The Whale Museum's Stranding Network Program – Summer Internship 2018

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 per 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 and requires approximately 35-40 hours per week from June-August. Schedule will vary and involve “on call” time. There will be a variety of tasks both in the field and in an office setting. Intern will receive a small stipend. Housing is not provided, but shared housing at a reasonable cost is likely available.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with stranding response including: conducting health assessments of live seal pups in the field; tagging and monitoring harbor seals that are not collected for rehabilitation; transferring harassed or injured pups to a local rehabilitation center; conducting 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: transferring carcasses to the lab space; preparing, setting-up, and taking down necropsy supplies; organizing and archiving biological samples
• Assist with data entry and analysis for SJCMMSN as well as The Whale Museum’s marine mammal sightings network

REQUIREMENTS:
At least 18 years of age, physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs), possess a valid US driver's license and access to a mode of transportation. 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 submit a letter of interest, a resume, and three letters of recommendation. Please include what dates you are available. 
Applications accepted until March 2, 2018. Decisions will be made by April 2, 2018.

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

For more information, visit the Stranding page on our website. 

Jennifer Olson

Stranding Coordinator - Data Specialist - Collections Curator

The Whale Museum

PO Box 945

Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Office: (360) 378-4710 ext. 27

Cell: (360) 472-1852

Stranding hotline: 1-800-562-8832