Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology Veterinary Internship

The Marine Mammal Center•Sausalito, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Marine Mammal Center, in collaboration with the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, offers a paid, one-year, full-time internship training post-graduate veterinarians in marine mammal medicine, husbandry, and pathology. The intern is a House Officer in the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and receives mentorship from the Center’s clinical veterinary, pathology and diagnostic, and animal care teams. The primary focus is pinniped medicine, with occasional opportunities to work with sea otters and cetaceans. The role may also include field work such as large cetacean necropsies, stranding response, and veterinary support for free-ranging wildlife research projects. The intern provides clinical care to sick and injured marine mammals in rehabilitation, conducts post-mortem examinations, contributes to teaching visiting veterinary and animal care professionals, and develops and conducts a research project in marine mammal health, with the goal of presenting at a scientific conference and publishing the results. The position includes evening on-call responsibilities, both in person in Sausalito and remotely supporting other California facilities. The intern also maintains patient records and supports care coordination, education, and outreach. The position is based at the Center’s main hospital in Sausalito, California. Shared housing within two miles of the hospital is available at no cost. The anticipated term is July 29, 2027, through July 31, 2028; the exact start date may change. Estimated annual salary is $55,000 through UC Davis, with full benefits including health insurance.

Requirements

DVM or equivalent degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college.
At least one year of experience practicing veterinary medicine.
California veterinary license, or ability to obtain licensure before starting employment.
Valid driver license and acceptable motor vehicle record to meet insurability standards.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a medical or religious waiver.
Ability to work closely and safely with wild animals, requiring physical strength, dexterity, and situational awareness.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a team.
Ability to react appropriately and calmly in emergency situations.
Energy and enthusiasm for working with staff and volunteers from diverse backgrounds and with differing ability levels.
Ability to communicate and interact effectively across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities, and to practice self-awareness and respect when engaging with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; crouch, move quickly, and work with large animals; and spend extended periods standing, walking, and climbing stairs, potentially in inclement weather.
Ability to work at a desk for extended periods using a computer.

Responsibilities

Conduct physical examinations, health assessments, treatments, and sample collection for rehabilitation care and ongoing research projects.
Develop, implement, and execute diagnostic and therapeutic plans for patients, including euthanasia when indicated.
Conduct post-mortem examinations.
Coordinate and communicate with personnel to support continuity and high standards of care.
Advise Response Department personnel and satellite facilities on whether response or intervention is appropriate, and guide response, initiation of care, husbandry, and treatment when needed.
Provide evening on-call, in-person animal care in response to patient emergencies in Sausalito.
Provide evening on-call, remote animal care via telephone and text with staff and volunteers at the Sausalito Hospital, Monterey Bay Operations, and San Luis Obispo Operations.
Maintain accurate and complete patient medical and husbandry records, including reports required for protected species under federal and state regulations.
Record controlled drug use in compliance with DEA regulations.
Develop and conduct a marine mammal health research project, and present its results at a scientific conference and through peer-reviewed publication.
Contribute data and sample collection for ongoing marine mammal health research projects.
Help instruct participants in the Center’s Teaching Hospital program in marine mammal medicine, husbandry, and pathology.
Provide guidance, advice, and consultation to animal care volunteers.
Represent and promote the Center’s science and health programs to external parties, including donors and media.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.