*Marine Mammals of Maine 2023 Summer Internship Announcement* Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) is accepting applications for our summer harbor seal pup season internship, now through January 31st, 2023. MMoME is a non-profit organization federally authorized to respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles between Kittery and Rockland, Maine, covering some of the busiest seal stranding activity on the East Coast. MMoME also operates a unique triage and rehabilitation center which provides critical care to nearly 50 sick and injured pinnipeds annually. Additionally, our mission and work heavily encompass marine mammal research, education, and outreach. MMoME is seeking up to six motivated, flexible, positive, and independent interns who will be given the unique opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. Interns will learn marine mammal field health assessment, handling, basic husbandry and clinical care of pinnipeds, as well as Level A data collection, necropsy, and sampling of deceased marine mammals. The internship is based out of Midcoast Maine (town of Brunswick), though travel throughout our response region and New England will be necessary. Interns will work as a team alongside veterinary preceptors and volunteers to accomplish MMoME’s broad scope of work during our busiest time of year and will be required to dedicate a minimum of 40-50 hours per week to the internship (approximately 4 days/week). These hours will include holidays, weekends, late nights and early mornings. This internship is unpaid, though many seasonal job opportunities are available in the area. Housing is not provided but staff may be able to assist with sourcing options. *Key Tasks and Responsibilities:* *Stranding Response:* respond to live and dead cetacean, pinniped, and sea turtle strandings to collect Level A data, perform health assessment, and monitor, relocate, and collect for rehabilitation or humane euthanasia. Carcass collection for disposal or necropsy will also be required. *Patient Care:* assist with all aspects relating to the care of sick, injured, and abandoned pinnipeds (primarily harbor seal pups) undergoing short, or long-term care at MMoME’s center. Tasks include extensive cleaning, meal prep, tube-feeding, assisting with medical procedures, animal restraint for exams, running lab samples, charting and medical record maintenance, and patient transport to other long-term care facilities. *Necropsy:* transport carcasses to necropsy and compost sites, assist staff with necropsy of fresh dead pinnipeds and cetaceans, archive necropsy samples, and maintain and clean necropsy equipment. *Education and Outreach:* give presentations to the public about the organization and our work, attend outreach and fundraising events, and help create educational materials. *Other Tasks:* Additional time will be spent on data entry, fundraising, lots of cleaning, and other tasks as needed. *Internship Requirements:* - Must be 18 years of age or older to apply. This internship is open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, or recently graduated within 2 years from an undergraduate program. -The ideal candidate is working towards a career in marine mammal science, veterinary technology, marine biology, environmental education, or a related field. -Must commit to at least three months, and be available from May 8, 2023 through August 18th, or October 20th, 2023. *All interns must be able to start on May 8th.* -Must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, a reliable vehicle, and comfortable driving a full-size truck in urban and rural areas. -Must be able to work independently and as part of a team with other veterinary and non-veterinary interns and be adaptable to a fast-paced, changing and unpredictable schedule. -Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and be in good physical shape. -Individuals that are passionate, responsible, hardworking, eager to learn, flexible, able to work under minimal supervision, able to work well with others as a team member, and detail-oriented are encouraged to apply. -Preference given to individuals with a demonstrated interest in marine mammals and are specifically interested in marine mammal response and care. Previous marine mammal experience or animal husbandry a plus. *How to Apply:* Please send a letter of interest which addresses the following questions: 1. Why you would like to be considered for this internship 2. How you meet the requirements 3. What your expectations of this internship are 4. What you hope to gain from this internship 5. The start and end dates you can commit to Your application must also include a resume and one professional letter of recommendation. Completed applications can be sent to info@mmome.org by 11:59 PM EST on January 31st, 2023. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Learn more at MMoME's website by visiting www.mmome.org. We look forward to your application for this exciting and unique experience! *Dominique Walk* *Assistant Stranding Coordinator* *Marine Mammals of MaineOffice: 207-844-8718* *Reporting Hotline: 1-800-532-9551* *www.mmome.org <http://www.mmome.org>*