MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING RESPONSE INTERNSHIP – Spring & Summer 2008

The California Wildlife Center in Malibu, California, seeks applicants for spring and summer internships working with stranded marine mammals.    These are part time 8-week internship positions beginning March 15^th (spring session – 2 positions available) and May 15^th (summer session – 2 positions available).  There is some flexibility of start dates.  The internships are unpaid positions and interns are responsible for all housing and travel expenses.  It is possible that interns may stay on the premises on a first come – first served basis (a small fee may apply).  Must have own transportation and current drivers license.

Summary/Program Description:
The California Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and sick native wildlife.  CWC fulfills this mission through marine mammal rescue, and treatment of avian and terrestrial wildlife in our rehabilitation hospital.   This internship will provide an exciting and challenging educational experience in the marine mammal field, while also allowing for additional hands-on experience with other native California wildlife.  The interns will be working closely with the Marine Mammal program staff in all aspects of stranding response, including logistics, assessment, capture/restraint, transport to the marine mammal rehabilitation facility, and public relations.   In addition, interns will provide support to CWC Hospital staff in animal husbandry tasks for avian and terrestrial wildlife.

1. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications:
The internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years of age or older. Undergraduate students and non-students alike are encouraged to apply.  If the intern intends to receive academic credit, the intern will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. Spring internships are 3 days a week, 24 hours per week for 8 weeks.  Summer internships are 4 days a week, 32 hours per week for 8 weeks.  Due to the unpredictable nature of marine mammal stranding response, interns may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours.   Interns must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.  Interns will be required to have good physical strength and the ability to lift/carry 50 lbs. Interns need to have the ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment.  Animal care and/or marine mammal experience is a plus but not required.

Under supervision of Marine Mammal staff, duties will include:
*  Answering and responding to all calls, pages and messages concerning marine mammals in a timely and courteous manner 

* Assessing stranded marine mammals

* Coordinating and leading responder team in the capture and handling of stranded marine mammals needing medical attention

* Coordinating transport of stranded marine mammals to the rehabilitation facility   

* Completion of NMFS Level A data sheets.  Maintaining detailed database records of Malibu strandings, including reports of stranding, human interaction issues, etc.    

* Assist with marine mammal necropsy and sample collection

* Ensuring marine mammal-designated equipment is kept in clean working order

* Maintaining good rapport with representatives of various public agencies

Application Process
Interested individuals must send the following:
* Cover Letter (please indicate which session [Spring or Summer] you would like to apply for)
* Resume
* Two letters of reference

Submit the above items via regular mail or email (preferred) to:
California Wildlife Center

Attn:  Cynthia Reyes

P.O. Box 2022

Malibu, California 90265

Email:  Cynthia@californiawildlifecenter.org

The application submission deadlines:

Spring Session - January 31, 2008

Summer Session - March 31, 2008

If you have any further questions, contact Cynthia Reyes at (818)222-2658 or via email at Cynthia@californiawildlifecenter.org.  If you would like to find out more about our Organization, please visit our website at http://www.californiawildlifecenter.org