Education and Guest Experience Department

MISSION

At The Marine Mammal Center, we are guided and inspired by a shared vision of a healthy ocean for marine mammals and humans alike.  The Marine Mammal Center advances global conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education.

OUR WORK

We rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured marine mammals at our state-of-the-art veterinary facilities by engaging a dedicated workforce and a supportive community.  We learn from the patients in our care and contribute to scientific understanding of the changing health of our ocean, taking action to address ocean threats and save endangered species.  We lead as a teaching hospital by training veterinary professionals locally and internationally, and inspiring future ocean stewards through innovative school and public education programs.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Marine Mammal Center is the largest facility of its kind in the world. Founded in 1975, the Center has grown into an internationally renowned and state-of-the art marine mammal hospital, research center and educational organization. Each year, the Center treats 600 – 800 sick, injured and orphaned marine mammals, with the goal of rehabilitation and release. Its professional staff collaborates with over 30 different scientific, educational, federal, state and non-profit organizations from around the world.

Marine mammal scientists and veterinarians from across the globe visit the Center and shadow its staff and volunteers to learn from the hundreds of animals treated each year, and from its acclaimed veterinary, scientific, and research staff. By collaborating with leading scientists and researchers to learn from the patients in their care, the Center expands and advances science to increase understanding of the health of the ocean and highlights implications for human health. In addition to its work within the scientific community, the Center’s formal and informal education programs reach 100,000 children and adults ever year. Ultimately, the Center’s work inspires action and fosters stewardship toward the care of our environment.

Overlooking the ocean in the Marin Headlands, in Sausalito, CA, the Center operates three field stations in its 600-mile rescue range on the California coastline from San Luis Obispo through Mendocino County. Simultaneous to the construction of its new Kona, Hawaii facility, the Center’s rescue range has increased to include the entire Hawaiian archipelago. With an annual operating budget of almost $9M, 60 to 70 staff depending on the time of year, and 1,200 actively engaged volunteers, the Center operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

This position is a member of the Guest Experience team within the Education Department and supports adult education volunteers at The Marine Mammal Center as a daily shift leader as well as providing programs for the visiting public. Interns welcome and orient visitors to our hospital, answer questions and interpret animal behavior and animal care procedures and inspire them to become ocean stewards and supporters of The Marine Mammal Center. Interns lead tours of the public exhibit areas, behind the scenes experiences, and engage visitors and volunteers in conversations about our conservation work. The position collaborates with fellow interns and is supported and supervised by Guest Experience Team Coordinator with direct collaboration and support from the Public Programs Coordinator.

REQUIREMENTS

• Background and/or experience in environmental education, natural sciences, and public speaking
• Ability to stand or walk for up to 4 hours without a break
• Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds
• Ability to complete tasks in a productive, proactive manner and provide progress updates to teammates with minimal day-to-day supervision
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

SCHEDULE

Internships are 3 to 6 months long with flexible end dates and extensions available for excellent candidates. The ideal candidate offers 3 days a week for approximately 24 hours a week. Time off must be arranged in advance.

Service Terms:

January – April (Mandatory training on January 20-21)

March – June (Mandatory training on March 19-20)

June – September (Mandatory training on June 2-3)

October – December (Mandatory training on October 3-4)

HOW TO APPLY

Please contact the Guest Experience Coordinator at 415-289-7373 or edu@tmmc.org to express interest or learn more about this opportunity.

To apply, please click the “apply now” button on our website. You will be directed to upload a cover letter and a resume along with the application. We accept applications on a rolling basis. Please indicate in your cover letter which season you are interested in volunteering.