Volunteer: California!

MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING RESPONSE INTERNSHIP - Spring & Summer 2010

The California Wildlife Center in Malibu, California, seeks applicants for spring and summer internships working with stranded marine mammals. These are part time 8-week internship positions beginning March 15th (Spring session) and May 15th (Summer session). There is some flexibility of start dates. These internship positions are unpaid.

Summary/Program Description:

The California Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and sick native wildlife. CWC fulfills this mission through marine mammal rescue, and treatment of avian and terrestrial wildlife in our rehabilitation hospital.

This internship will provide an exciting and challenging educational
experience in the marine mammal field, while also allowing for additional hands-on experience with other native California wildlife. The interns will be working closely with the Marine Mammal program staff in all aspects of stranding response, including logistics, assessment, capture/restraint,transport to the marine mammal rehabilitation facility, and public relations. In addition, interns will provide support to CWC Hospital staff in animal husbandry tasks for avian and terrestrial wildlife.

Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications:

- The internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years of age or older. Undergraduate students and non-students alike are encouraged to apply.

- If the intern intends to receive academic credit, the intern will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions.

- Spring internships are 3 days a week, minimum 24 hours per week for 8 weeks.
- Summer internships are 4 days a week, minimum 32 hours per week for 8 weeks.

- Due to the unpredictable nature of marine mammal stranding response, interns may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours.

- Interns must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.

- Interns will be required to have good physical strength and the ability to lift/carry 50 lbs. Interns need to have the ability to
multitask and work in a fast paced environment.

- Animal care and/or marine mammal experience is a plus but not required. Applicant must demonstrate proof of negative TB test within the past year and a current tetanus vaccination.

Under supervision of Marine Mammal staff, duties will include:

- Answering and responding to all calls, pages and messages concerning
marine mammals in a timely and courteous manner
- Assessing stranded marine mammals
- Coordinating and leading responder team in the capture and handling of stranded marine mammals needing medical attention
- Coordinating transport of stranded marine mammals to the rehabilitation facility
- Completion of NMFS Level A data sheets. Maintaining detailed database records of Malibu strandings, including reports of stranding, human interaction issues, etc.
- Assist with marine mammal necropsy and sample collection
- Ensuring marine mammal-designated equipment is kept in clean working order
- Maintaining good rapport with representatives of various public agencies

Housing/Transportation:

Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. Must have own transportation and current drivers license. Very limited on-sire housing is available (i.e., up to 2 individuals at a time). All individuals selected for on-site housing, regardless of Session, will be required to complete 40 hours/week.

Application Process:

Interested individuals must send the following:

* Letter of intent
* Resume
* Two letters of reference

Your letter of intent must state the Session you are applying for and detail interests, experience, housing accommodations and availability.

Submit the above items via regular mail or email (preferred) to:

California Wildlife Center
Attn: Cynthia Reyes
P.O. Box 2022
Malibu, California 90265
Email: Cynthia@californiawildlifecenter.org

If you would like to find out more about our Organization, please visit our website at http://www.californiawildlifecenter.org