Marine Mammals of Maine 2019 Summer Internship Opportunity

Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) is a non-profit organization federally authorized to respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles between Kittery and Rockland, Maine. MMoME covers some of the busiest seal stranding coastline, averaging 300 live and dead animals annually. MMoME also operates a triage and rehabilitation center which provides critical care to sick and injured pinnipeds. Additionally, our mission heavily encompasses research, education and outreach, and is dedicated to promoting environmental conservation. MMoME is offering 2 different internships for the 2019 summer harbor seal pup season.

Core Internship: seeking 6 motivated, flexible and independent interns for the months of May through August, or May through October. 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 (Harpswell), 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 night feeds. 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:

·         ANIMAL 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 rescue. 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 undergoing short, or      long-term care at the 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, cleaning, and other tasks as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

·         The internship is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled in, or recently graduated (within 2 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 13– August 15, or October 15. MUST be able to start no later than May          20^th, 2019;

·         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;

·         Individuals that are passionate, responsible, hardworking, eager to learn, flexible, able to work under little supervision, 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 Advanced Response and Care interns to start May 1^st through September 30^th (end date can be flexible). Advanced interns will also work 40-50 hours/week (4 days/week) including holidays, weekends, and night feeds. This internship is unpaid though seasonal jobs are available in the area, and housing is not provided but MMoME may be able to assist with sourcing options. The Advanced interns will carry out the same duties outlined for Core Interns, and additionally will assist staff with:

·         Obtaining and processing diagnostic samples from stranded marine mammals, as well as triage and rehabilitation pinnipeds in MMoME’s care;

·         Clinical procedures, injections, and 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 as directed by staff and veterinarian;

·         Lead volunteer and intern shifts.

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 handling marine mammals or other large wildlife.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please send a letter of interest, resume and contact information for two references to info@mmome.org by February 8th, 2019. Your application should additionally include which internship you are applying for, and the start and end dates you can commit to for that internship. We look forward to your application for this exciting experience!