Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) is now accepting applications through February 3^rd for the summer 2021 harbor seal pup season internship. 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 on the East Coast. MMoME also operates a unique triage and rehabilitation center which provides critical care to sick and injured pinnipeds. Additionally, our mission heavily encompasses marine mammal research, education, and outreach.

MMoME is seeking up to 4 motivated, flexible, positive, and independent interns who will be given the unique opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. Interns will learn marine mammal field health assessment, handling, basic husbandry and clinical care of pinnipeds, as well as Level A data collection, necropsy, and sampling of deceased marine mammals. The internship is based out of Midcoast Maine (town of Brunswick area), though travel throughout our response region and New England will be necessary. Interns will work as a team alongside veterinary preceptors to accomplish MMoME’s broad scope of work during our busiest time of year, and will be required to dedicate a minimum of 40-50 hours per week to the internship (minimum of 4 days/week). These hours will include holidays, weekends, and late nights and early mornings. 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. 

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, and collect for humane euthanasia or rehabilitation. Carcass collection for disposal or necropsy will also be required;

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 primarily cleaning, but also meal prep, tube-feeding, assisting with medical procedures, animal restraint for exams, running lab samples, medical record maintenance, and transport to other long-term care facilities;

NECROPSY: transport carcasses to necropsy and compost sites, assist staff with necropsy of fresh dead pinnipeds and cetaceans, archive necropsy samples, and maintain and clean necropsy equipment; 

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: give presentations to the public about the organization, attend outreach events, and help create educational materials;

OTHER TASKS: additional time will be spent on data entry, fundraising, extensive cleaning, and other tasks as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:
-Must be 18 years of age or older to apply. This internship is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled in, or recently graduated (within two years) from an accredited college or university;
-The ideal candidate is working towards a career in marine mammal science, veterinary technology, marine biology, environmental education, or related field;
-Must commit to at least three months, and be available from May 10^th to August 15^th, or October 15^th. All interns must be able to start on May 10^th , preference given to those that can stay through the end of August or later.
-Must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, 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 with other veterinary and non-veterinary interns, 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 minimal 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 and care. Previous marine mammal experience or animal husbandry a plus.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please send a letter of interest which addresses the following questions: why you would like to be considered for this internship, how you meet the requirements, what your expectations are of this internship, what you think MMoME’s expectations are of interns, what you hope to gain from this internship and the start and end dates you can commit to. Your application must also include a resume and one professional letter of recommendation. Completed applications can be sent to info@mmome.org by 11:59 PM EST February 3^rd, 2021. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For more information on MMoME and our internship programs, visit https://www.mmome.org/internship/. We look forward to your application for this exciting experience!