Wildlife Response Internship

Wildlife Response Internship Summary:
The Alaska SeaLife Center is dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation, and public education. All internships are unpaid, and a minimum commitment of 12-16 weeks is required. Housing is provided. The position is scheduled for five days and 40 hours each week. Applicants must be willing to work a flexible schedule, as hours may include evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Interns will be exposed to and gain experience in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts of Alaska’s stranded wild marine mammals and birds. In addition to learning animal restraint and husbandry skills, interns are expected to work with the public in person and over the phone in a professional and courteous manner.

Education/Training Requirements:
The internship is intended for adults over 18 years of age. Applicants with a background in biology, animal husbandry, and wildlife rehabilitation preferred. Experience with Google Suite and Zims360 preferred.
 

Essential Duties:
Under the guidance of Wildlife Response staff, the Intern will be trained and expected to perform the following duties:
1. Prepare daily animal diets and perform routine cleaning of quarantine and work areas.
2. Assist in the care of the Center’s rehabilitating animals and maintenance of the facility.
3. Assist with pool cleanings and water quality testing.
4. Assist with the Stranded Animal Hotline and interact with the public professionally.
5. Assist with the rescue and release of stranded animals if opportunities present. Please note, due to the remote nature of Alaska, most animal recovery in the field happens with local authorities and the animal is then transferred to the Center. Rarely do staff pick up animals directly from their stranding location.
6. Participate in educational talks or tours, and assist in the creation of computerized learning modules.
7. Maintain and update computerized medical records.
8. Help ensure that the rehabilitation clinic and quarantine area are stocked and prepared to receive animals.
9. Comply with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs.
10. Perform other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required.
 

Other Skills and Abilities:
Skilled in written and verbal communication, experienced giving public presentations and/or working with various age groups in an educational setting. Ability to be organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and possess a strong desire to see to the completion of projects is highly desired.
 

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 essential functions. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas, and be able to get on hands and knees to restrain marine mammal patients. Applicants should be able to work outside in the sun, wind, rain, or a combination of all three. Ability to see and hear; stand and walk; stoop, kneel, and crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; and sit. Ability to lift and move 50 pounds.