Marine Mammal Internship

Summary:

The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Marine Mammal section of the Husbandry Department is responsible for the daily management, care, and achievement of research goals associated with the mammal collection.  Animals under the department's care include: Steller sea lions, spotted seals, harbor seals and ringed seals.  Several of these Alaskan species are exclusively housed at a few, select facilities in North America. Successful interns will build a solid foundation of knowledge and experience with animal husbandry and positive reinforcement training.  Limited hands-on opportunities may be presented to exceptional candidates. This internship may involve handling extreme cold and wet weather of an Alaskan winter.

As the successful candidate for this unpaid internship, you will learn and gain experience at a world-class, AZA accredited facility in basic animal care and husbandry techniques. The individual will assist in the daily care and maintenance of the Center’s resident marine mammal collection and marine mammal exhibits.  Under guidance of mammal husbandry professionals, the intern will be trained and expected to perform the essential duties.

Education / Experience:

Pursuing a degree in the biology/psychology/science field. Minimal animal experience not required but preferred.

Essential Duties:

• Preparing daily animal diets and participating in daily cleaning and husbandry tasks
• Upholding related USDA and AZA standards including food preparation, staff areas, animal areas involving lifting, pushing, carrying, and pulling up to 50 lbs of animal food and equipment and working in outdoor areas in potentially harsh weather conditions
• Developing and maintaining good communication skills including radio use
• Maintaining written and computerized records
• Observing routine veterinary exams
• Learning about seal and sea lion social dynamics, natural histories, medical and husbandry care to support optimal welfare of the mammal collection
• Making daily observations and noting the behavior, health, and condition of the mammal collection
• Assisting with front-of-house operations including guest engagement and interpretation
• Participating in daily educational talks, tours, and/or encounters while developing public speaking skills for small and large groups
• Assisting the mammal staff during current research projects and data collection
• Assisting in unloading larger deliveries of frozen food and organizing food storage areas while handling and moving up to 50 lbs and operating various equipment
• Participating in general area cleaning of staff and animal areas including pool cleaning involving standing, crouching, and stooping on uneven and slippery surfaces for extended periods of time.
• Learning and applying general animal husbandry techniques and protocols including the application of operant conditioning while working with and around large, wild animals.
• Learn about and participate in a goal-based enrichment program
• Performs other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required.
• Please note: General husbandry and cleaning are a large portion of this internship

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to speak effectively and to be comfortable meeting new people. Ability to work independently with excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to safely work in emergency situations, readily receiving and acting on instructions.  Ability to safely operate around dangerous animals as well as around free and protected contact marine carnivores.  Ability to work weekends and holidays. Ability to swim, climb stairs, and use ladders. Proficient computer skills including basic Microsoft applications, specifically Excel are preferred.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Internship Dates: October 15, 2024 through January 7, 2024

Unpaid Internship: Housing Available 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation.

A background check will be conducted on any potential intern.

Accredited by Association of Zoos & Aquariums