many Indigenous groups, and they were once amongst the most abundant large predators in tropical coastal, inshore and freshwater regions of our planet. Sitting somewhere between charismatic and dangerous megafauna, the work done by our principal scientist, collaborators, students, field assistants, interns, and volunteers ensures that these animals don’t quietly go extinct, and will remain a vital part of Northern Australia’s ecosystems.

Our creative, outcome-oriented, and dynamic work environment allows the creation and implementation of real-world conservation concepts that unite people with a common idea and goal.

  • SARA is currently the only Australian organisation that allows paying field assistants to participate in shark and ray research expeditions, and gain hands-on research experience. Field work is led by our scientists and conducted in close collaboration with Aboriginal Land and Sea Rangers, and sometimes with commercial fishers, thus uniting all of us during intensive tagging workups of large animals.
  • Our citizen science project turns members of the public into sawfish spotters by turning old trophy saws into messengers for conservation. Cases inform the public about sawfish biology, possible threats, and safe release methods. Our sawfish display cases and info boards can be seen at 60 locations (and growing) across Queensland.

Our social media interns will be responsible for content creation for one of our three platforms (@SharksAndRaysAU on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), thus supporting our existing science and social media team. Content sourcing, and creating content from existing materials will also fall in the intern’s responsibilities. Creation of ads is outside of the scope of this role.

These positions are unpaid, as we currently do not have funding for them. However, in order to gain understanding of the work that we do, you will very likely be able to join one of our field trips in 2023 at a discount (details to be worked out individually). Your internship will also result in a letter of recommendation from our Principal Scientist and Director. Additional perks include: SARA merchandise and opportunity to travel to sharky events.

If interested please send a cover letter and CV to hello@saw.fish attn: Dr Barbara Wueringer. The cover letter should contain the following information:

  • Statement of interest: Why are you interested in this position?
  • Which intern position you are interested in
  • Availability (e.g. one semester, 1 year)
  • Number of hours per week you would like to commit to
  • Where you are based
  • Social media intern only: Your strategy to find info for creating exciting posts. 2-3 sample posts

Please note that where you are based will not affect our decision.