Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Intern (unpaid) The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting Stranding Response Intern applications for summer 2017. There are four positions available. The application deadline is March 17, 2017. Please note that all positions are non-compensatory and housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions in order to receive academic credit. Duties: • Assist in stranding response for live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field and at the Marine Animal Care Center. Work may be conducted under adverse weather conditions such as extreme heat, humidity or rain/wind. • Assist with data and sample collection. • Participate in post-mortem examinations, data collection, and disposal. • Assist in the care of animals in rehabilitation including, but not limited to: food preparation, feeding, cleaning (mopping floor, washing dirty laundry, vacuuming tanks, washing dishes, etc.), tank repairs, and other husbandry duties. • Assist in coordinating the release of rehabilitated and disentangled animals. • Assist with public outreach and education events. • Assist with volunteer and cooperator trainings. • Assist staff with daily administrative tasks including answering phones, taking messages, preparing volunteers for response, office organization, and data entry. • Develop and complete an independent, staff assigned project and 15 minute presentation for the stranding staff and volunteers • Other duties as assigned by Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response staff Qualifications: Applicants must: 1) be at least 18 years of age; 2) be comfortable with driving full-sized pick-up trucks; 3) be in good physical condition and able to lift over 25 pounds and 4) be able to work in adverse conditions. Applicants should work well both independently and as part of a team. Candidates should be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, responsible and able to take, as well as give direction. Internships are open to undergraduate and graduate students. Preference is given to students who have completed their sophomore year and are working towards credit for a degree in science. Undergraduate, graduate and post-college students are all encouraged to apply. A background in biology and familiarity with stranding response is preferred but not required. Requirements: Interns are expected to work 24 hours a week (three eight-hour days) for 10 consecutive weeks unless prior approval for breaks is approved. Some weekends and holidays may be assigned. Housing and transportation cannot be provided. Most of the animals the stranding center works with are dead (approximately 90%) and most are decomposing. The center may get 10-12 strandings per day in the peak summer season. This is a position that requires a strong nose, stomach and mental state. IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE! Please consider is before applying. A complete Stranding Response Intern/Apprentice application packet must include the following required components: • Cover Letter • Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form • (2) Letters of Recommendation (one must be from an academic instructor) • Statement of Intent: (1) page describing how the intern applicant intends to use the internship experience to assist in career or academic goals. • Resume • Official College Transcript(s) Forward your completed application packet to: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 717 General Booth Boulevard Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 Attn: Volunteer Resources Office - Intern Applicant OR email complete application packet to aquavols@virginiaaquarium.com Questions about the VAQS unpaid internship opportunity can be directed to: Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program Email: vaqstranding@gmail.com