Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network Employment Opportunity Announcement – Assistant Stranding Coordinator (Full-time)

February 23, 2015:

The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) is a non-profit 501C3 organization dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals through rescue and rehabilitation, research and education, along the Texas coast.

Position: Assistant Stranding Coordinator

Hours: Flexible hours including some weekends and holidays

Application Deadline: March 1, 2015

TMMSN is currently seeking a full-time Assistant Stranding Coordinator for our marine mammal stranding program. Our program investigates marine mammal strandings along the Texas coast and collects information that is important to the advancement of knowledge and conservation of marine mammals (primarily cetaceans).

The Assistant Stranding Coordinator position is a full-time temporary position without benefits that will work out of our Rehabilitation and Research Center in Galveston, TX. This position encompasses a variety of tasks, both in the field and in an office setting. Due to the unpredictable nature of stranding response work, weekly schedules may vary.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Assistance with:

· First response to live marine mammal strandings, transports, live animal feeds, and rehab observation shifts

· 24hr. stranding hotline coverage

· Rehabilitation pool water quality

· Recovery of dead marine mammal strandings in assigned area of coverage as needed including examination, data collection, necropsy, and tissue sampling according to TMMSN sampling protocol

· Proper maintenance and sterilization of equipment following response

· Coordinate disposal of marine mammal carcasses according to TMMSN protocol (e.g., scheduling rendering, burial, transport, etc.)

· Submission of complete stranding forms, photo uploads, and 24 hr. reporting forms in a timely manner (i.e., within 24 hrs. of stranding)

· Stranding database

· Maintain electronic sample database for frozen and fixed samples including chain of custody management

· Maintain organization of necropsy laboratory and supply inventory

· Responsible for training and supervision of volunteers while in the field

· Responsible for assistance with equipment and vehicle maintenance

· Assistance with research projects

· Communicates with the public or local agencies for coordination of response as needed

· General office duties

· Public outreach including fundraising events and education programs

QUALIFICATIONS:

Physically fit, able to lift a minimum of 50-75 lbs., swim, walk long distances, work in hot and cold field conditions, tolerate strong odors
Ability to be on-call 24hrs
Ability to drive large 4WD truck and tow a large (25-30ft.) trailer
Preference given to applicants with the ability to operate personal watercraft, small boats, and ATV’s, including launching and retrieval
Valid state of Texas driver’s license
Proficient in basic computer programs such as the Microsoft Office Suite; particularly Microsoft Excel
Works professionally with the public and volunteers
Background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology or a related field

OTHER:

MUST be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends, and holidays. This position can require long days, including late night and early morning hours. Please understand that the level of stranding activity is not only physically demanding but can also be extremely unpredictable. As a result, there are no guarantees about the number of animals or species we will encounter. In addition, much of the work related can be classified as unpleasant due to the condition of the marine mammals found.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit the following information electronically (PDF or Word document) by March 1st, 2015 to:

Contact: Heidi Whitehead, Executive Director

E-mail: hwhitehead@tmmsn.org- Include “Assistant Stranding Coordinator” in Subject Line

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 availability in terms of flexible hours.
At least two professional references- list individuals capable of commenting on your professional qualifications.
Resume or curriculum vitae (no more than two pages) describing relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, other activities you have been involved in, and other skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify.

Please no phone calls regarding the position. Criminal background checks and verification of references will be completed.

Heidi R. Whitehead

Executive Director

Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network

4700 Avenue U.

Galveston, TX 77551

409.740.2200 voice

409-740-2207 fax