Marine Mammal Conservation Internship

LOGISTICS:

Candidates must be able to demonstrate that they are legally eligible to work in the U.S. by the proposed starting date. Successful candidates will need to make their own arrangements, as needed, for housing and transportation to and from the WDC office in Plymouth, MA, USA. Please note that the cost of living for the Plymouth area is above the national average when considering this role. 

Applicants must be 18 years or older by the internship start date and fluent in English. WDC will assist interested students in obtaining credits for the program through their college or university. Candidates should be advised that WDC’s office is dog-friendly; up to three dogs may be in the office on any given day. 

Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Whale and Dolphin Conservation embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We recognize that the field of marine mammal research and conservation lacks diversity, including within our own organization. WDC is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities which represent diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

Candidates in this internship will:

• Have effective verbal and/or written communications skills
• Work well with diverse audiences and teams 
• Have an interest in education/outreach initiatives 
• Act effectively as a member of a close-knit team
• Be able to problem solve in unanticipated situations
• Have an attention to detail and follow policies and procedures
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive a large pick-up truck
• Be able to pass a background check
• Be able to lift or move heavy objects and work outside in adverse weather conditions
• Be comfortable working with deceased/decomposing animals
• Have health insurance coverage and be free of (or able to manage) medical issues aggravated by exposure to animals including their fur and bodily fluids, which could contain transmissible diseases
• Be legally able to work in the United States
• As our work sometimes includes interactions with large crowds of people as well as direct contact with wild animals, we ask that our staff be fully vaccinated (including against COVID-19) unless employee qualifies for exception under applicable law relating to disability or sincerely held religious belief. CDC communicable disease recommendations are reviewed at frequent intervals and guide the updating of WDC's protocols to keep employees safe.

Internship responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Researching and exploring potential outreach and education partnership opportunities
• Writing blogs, creating social media content, and managing program websites
• Developing outreach materials and grade school lesson plans connected to science standards
• Delivering educational programs to K-12 students as well as adults/families at community events
• Responding to stranded live and dead marine mammals in the field, including assisting with health assessments and examinations to determine cause of death
• Answering WDC’s rescue hotline and handling reports from callers
• Ensuring marine animal response preparedness by inventorying and restocking equipment, cleaning gear, fueling vehicles, etc.

The programs this internship supports are as follows:

Marine Animal Rescue and Response 

WDC’s Marine Animal Rescue and Response Program (MARR) is responsible for responding to stranded marine mammals along about 200 miles of Massachusetts coastline.

Interns will learn the skills needed to respond to pinnipeds (seals) and cetaceans (whales, porpoises, and dolphins), including standard data collection and data input (Level A and human interaction evaluations) and managing supply inventory and ordering materials.  It's important to note that stranding events are unpredictable and hands-on experience and species encountered will vary.

Education 

WDC’s formal and informal educational efforts include creating lesson plans, facilitating inquiry-based activities, making presentations, managing outreach events, and more.

Interns supporting this program will build a strong set of skills related to educational design and philosophy, public speaking and outreach, communications and marketing strategies (including social media), and contribute new ideas and plans on how to grow WDC’s educational programming.  

APPLY HERE: https://form.jotform.com/242125192039148