The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is currently accepting 
applications for a Stranding Apprentice with the Marine Mammal Rescue and 
Research team.


Background: IFAW is an international non-profit organization with its 
International Operations Center located in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, USA. 
IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Program is a federally-authorized 
response program dedicated to marine mammal stranding response on Cape Cod and 
southeastern Massachusetts.  Our mission is to promote the conservation of 
marine mammal species and their habitat by improving the rescue and humane care 
of stranded marine mammals, advancing stranding science, and increasing public 
awareness through education. This area averages about 260 strandings per year 
of live and dead seals, whales, porpoises and dolphins, and is a known “hot 
spot” for live dolphin mass strandings.



Position Description: This position is a temporary (12 month) paid internship 
with IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue & Research Program located at IFAW’s 
International Operations Center in Yarmouth Port, MA.  This position is 
designed to afford candidates new to the marine mammal field, the opportunity 
to work full-time alongside experienced marine mammal stranding responders.  
The apprentice will train directly with IFAW’s marine mammal rescue staff and 
veterinarians and will likely also have opportunities to network and learn from 
other marine mammal professionals who collaborate with IFAW.  Through practical 
experience, the apprentice will develop skills and knowledge in marine mammal 
rescue, health assessment, supportive and clinical care, necropsy, data and 
sample collection and management, and other related responsibilities. The 
Stranding Apprentice will report directly to the Assistant Coordinator - 
Necropsy, but will also take direction from other staff who will provide 
guidance and oversight on day-to-day responses, tasks, and projects as needed.



Schedule: The apprentice is scheduled 5 days per week for 8 hours each day (40 
scheduled hours per week). This will include at least one weekend day per week 
and some scheduled holidays. Additional hours may be required, and overtime pay 
will be provided. The proposed dates for this position are November 2022 - 
November 2023.



Pay Rate and Benefits:  Regular pay rate is $18/hour. Health insurance is 
offered after 3 months of employment. This position is eligible for paid 
holidays, workers’ compensation, and paid sick leave, as accrued.


Responsibilities:

*       Participate in live animal stranding events, including health 
assessment, capture, supportive and clinical care, data and sample collection, 
transport, tagging, and release

*       Participate in dead animal response, including carcass recovery, and 
field and laboratory post-mortem examinations

*       Provide coverage for IFAW’s marine mammal stranding hotline, and 
coordinate initial responses and dispatch team members

*       Assist with case data entry and tracking, including stranding event 
information, health assessments, post-mortem exams, and samples collected and 
results received

*       Ensure response and necropsy equipment is maintained and ready for use

*       Assist with intern training and leading in daily activities and during 
responses

*       Manage, inventory, and order consumable response and necropsy supplies
Required Qualifications:

*       A Bachelor’s degree in the field of biology, zoology, ecology, or 
marine/environmental/animal science (or a related field), or a veterinary 
technician degree or equivalent experience

*       Demonstrate a serious interest in pursuing a career in marine or 
veterinary science

*       Must be self‐motivated and able to work as part of a team and 
independently

*       Must be able to follow directions and protocols effectively and 
efficiently, and have strong oral and written communication skills

*       Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

*       Must be at least 18 years old and legally eligible to work in the U.S.

*       Must possess a valid driver’s license and must be able to pass DOT 
medical exam upon hiring

*       Experience with or willingness to learn driving large trucks, trailers, 
and boats

*       Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to starting position


Preferred Qualifications:

*       New to the marine mammal stranding field (ideally not more than 5 years 
post-graduation and have not previously held full time/permanent paid positions 
in the marine mammal stranding field)

*       Marine mammal handling/care or necropsy experience

*       Experience working in a field setting or demonstrated ability to work 
long hours outdoors in various weather conditions

*       Experience handling hotline calls

*       Experience working with volunteers and interacting with the public



For information on how to apply, please visit https://www.ifaw.org/careers and 
see the “Marine Mammal Rescue & Research - Stranding Apprentice” listing. 
Applications are due by September 30, 2022.


Nicole Hunter
Assistant Coordinator - Necropsy
Marine Mammal Rescue & Research
290 Summer Street
Yarmouth Port, MA 02675
United States

+1 508 743-9548 (stranding hotline)

www.ifaw.org<https://www.ifaw.org/>
[ifaw]<https://www.ifaw.org/>

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