Marine Mammal Stranding Internship - Winter/Spring Session 2027

IFAW • Yarmouth, MA

7h • Onsite

About The Position

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is seeking applications for winter/spring 2027 Marine Mammal Stranding Internships. This internship is based out of the International Operations Center in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts. IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) program is dedicated to marine mammal stranding response on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts, aiming to promote conservation through improved rescue, humane care, stranding science, and public awareness. Cape Cod experiences a high number of marine mammal strandings annually, including seals, whales, porpoises, and dolphins. IFAW's MMR division also operates the Cetacean Intensive Care Unit (CICU), a short-term facility for rehabilitative care of stranded dolphins and porpoises.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and secure reliable transportation.
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, have completed an undergraduate or graduate study of biology, zoology, ecology, conservation or related field (preferably within 2 years of graduation), or equivalent experience.
• Able to follow written and oral staff directions and protocols effectively and able to work in teams and individually.
• Must be able to commit to 3 or 4 days per week, which includes 1 weekend day, for the duration of the internship session.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• Previous marine mammal stranding response/research experience.
• Previous necropsy experience (marine mammal or other taxa).
• Experience caring for or handling animals.
• Experience driving large trucks.
• Experience in photo-ID.
• Flexible daily schedules (Stranding events are unpredictable. Our days may start early or end later than scheduled). As cases arise, interns may help provide overnight coverage and care when patients are in-house.

Responsibilities

• Stranding hotline coverage: answer calls, document reports, educate callers, dispatch volunteers, complete associated paperwork and enter data.
• Marine mammal stranding response & necropsy: assist staff with all aspects of marine mammal stranding response, including live animal health assessment and supportive care, biological data collection, post-mortem examinations and sampling in both field and laboratory settings.
• CICU operations: assist staff with aspects of CICU operations, including animal care (i.e. in-water support, assist during procedures, monitoring animal behavior etc.), CICU education and outreach, CICU readiness and cleaning, etc. Experiences will be opportunistic as cases arise.
• Stranding & necropsy readiness: cleaning, organizing and maintaining stranding response and necropsy gear, equipment and facilities, restocking kits and supplies.
• Data entry & sample processing: assist in entry of stranding data. Assist in organizing, cataloging, disseminating and archiving of photos, videos, datasheets, samples, etc.
• Outreach: assist staff with training and outreach material preparation and organization, participate in opportunistic outreach at stranding sites, participate in community events.

Benefits

• This internship is unpaid and housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. If accepted, we will try to provide interns with resources to help find housing.
• This position is eligible for workers’ compensation.
• Specialized gear such as dry suits, boots and life jackets will be provided.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree