Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network Employment Opportunity Announcement – Stranding Biologist

The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) is a non-profit 501C3 organization, established in 1980, dedicated to marine mammal conservation through rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education.  Our program investigates an average of 135 cetacean strandings along the Texas coast each year, with a goal of collecting consistent and high quality data for the advancement of knowledge, investigation of marine mammal health, and to inform conservation management. 

Position Title: Stranding Biologist

Hours: Full-time, partially grant-funded, salaried position. You must be willing to work on-call and flexible hours including frequent weekends and holidays. Due to the unpredictable nature of stranding response, weekly schedules are highly variable and may require adjusted days off, long hours, and real-time travel.

Location:  TMMSN Rehabilitation & Research Center, Galveston, TX

Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network is seeking an experienced biologist for marine mammal stranding response and research within our stranding program. The Stranding Biologist position will include response to stranded live and dead marine mammals ranging from rescue and rehabilitation to recovery, data collection, necropsy, and carcass disposal.  They will also assist in stranding related research, along with our dolphin photo-identification program. Another important component of this position is education and outreach, in both formal and informal settings.  The position encompasses a variety of tasks in the field, at our rehabilitation and research center, and in an office setting.  This is a physically demanding position that often requires field response on unscheduled lengthy days in a variety of extreme weather conditions. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Staffing a 24hr. stranding hotline and coordinating the appropriate response with the public or local agencies as requested
• First response to live marine mammal strandings, providing assessment, supportive care, and transport
• Recovery of dead marine mammal strandings including examination, data collection, necropsy and tissue sampling, sample intake, and carcass disposal
• Assist with rehabilitative patient care, observation, and life support
• Assist with photo-identification research and monitoring including boat-based surveys and associated data and photograph collection and analysis
• Proper maintenance and sterilization of equipment and TMMSN Rehab/Research Center
• Maintain stranding records, sample database, and photo archives
• Public outreach including both formal and informal education events, social media, and trainings
• Coordinate and supervise interns and/or volunteers
• Assist with other duties as requested

Applicant Qualifications:

• Strong background or degree in biology, marine science, zoology, or related field and 2+ years experience responding to stranded marine mammals, with a focus on cetaceans
• Knowledge of marine mammal stranding protocols and conservation issues in the U.S.
• Proficient in operating large 4WD vehicles safely (including towing 25-30ft. trailers); valid state of Texas driver’s license
• Experience with launching, retrieving, and operating small vessels
• Strong written and public speaking skills
• Able to:  lift a minimum of 50lbs., drag 100 lbs., swim, walk long distances in difficult terrain, work in extreme hot/cold field conditions, regularly squat, bend, lift, carry, and climb
• Able to be on-call, work overnights, weekends, and holidays with a highly variable and unpredictable schedule
• Dependable personal transportation for rapid response
• Tolerates strong odors
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access)
• Works professionally and positively with staff, volunteers, and public
• Effective time management and self-accountability
• Great focus and able to effectively work on multiple concurrent tasks
• Applies problem solving techniques, has sound judgment and good decision-making skills

How to Apply:

Qualified applicants should submit the following information in one electronic document (PDF or Word) via email, or mail documents in a single package to the mailing address below.

Attention: Heidi Whitehead, TMMSN Executive Director

Mailing Address: Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Attn: Heidi Whitehead, 4700 Avenue U., Galveston, TX  77551-6015. 

E-mail:  hwhitehead@tmmsn.org

1. Include your full name and “Stranding Biologist” in the Subject Line
2. Statement of Interest (brief, 250 word maximum) that describes: a) your professional interests and career goals, b) your reasons for applying for this position, c) why you feel you are qualified for the position, and d) your available start date.
3. At least three professional references- list individuals capable of commenting on your relevant professional qualifications and experience.
4. Resume or curriculum vitae (no more than two pages) describing relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, other activities/skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify.

TMMSN is an equal opportunity employer.  We are seeking to fill this position as soon as a qualified candidate is selected.  Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.  Criminal background checks and verification of references will be completed.  Copies of all relevant certificates or diplomas may be requested. 

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Heidi Whitehead
Executive Director
Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network
4700 Avenue U.
Galveston, TX  77551
832-385-7811
Email: hwhitehead@tmmsn.org
www.DolphinRescue.org