Stranding Response Apprentice

This position is a temporary (12-month) paid internship

IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue Program is a federally-authorized response program dedicated to marine mammal stranding response on Cape Cod and in southeastern Massachusetts. Our mission is to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat by improving the rescue and humane care of stranded marine mammals, advancing stranding science, and increasing public awareness through education. This area averages about 356 strandings per year of live and dead seals, whales, porpoises, and dolphins, and is a known “hot spot” for live dolphin mass strandings.

Position Description:

This position is a temporary (12-month) paid internship with IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue 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 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. The Stranding Apprentice will report directly to the Animal Care Program Manager, 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 Jan 2026 – Dec 2026.

Pay Rate and Benefits:

Regular pay rate is $17/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:
o Provide coverage for IFAW’s marine mammal stranding hotline, and coordinate initial responses and dispatch team members
o Participate in live animal stranding events, including health assessment, capture, supportive and clinical care, data and sample collection, transport, tagging, and release
o Participate in dead animal stranding response, including carcass recovery and field and laboratory post-mortem examinations
o Participate in small cetacean rehabilitation at IFAW’s Cetacean Intensive Care Unit within the Dolphin Rescue Center, as opportunities arise
o Assist with case data entry and tracking, including stranding event information, health assessments, post-mortem exams, and samples collected and results received
o Help to maintain response and necropsy equipment
o Assist with staff projects, as assigned
 

Required Qualifications:
• A Bachelor’s degree in the field of biology, zoology, ecology, marine/environmental/animal science (or related field), a veterinary technician degree, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrate a serious interest in pursuing a career in marine or veterinary science
• 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 and 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

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 on difficult terrains and in various weather conditions
• Experience handling hotline calls, working with volunteers and interacting with the public
• Previous hands-on work with animals (domestic, agricultural, or wildlife)

Please submit a resume and cover letter by COB December 3, 2025

IFAW is a non-profit organization that saves individual animals, animal populations, and habitats all over the world.