Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network Employment Opportunity Announcement - Stranding Technician 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. Position Title: Stranding Technician Hours: Full time - 40 hours per week. You must be willing to work flexible hours including frequent weekends and holidays. Due to the unpredictable nature of stranding response, weekly schedules will vary and may require some travel. Hourly rate range: $12 - $14/hour Location: TMMSN Galveston Rehabilitation & Research Center TMMSN is currently seeking a Stranding Technician for stranding response and research within our stranding program. Our program investigates an average of 150 cetacean strandings along the Texas coast each year. We strive to ensure the collection of consistent, high-quality data that are used to investigate marine mammal health and strandings for conservation management. This position will include response to dead marine mammal carcasses and may involve assistance with the response to live marine mammals and any subsequent rehabilitation efforts as they occur. Another important component of this position is education and outreach, both in the field and in formal settings. The Stranding Technician position encompasses a variety of tasks, both in the field, at our rehabilitation and research center, and in an office setting. Applicant training and supervision will be conducted by senior staff. This is a physically demanding position that often requires field response on unscheduled lengthy days in a variety of weather conditions. Primary Functions and Responsibilities: . Staffing a 24hr. stranding hotline . Recovery of dead marine mammal strandings including examination, data collection, tissue sampling, sample processing, and carcass disposal . First response to live marine mammal strandings (these are less common than our dead responses) . Assistance with rehabilitation patients that are admitted to the TMMSN rehabilitation center, particularly observation shifts and procedure handling . Water quality (e.g., daily testing, backwashes, pool cleaning) . Facility and equipment maintenance . Submission of complete stranding forms and photo archives . Public outreach including both formal and informal education events . Other duties as assigned Candidate Qualifications: . Bachelor's degree in biology, marine science, zoology or related program; or experience equivalent . At least 18 years of age . Knowledge and experience operating large vehicles safely; valid state of Texas driver's license . Strong written/verbal communication skills . Able to lift a minimum of 50lbs., swim, walk long distances, work in extreme hot and cold field conditions, regular bending, lifting, carrying, climbing and reaching . Ability to be on-call, work overnights, weekends, and holidays . Strong organizational skills . Proficient in basic computer programs such as the Microsoft Office Suite . Works professionally and positively with the public and volunteers . Effective time management and self-accountability . Follows directions well, works well as a team but also independently, applies problem solving techniques . Sound judgment and good decision-making skills How to Apply: Please submit the following information electronically (PDF or Word document) by September 7, 2022 at 5pm to be considered. Copies of all relevant certificates or diplomas may be requested upon interview. Contact: Heidi Whitehead, TMMSN Executive Director E-mail: hwhitehead@tmmsn.org- Include "Stranding Technician" in the Subject Line 1. 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 should be selected for this position, and d) your available start date. 2. At least two professional references- list individuals capable of commenting on your relevant professional qualifications. 3. Resume or curriculum vitae (no more than two pages) describing relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, other activities/skills or accomplishments. 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. -------------------- Heidi Whitehead Executive Director Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network 4700 Avenue U. Galveston, TX 77551 Email: hwhitehead@tmmsn.org www.DolphinRescue.org