The Whale Museum's Stranding Network Program: Summer Internship 2016

The San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SJCMMSN), a program of The Whale Museum established in 1980, is authorized by NMFS to respond to all marine mammal strandings in San Juan County, WA. We typically respond to more than 200 calls of both live and deceased animals a year.  SJCMMSN is currently recruiting a San Juan Island-based intern to help respond to marine mammal strandings during our busy season. Interns and volunteers of this critical program serve as ambassadors between humans and marine mammals as well as contribute scientific data that is crucial to both human and animal health.

Internship is based in Friday Harbor, WA: approximately 35-40 hours per week, June-August; variety of tasks both in the field and in an office setting. Schedule may vary and involve “on call” time. Intern will receive a small stipend. Shared housing at reasonable cost is likely available.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with stranding response including: health assessments of live seal pups in the field; tagging harbor seals that are not collected for rehabilitation; transfer of harassed or injured pups to a local rehabilitation center; Level A examinations of dead marine mammals
• Perform first mate duties on board The Whale Museum’s stranding boat, the R/V Buzzard
• Assist with necropsies of fresh dead marine mammals including: transfer of carcass to the lab space; preparation, set-up, and take-down of necropsy supplies; organizing and archiving biological samples
• Assist with data entry and analysis

REQUIREMENTS:

At least 18 years of age, physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs), possess a valid US driver's license. Preference will be given to undergraduates or recent graduates in the marine or wildlife sciences. Animal handling and/or boating experience is preferred but not required. 

HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION:
Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references. Be sure to include what dates you can start/end. Applications accepted until March 1, 2016. Decisions will be made by April 1, 2016.

Please send application materials to:
ATTN Jennifer Olson
The Whale Museum, P.O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Or email (preferred) to: jennifer@whalemuseum.org

Jennifer Olson

Data Specialist - Stranding Coordinator - Collections Curator

The Whale Museum

Office: (360) 378-4710 ext. 27

Stranding hotline: 1-800-562-8832