Clearwater Marine Aquarium seeks interns for the Fall 2018 internship position. Orientation will be held August 6^th and the program will run through January 13^th, 2019. Interested applicants should review the position description below. Questions can be sent to Kerry Sanchez, Senior Rescue Biologist at Ksanchez@cmaquarium.org.

Well-qualified candidates can apply:  https://www.seewinter.com/about/internships/internship-application/

Rescue Intern Position Description

POSITION TITLE: Rescue Team Intern

REPORTS TO:  Senior Rescue Biologist, Rescue Staff

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Be comfortable around water and in extreme weather conditions (hot, humid, rain). Have the ability to lift 60 lbs, kneel, bend, and stand for periods in excess of one hour, walk, and reach. Have the ability to pass the Stranding Team swim test.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: Support the mission of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the work of the Stranding Department through attending, teaching, and developing department trainings as assigned, representing the aquarium at outreach events, and promoting stewardship of the marine environment. Interns will assist with day-to-day department functions including equipment management, monitoring the emergency Stranding Response Hotline, responding to distressed and injured marine life, and data entry.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide exceptional guest and public interaction during all stranding-related responses and in-house events.
• Assist in public outreach to promote conservation within the community.

• Communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and through written communication.
• Attend, teach, and develop department training sessions as assigned.
• Educate the public about marine conservation issues primarily related to the mission of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s target species (cetaceans, sea turtles, and North American river otters).

• Participate in operations required for 100% stranding response preparedness including equipment management, supply inventory, data management.
• Participate in the daily operations of the Stranding Department including, but not limited to, completion of checklists, conducting public stranding demonstrations, and guest programs.
• Assist monitoring the 24-hour CMA Emergency Stranding Hotline.
• Aid in the rapid response to stranded animal events and provide support rescue efforts.
• Recover carcasses, complete documentation, and sanitation of equipment.
• Maintain a flexible schedule with availability during days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Conduct behavioral observations on resident animals in conjunction with the Animal Care Departments.
• Conduct diet preparation and habitat maintenance of resident animals in conjunction with the Animal Care Departments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess comprehensive knowledge of stranding policies, Standard Operating Procedures, and day-to-day functions.
• Complete required online training as assigned.
• Complete certification for all stranding response-training modules.  
• Maintain full-time commitment to stranding department each week.
• Pass the Stranding Team swim test.  
• Demonstrate ability to educate the public about marine conservation issues primarily related to the mission of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s target species (cetaceans, sea turtles, and North American river otters).
• Demonstrate ability to operate stranding vehicles under the direction of department staff.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.

Kerry Sánchez

Senior Rescue Biologist /Education Specialist

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL  33767
 727-441-1790

www.SeeWinter.com