*Resident Seal Rehabilitation Internship* We have several intern positions that have opened up at a Seal Rescue Centre in Ireland to start as soon as possible, ideally starting in early May. We are looking for volunteer interns who are able to commit to a minimum of 3 - 4 months. *Preference will be given to applicants who can commit to 6 months or more.* Seal Rescue Ireland is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of both Grey and Common (or Harbour) Seals, found in difficulty around Ireland’s coast (often due to sickness, parasites, injury or orphaned). We also take in occasional other Irish wildlife in need such as sea birds and Otters. ***Job description:*** The resident volunteer interns will participate in hands-on animal care of seals in rehabilitation; coordinating rescues and releases; keeping accurate detailed records; maintaining animal facilities, including hospital units and pools; maintaining and cleaning public facilities; and giving tours and actively interacting with the public. The work hours are long (9-12 hours) and physically demanding. The volunteers work 5 days a week, with two days off. Volunteers are required to have an advanced level of English, in both speaking and comprehension. *** Responsibilities/duties will include (but are not limited to)*** The volunteers will report to the seal managers and will be trained in: - Food preparation - Safe animal handling and restraining - Tube feeding, force feeding, hand feeding seals - Natural history of harbour and grey seals - Record keeping - Administration of injections and oral medications - Assisting in rescues and releases nationwide - General cleaning duties of animal and public facilities - Hygiene and quarantine protocols to prevent the spread of disease etc. - Assisting veterinarians in surgical and medical cases when required - Running the visitor’s centre, providing guided tours and engaging with the public - Caring for other wildlife casualties when necessary ***Qualifications:*** 20 years or older, advanced level of English comprehension and speaking and have an avid interest in marine mammal care and rehabilitation. Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience in animal care. * **Skills/Experience:*** - Experience in handling wildlife preferred - Excellent organisational and communication skills - Ability to work under pressure - A commitment to wildlife, conservation and volunteer work - Flexible and reliable working attitude - Willingness to work long hours outdoors in Irish weather - Experience in interacting with the public / public speaking - Education experience - Able to lift 20kg and be in good physical shape - Be enthusiastic and eager to help and learn We are looking for dedicated, flexible, enthusiastic volunteers, who are able to work and live within a small team and who are self-motivated, show initiative and able to work without constant supervision. We provide accommodation and groceries, for which we request a contribution of EUR €70 per week. Interns are accepted internationally and are responsible for their own transportation to and from Ireland. Collection from the airport and in country support is provided. *To apply for this position:* For further information and to receive an application form please contact sealrescueireland@gmail.com Or you can also download an application from our website ( http://www.sealrescueireland.org/volunteers/), and email the filled in form to above email address. Kind regards, Ally McMillan -- Seal Manager +353 (0)87 195 5393