Animal Rescue Stranding Response Fellow (Grant Funded)
Location: Ocean City, MD 21842, USA
Organization: National Aquarium
Contract Type: Seasonal (Winter), Part-time, Grant Funded
Compensation: $9,600 Stipend
Main Description:
The National Aquarium Animal Rescue team rescues, rehabilitates, and releases stranded marine animals and turtles. We are offering a paid learning-based position to support stranding response based along the Atlantic Coast of Maryland, within the primary area of stranding response. The fellow will be expected to reside near the primary response area. This fellow will gain hands-on experience with stranding response, behavioral observations, marine animal triage, animal documentation, and outreach.
Competencies:
Fellows work behind the scenes supporting animal rescue operations. This position provides the opportunity to gain species-specific competencies in:
- Species Identification & Natural History
- Animal Handling, Restraint & Nutritional Support
- Quarantine Procedures, Biosecurity, & Infectious Disease Basics
- Animal Emergency Response Techniques & Documentation
- Triage Operations, Point-of-Care Diagnostics & Patient Medical Record Keeping
- Conservation Messaging and Public Outreach
Essential Functions:
- Assist with field response to emergency events involving stranded marine mammals and sea turtles
- Photo documentation of marine mammals and sea turtle sightings
- Conduct behavioral observations and monitor resting seals
- Assist animal rescue staff in triaging seals and sea turtles and preparation for transfer to long term rehabilitation
- Support the exemplary care, welfare, and final disposition to stranded marine animals, including humane euthanasia in certain cases
- Participate in restraint and medical treatment of marine animals, preparing animals for transport, necropsy, and animal releases as needed
- Assist with program-based conservation messaging and outreach
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be able to perform strenuous field activities in various weather conditions/terrains, including the ability to climb over sea wall structures and walk long distances
- Must be able to establish a comfort level working with large, wild animals and restrain a seal weighing up to 100lbs (training provided)
- Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
- A willingness to enthusiastically and patiently interact with members of the public in the field at stranding incidents
- Ability and willingness to follow established rules, safety procedures, and assigned tasks
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
- Prompt, consistent attendance
- Academic background in marine biology, environmental science, or related sciences
- Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a team
Benefits/Conditions:
- Hands-on experience with stranding response and marine animal rehabilitation
- Training in species identification, animal handling, and emergency response techniques
- Opportunity to gain competencies in triage operations and medical record keeping
- Conservation messaging and public outreach experience
How to Apply:
Interested and engaged applicants should apply through the National Aquarium website: https://nationalaquarium.my.site.com/volunteers/s/fellowship-opportunities?id=a22VY0000030TbN
All questions and requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to volunteer@aqua.org
