Overview

This position is a temporary (12 month) paid internship with IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue and 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 and research staff and veterinarians and will likely 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. This position will also assist with database development, data curation, entry and query protocols, data analysis, and various research projects. The Stranding Apprentice will report directly to the Assistant Coordinator – Research, 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 July 2022 – July 2023.

Pay Rate and Benefits:  Regular pay rate is $16-$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:

• General Stranding Response:
  • Provide coverage for IFAW’s marine mammal stranding hotline, and coordinate initial responses and dispatch team members
  • 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
  • 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
• Data:
  • Assist staff with ongoing development of new relational database, including review of table structure, data field options, user navigation and data input for efficient and accurate data collection
  • Participate in testing of data entry and navigation for each newly built database component to identify inefficiencies, incorrect data input, or “glitches”
  • Under guidance of Assistant Coordinator – Research, draft protocols related to data entry into and navigation of the new database
  • Review historical data to clean it up and realign parameters to aid in migrating existing data records into new database
  • Work with staff and provide assistance in updating protocols, datasheets, and sample inventory lists to meet efficient and consistent data and/or research needs
  • Assist staff with data and equipment needs for research projects, reports, presentations, trainings or other projects
  • Assist with sample curation, tracking, dissemination and curation of results
  • Train and lead interns in daily data tasks
  • Curate the Pinniped Entanglement Tracking portion of the database, with input from staff

Required Qualifications:

• A degree in the field of biology, zoology, ecology, marine/environmental/animal science (or related field), veterinary technician degree, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrate a serious interest in pursuing a career in marine or veterinary science
• Date entry experience with familiarity with database curation, data quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC)
• Previous hands-on work with animals (domestic, agricultural, or wildlife)
• Must be of good physical fitness, able to swim, and lift/carry 40lbs
• Must be self‐motivated and able to work both as part of a team and independently
• Must be able to follow directions and protocols effectively and efficiently, and have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, 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 pass DOT medical exam upon hiring
• Experience with or willingness to learn driving of large trucks, trailers and boats
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to starting the 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 or care, field 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, working with volunteers and interacting with the public
• Experience with photo ID, Microsoft Access, SQL, relational databases, data curation