Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) is currently accepting applications for two different internships for the 2020 harbor seal pup season. MMoME is a non-profit organization federally authorized to respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles between Kittery and Rockland, Maine, covering some of the busiest seal stranding activity. MMoME also operates a unique triage and rehabilitation center which provides critical care to sick and injured pinnipeds. Additionally, our mission heavily encompasses research, education and outreach.

Interns are critical in fulfilling our mission and are given the unique opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. The internship is based out of Midcoast Maine (town of Brunswick area), though travel throughout our response region and the Northeast will be necessary. Interns will be required to dedicate a minimum of 40-50 hours per week to the internship (minimum of 4 days/week), and will include holidays, weekends and late nights. This internship is unpaid, though seasonal job opportunities are available in the area. Housing is not provided but staff may be able to assist with sourcing options. 

Core Internship: seeking 4 motivated, flexible and independent interns.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
    · STRANDING RESPONSE: respond to live and dead cetacean, pinniped and sea turtle strandings to collect Level A data, perform health assessments, and monitor, relocate, collect for humane euthanasia, or rehabilitation. Carcass collection for disposal or necropsy will also be required;
    ·  IN-HOUSE PATIENT CARE: assist with all aspects relating to the care of sick, injured and abandoned pinnipeds (primarily harbor seal pups) undergoing short, or long-term care at MMoME’s center. Tasks include meal prep, tube-feeding, assisting with medical procedures, animal restraint for exams, running lab samples, medical record maintenance, cleaning, and transport to long-term care facilities;
    · NECROPSY: transport carcasses to necropsy and compost sites, assist with necropsy of fresh dead pinnipeds and cetaceans, and archive necropsy samples;
    · EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: give presentations to the public about the organization, attend outreach events, and help create educational materials;
    · OTHER TASKS: additional time during this internship will be spent on data entry, fundraising, extensive cleaning, and other tasks as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:
    · This internship is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled in, or recently graduated (within two years) from an accredited college or university (this internship is not yet designed for those pursuing DVM degrees);
    · The ideal candidate is working towards a career in marine mammal science, veterinary medicine, marine biology, environmental education, or related fields;
    · Must commit to at least three months, and be available from May 11^th to August 15^th, or October 15^th. All interns must be able to start on May 11^th.
    · Must have a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and comfortable driving a full-size truck in urban and rural areas;
    · Must be able to work independently and as part of a team, and be adaptable to a changing and unpredictable schedule;
    · Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds;
    · Individuals that are passionate, responsible, hardworking, eager to learn, flexible, able to work under little supervision, able to work well with others as a   team member, and detail oriented are encouraged to apply;
    · Preference given to individuals with a demonstrated interest in marine mammals, and are specifically interested in marine mammal response, rescue, and care. Previous marine mammal experience or animal husbandry a plus.

Advanced Marine Mammal Internship: MMoME is seeking two Advanced Interns to start May 4^th through September 30^th (end date can be flexible, but start date cannot be flexible). The Advanced Interns will carry out the same duties outlined for Core Interns, and additionally will assist staff with:
    · Obtaining and processing biological and diagnostic samples from stranded marine mammals, as well as from triage and rehabilitation pinnipeds in      MMoME’s care;
    · Clinical procedures, injections, and intravenous fluid therapy;
    · Dispensing oral medications as directed by MMoME staff and veterinarian;
    · After-hours medical care of triage or rehab patients in need of extended critical care.

Requirements listed above for Core Internship apply for Advanced Interns, in addition to:
    · Must be either a 4^th year (or more) undergraduate student, a recent graduate within the last 4 years, or actively enrolled in a graduate program;
    · Must have prior experience working directly with marine mammals, or experience working in a clinical setting with other wildlife;
    · Must have demonstrated experience physically handling marine mammals or other wildlife.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please send a letter of interest, resume and contact information for two references to info@mmome.org by 11:59 am February 3^rd, 2020. Applications must include which internship you are applying for (please pick either advanced, or core), and the start and end dates you can commit to. For more information on MMoME and our internship program, visit https://mmome.org/summer-internship/. We look forward to your application for this exciting experience!