Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) is accepting applications now through February 5th, 2025 for the summer harbor seal pup season internship. This internship begins on May 6th, and concludes on August 15th, 2025. 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 encompasses marine mammal research, education, and outreach.
MMoME is seeking 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, sampling and necropsy 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 volunteers and staff to accomplish MMoME’s broad scope of work during our busiest time of year and will be required to dedicate 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. Intern housing is provided for a monthly fee. There are numerous seasonal job opportunities available in the area to supplement income, and work schedules are specifically created to enable interns to acquire a seasonal job if needed. *Key Tasks and Responsibilities:* *Stranding Response:* respond to live and dead cetacean, pinniped, and sea turtle strandings to collect Level A data, perform health assessments, monitor, relocate, or 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 daily cleaning of animal enclosures/dishes/laundry, etc., meal prep, tube-feeding, assisting with medical procedures, animal restraint for exams, running diagnostic lab samples, charting, 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 (both from the field, and rehab patients that pass), and cetaceans, archive necropsy samples, and maintain and clean necropsy equipment. *Education and Outreach:* give presentations to the public about the organization, 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 graduated within 3-4 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 full months, and be available from May 6, 2025, through August 15th, or later through October 19th, 2025. *All interns must be able to start on May 6th-no exceptions possible.* -Must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and willing/able to drive a full-size truck in urban and rural areas. -Must be able to work independently and as part of a team with other interns, volunteers, and staff, and be adaptable to a fast-paced, changing, and often 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 on a team, 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 is a plus. *How to Apply:* Please send a letter of interest which addresses *all* of 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 i...@mmome.org by 11:59 PM EST on February 5th, 2025. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Learn more at 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>*
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