Entry Level Marine Mammal Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This is an unpaid internship intended for previous interns to advance their knowledge and experience beyond the basic internship.

POSITION TITLE: Advanced Marine Mammal Intern

REPORTS TO: Marine Mammal Intern Coordinators

SUPERVISES: N/A

EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: N/A

ON-SITE, REMOTE, OR HYBRID: On-Site

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

The Advanced Marine Mammal internship at Clearwater Marine Aquarium is designed to give individuals an advanced educational experience into what it takes to gain a career caring for marine animals, with emphasis on Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, North American river otters, pinnipeds, great white pelicans, and rough toothed dolphins.

Advanced Marine Mammal Interns support the goals and objectives of the marine mammal program by observing, learning and then demonstrating various skills under the supervision of the marine mammal team including but not limited to: diet preparation, animal observations, data collection, data analysis, providing exceptional guest experience through daily interactions, narrations on a microphone, hosting guest interaction programs, cleanliness of the facility, maintaining and designing animal habitats and basic animal care skills.

Length of the program is a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months, working 30hrs per week.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Share knowledge of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, natural history, and biographies of resident animals with guests
• Expand on basic knowledge of animal behavior and record on designated observation shifts, assist staff members with data collection and data analyzing
• Observe, learn and demonstrate basic animal care skills as deemed fit by the marine mammal staff members
• Strong communication skills with clear, friendly, and effective verbal and nonverbal communication
• Great time-management skills with ability to plan, organize, and multi-task
• Able to be self-motivated and disciplined with excellent work ethics while also working in a team environment
• Attend various seminars relevant to continuing education, work alongside staff members to further understanding of animal care and operant conditioning
• Provide support for opening, daily, and closing of the facility
• Provide exceptional guest experience through daily interactions, narrations on a microphone, and hosting guest interaction programs
• Follow all USDA policies and procedures to ensure a clean, safe environment for our animals
• Provide a safe working environment for animals, team members, and guests by abiding by all safety policies and procedures
• Observe, learn, and demonstrate mentoring skills for new volunteers and interns

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Seeking or recently completed a four-year degree in psychology, biology, marine biology or another related field preferred
• Prefer that advanced internship begins the semester immediately following completion of regular internship (if still enrolled in college/university)
• Completed the Marine Mammal internship program with an above average rating within the past two semesters (ex: regular intern in summer 2023 can begin advanced internship up until summer 2024)
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification preferred
• SCUBA Certification preferred
• Great time-management skills with ability to plan, organize, and multi-task
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and disciplined with excellent work ethics while also working in a team environment
• Strong communication skills with clear, friendly, and effective verbal and nonverbal communication

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work in adverse environmental conditions (heat/cold/weather) - Frequently
• Lift and carry 50 lbs - Frequently
• Walk/stand for long periods of time – Frequently
• Push and pull larger equipment – Frequently
• Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces - Frequently
• Must possess basic swimming skills or willingness to wear personal flotation device (PFD) when around animal habitats if incumbent does not have basic swimming skills

Due to working inside animal areas, interns are required to remove all jewelry and loose items from their person prior to the start of each shift.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.

All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Company is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.