Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) is a relatively new non-profit organization federally authorized to respond to live and dead marine mammals between Kittery and Rockland, Maine. MMoME covers some of the busiest seal stranding coastline during the summer months, totaling nearly 300 live and dead animals annually. In 2016, MMoME received authorization to temporarily hold sick and injured seals for stabilization before transport to long term care centers-the first and only triage facility on the east coast. MMoME’s mission also heavily encompasses education and outreach to many different interest groups, addressing our growing human interaction numbers, and increase awareness of marine mammals, environmental conservation, and the organization.

MMoME is seeking 4 motivated, flexible and independent interns for the months of May through August, or through October, to assist with our busiest time of year-harbor seal pupping. Interns and volunteers are critical in fulfilling our mission, and are given the unique opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. The internship is based out of midcoast Maine (specifically Harpswell), though travel throughout our response region and rehabilitation centers in the Northeast will be necessary. Interns must be adaptable and comfortable with an unpredictable and changing work day as stranding response and temporary care frequently change. Interns will be required to dedicate at least 20 hours per week to the internship, and will be required to work during holidays, weekends, and late hours. This internship is unpaid, though Maine’s busy summer tourist industry offers many seasonal job opportunities for interns looking to supplement their income. 

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         ANIMAL RESPONSE: on-call for live and dead marine mammal stranding response to collect Level A data, perform health assessments, and monitor, relocate, or rescue as triage and rehabilitation resources allow. Carcass collection for disposal or necropsy will also be required.

·         TEMPORARY CARE OF SEALS: assist with all aspects relating to the care of sick, injured and abandoned pinnipeds undergoing stabilization before transport to long-term care facilities. Tasks range from meal prep, tube-feeding, assisting with medical procedures, animal restraint for exams, running lab samples, medical record maintenance, cleaning, and transport to long term care facilities.

·         NECROPSY: participate in necropsy of fresh dead seals and cetaceans, and help transport carcasses to partner organizations assisting MMoME with necropsy.

·         EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: assist with giving presentations to interest groups about the organization, our mission and work, as well as help create educational tools and materials.

·         INDEPENDENT PROJECT: each intern will design an independent project relating to education/outreach, a research project using existing MMoME data and/or specific data collected throughout the summer, fundraising projects, social media/technology, outreach or other aspects of marine mammal response and care or non-profit work of interest.

·         OTHER TASKS: data entry, assistance with fundraising events, and other tasks as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

·         The internship is open to students who are currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university (unfortunately, this internship is not yet designed for those seeking advanced animal medical degrees).

·         Preference given to students/recent graduates working towards biology, environmental studies, marine science, marine mammal science, education, or other related fields.

·         Individuals that are passionate, responsible, hardworking, willing to learn, flexible, able to work under little supervision, and detail oriented are encouraged to apply.

·         Must be able to work independently and as part of a team, and be adaptable to a changing and unpredictable schedule due to the nature of stranding response.

·         Must commit to at least three months, and be available from at least May 15 – August 15. Due to timing of pup season, beginning of May through October is preferred.

·         Must have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle, and comfortable driving a full size truck in urban and rural areas.

·         Preference given to individuals with a demonstrated interest in marine mammals, are specifically interested in marine mammal response, rescue, and care, previous marine mammal experience a plus.

 

HOW TO APPLY:
Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references as well as the dates you are available to info@mmome.org by February 15^th. Interviews will be conducted shortly after.