California Wildlife Center (CWC) - Seasonal Marine Program Assistant (MPA).  California Wildlife Center is located in Malibu, California, and responds to reports of stranded marine mammals 365 days a year.  Our on-site rehabilitation facility, serving California sea lions and Northern elephant seals, is active from January through July, the busiest stranding months.

Summary:  This is a full-time, seasonal, hourly position. The Seasonal Marine Program Assistant (MPA) is an experienced marine mammal rehabilitative care provider, who works under the supervision of the Marine Program Manager, Stranding Coordinator, and often without supervision. This position is scheduled from February through July 2024. 

                                 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned): 

• Perform all duties of a marine mammal rehabilitator including, but not limited to large animal restraint, patient intakes, oversee and perform general husbandry tasks of marine mammal patients, administer medication and fluid therapies, gavage feeding of seals and sea lions, assist with patient releases, maintain all rehabilitation equipment and enclosures. 
• Provide CWC marine mammal program support. 
• Provide marine animal response, rescue, and transport. 
• Facilitate volunteer and intern training and leadership. 
• Works with Marine Program staff to assess stranded marine mammal as soon as possible. 
• Utilize a tracking system for animals placed on 24-hour watch. 
• Transport of stranded marine mammals to the appropriate rehabilitation facility. 
• Manage maintenance of assigned equipment. 
• Establish and maintain good rapport with representatives of various public agencies and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. 
• Assist in the response and collection of dead-stranded marine mammals. 
• Perform the occasional rescue of injured terrestrial wildlife (mostly birds) in the surrounding areas.  
• Responsible for closely supervising up to four volunteers/interns per shift, ensuring that all safety guidelines are followed while performing rescues, completing husbandry tasks, and providing care for all patients.  

Supervisory Responsibilities                                                      

 

Oversee teams of up to four people per shift.  Works with the Marine Program Manager to provide a safe environment for interns and volunteers to perform and expand their skillsets.  

 

Experience and Requirements:   

• Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and be comfortable driving a 12-person van (Ford Transit VN) and a Ford F-150 extended cab pickup truck. 
• Must be able to work cooperatively with co-workers, volunteers, interns, and the public. 
• Must be able to work quickly, efficiently, and calmly under stressful conditions. 
• Must be able to efficiently handle multiple responsibilities. 
• Must possess good verbal and written communication skills. 
• Upon hire, must pass a background check and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. 
• Commitment to professionalism.  
  
  
  Desired qualifications:  

• Two years’ direct experience in pinniped rehabilitation and husbandry. 
• BA/BS or higher degree (preference given to marine biology fields of study). 
• Excellent public relations skills. 

For more information or to apply, please visit our website https://cawildlife.org/employment/