IMMS (Institute for Marine Mammal Studies) Animal Care internship The IMMS Animal Care Internship Program is designed as a way for students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist interns in suggesting suitable housing and locations. Positions are limited. IMMS reserves the right to end an internship at any time. Eligibility Requirements Interns must be: . 18 years or older. . A recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences. . Willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position. . Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. . Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. . Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours on your feet, and work outside in extreme conditions. . Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. . Financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, though IMMS staff will do their best to assist you in making arrangements. . Able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations. Duties: The IMMS animal care staff is in charge of caring for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, parrots, and a small collection of reptiles and amphibians. Sea lions are expected soon. Interns will work directly with animal care staff and be exposed to all aspects of the daily routine. Heavy emphasis is placed on basic tasks such as food preparation, and daily cleaning and facility maintenance. Interns will learn how to train animals with operant conditioning through observation and may assist during sessions. Interns will also learn how to feed, care for, and interact with sea turtles and parrots. Enrichment is very important to the well-being of our animals and interns will be asked to design and implement an enrichment device for our dolphins and/or birds. Because we want interns to have a well rounded experience, they will also be asked to assist in other departments. Interns may participate as 1) environmental educators and assist in giving presentations to the public, 2) research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin based research studies, or 3) emergency responders as IMMS is part of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. At completion of the season, interns will be asked to complete an exit evaluation. Please check the FAQ link, as it may answer other questions you may have. To Apply - Please visit our website at http://www.imms.org/internship.php#2 Kelly Pulis Marine Mammal Trainer Rescue and Rehab Specialist Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane Gulfport, MS 39502 Website: www.IMMS.org