🐋 Cetacean apprenticeship in California: Marine mammal rescue + research ($20-23/hr + housing)
CETACEAN CONSERVATION BIOLOGY APPRENTICE
Location:
Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California
Organization:
The Marine Mammal Center
Contract Type:
Temporary, full-time position through April 30, 2026 (continuation contingent upon renewed funding)
Main Description:
Intensive hands-on apprenticeship providing comprehensive introduction to community-powered conservation with strong emphasis on cetacean biology and inclusive engagement. Position hosted within one of the world's largest marine mammal stranding response programs, supporting both scientific research and community outreach efforts focused on cetacean conservation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Research & Data Collection (70%): Support offshore and coastal boat-based cetacean surveys, photo-identification, drone operations, vessel preparation, visual materials creation, whale entanglement response documentation
- Volunteer Coordination (20%): Lead shore-based volunteer coordination across San Francisco Bay, training in field data collection and data analysis using ArcGIS and R
- Other Duties (10%): Research meetings, special projects, collaborative research participation
Requirements:
- Essential: Passion for marine and environmental conservation, knowledge of marine mammal biology basics
- Experience: Marine mammal data collection methods including photo-ID, equipment operation abilities
- Skills: Microsoft Office applications, data visualization programs (ArcGIS, R preferred), team collaboration
- Physical: Swimming ability, vessel operation, boat crew service, withstanding harsh weather, walking up to 5 miles, lifting up to 50 pounds
- Licenses: Valid driver's license, FAA Part 107 license preferred, California boater card preferred
- Health: COVID-19 vaccination proof, ability to manage seasickness, exposure to allergens/zoonotic diseases
Benefits/Conditions:
- Salary: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
- Schedule: Wednesday – Sunday, regular weekend work required
- Housing: May be available
- Benefits: Medical, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, 401k retirement plan
- Time off: Generous policies including holidays, sick leave, vacation
- Travel: Field sites within California
- Additional: Employee assistance program
How to Apply:
Application deadline: June 15, 2025
Required documents: Cover letter (mandatory) and resume with brief description of relevant experience alignment
Apply online: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3295709/Marine-Mammal-Center/Cetacean-Conservation-Biology-Apprentice?source=Conservation%20Job%20Board
Note: Applications without cover letter will not be considered. The organization strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups and provides equal opportunity employment.
Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations available during application/interview process upon request.
About the organization: The Marine Mammal Center leads ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education, with strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
