Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Intern

Location of Position: Sealife Response, Rehabilitation, Research. Des Moines, WA Reports to: Intern Coordinator
Position Classification: Internship
Session Dates: June 16th 2025- September/October 2025 (end dates can vary)

Position Overview

The Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Intern position provides undergraduates or recent college graduates an opportunity to gain skills in the field of marine mammal rehabilitation which includes providing primary care of stranded marine mammals, assisting with post-mortem examinations, developing and conducting a marine mammal research project, medical record keeping, and the possibility of some field response. This is a three to four month long, full-time, unpaid position during the summer; we do not offer any fall or winter internship opportunities at this time. Interns are responsible for their own housing and must have reliable transportation.

Key Responsibilities

●  Work with a team of volunteers and staff to provide care for marine mammals, mostly harbor seals, including assessment, treatment and general husbandry.

●  Help with daily upkeep of all resources needed for rehabilitation, general cleaning duties and animal enclosure maintenance.

●  Learn and adhere to standards of PPE, sanitation, and quarantine as it applies to transfer of disease and parasites.

●  Prepare daily diets, administer feeds, and provide patients with environmental enrichment.

●  Perform data entry and daily records on feeds and animal behaviors.

●  Assist with exams, perform animal restraint, and administer medications and treatments.

●  Aid in conducting post-mortem examination on deceased patients to investigate causes of death

and disease processes.

●  Assist with collecting and processing of laboratory samples.

●  Develop a marine mammal research project, topic of your choosing, and present findings at the

end of the internship.

●  Participate in public education and outreach.

●  Respond to and rescue stranded animals as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

●  Must be at least 18 years of age.

●  Current student at a college or university or recent graduate with a background in marine

biology, conservation, or a related field.

●  Strong knowledge and enthusiasm for the local marine environment and ocean conservation.

●  Proficiency in using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Google docs.

●  Have your own reliable transportation.

●  Applicants must be self starters, and able to work independently and as part of a team.

●  A flexible schedule to accommodate animal care and response needs including evenings,

weekends and holidays.

●  Able to follow directions and protocols effectively.

●  Willingness to learn and participate in all aspects of work.

●  Demonstrated strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Physical Requirements

●  Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, and independently lift up to 40 pounds throughout the primarily outdoor hospital for extended periods of time in variable weather conditions.

●  Ability to physically restrain and interact with large and potentially dangerous marine mammals both in the rehabilitation hospital setting and in the field.

●  Ability to walk/cover up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis.

Work Environment

●  Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases.

●  Exposure to sharp instruments and needles.

●  Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements daily.

●  May involve strong smells associated with dead animals and the care of animals

Internship Deliverables

●  Interns will learn marine mammal handling and husbandry skills at an accelerated pace

●  Interns will be introduced to basic veterinary skills as it pertains to marine mammals

●  Interns will be able to network with established professionals in the field of marine mammal

rehabilitation

●  Interns will develop skills pertaining to marine mammal rescue

● Interns will have the opportunity to work on their research and presentation skills through their independent project

ABOUT SR3 and OUR MISSION

SR3 is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Des Moines, Washington. Our mission is to promote the health and welfare of marine wildlife in the Pacific Northwest.
For more information, please visit our website at SR3.org

TO APPLY

Applicants must submit all the following materials to apply@sr3.org with the subject line “SR3 REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP APPLICATION” to be considered for this position:
1. Cover letter outlining the...

●  applicant's interests and professional goals

●  preferred end date
2. Current resume
3. Two professional references (name, relationship to you, phone number and email). No letters of recommendation.

Application period is open January 6th, 2025 through February 3rd, 2025. Selection process and interviews will occur on a rolling basis, with notification to all applicants by March 7th, 2025