Good Morning- The National Aquarium is seeking applicants to fill the seasonal grant funded Stranding Response Fellow position based out of our Stranding Response Center in Ocean City, Maryland. Please share this with your networks. Qualified applicants can apply at the following link: https://nationalaquarium.my.site.com/volunteers/s/fellowship-opportunities?i... Animal Rescue Stranding Response Fellow (Grant Funded) Posted: November 24, 2025 Season: Winter Schedule: Part-time Location: Ocean City, MD 21842, USA Compensation: $9,600 Stipend DESCRIPTION The National Aquarium Animal Rescue team rescues, rehabilitates, and releases stranded marine animals and turtles. We are offering a paid learning- based position to support stranding response based along the Atlantic Coast of Maryland, within the primary area of stranding response. The fellow will be expected to reside near the primary response area. This fellow will gain hands-on experience with stranding response, behavioral observations, marine animal triage, animal documentation, and outreach. Competencies Fellows work behind the scenes supporting animal rescue operations. This position provides the opportunity to gain species-specific competencies in: • Species Identification & Natural History • Animal Handling, Restraint & Nutritional Support • Quarantine Procedures, Biosecurity, & Infectious Disease Basics • Animal Emergency Response Techniques & Documentation • Triage Operations, Point-of-Care Diagnostics & Patient Medical Record Keeping • Conservation Messaging and Public Outreach ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Assist with field response to emergency events involving stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. * Photo documentation of marine mammals and sea turtle sightings. * Conduct behavioral observations and monitor resting seals. * Assist animal rescue staff in triaging seals and sea turtles and preparation for transfer to long term rehabilitation. * Support the exemplary care, welfare, and final disposition to stranded marine animals, including humane euthanasia in certain cases. * Participate in restraint and medical treatment of marine animals, preparing animals for transport, necropsy, and animal releases as needed. * Assist with program-based conservation messaging and outreach REQUIREMENTS * Must be at least 18 years of age. * Must be able to perform strenuous field activities in various weather conditions/terrains. including the ability to climb over sea wall structures and walk long distances. * Must be able to establish a comfort level working with large, wild animals and restrain a seal weighing up to 100lbs (training provided) * Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds. * A willingness to enthusiastically and patiently interact with members of the public in the field at stranding incidents. * Ability and willingness to follow established rules, safety procedures, and assigned tasks. * Enthusiasm and willingness to learn * Prompt, consistent attendance * Academic background in marine biology, environmental science, or related sciences. * Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a team. About the National Aquarium Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare. More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland. Our Mission and Goals The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution. Our Values At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission. Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability. Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change. Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues. Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization. Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, interns, and fellows. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment. In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, interns, and fellows, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of volunteering or interning, including but not limited to recruitment, placement, transfer, training, activities, and general treatment during time of service. HOW TO APPLY Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website. All questions and requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to volunteer@aqua.org<mailto:volunteer@aqua.org>. DE DESC DE Kate Shaffer Stranding Response and Triage Manager, National Aquarium KShaffer@aqua.org|www.aqua.org tel410-986-2378cell443-890-0790 Report sick or injured marinelife to our stranding hotline: 410-576-3880 National Aquarium Stranding Response Center 6405 Seabay Drive, Bldg #2600 Ocean City, MD 21842 We are a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet.