Marine Mammal Intern

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

POSITION TITLE:  Marine Mammal Intern

REPORTS TO: Marine Mammal Intern Coordinators

 TIME REQUIREMENTS: Time requirements are subject to the length of the program equivalent to one college semester. Minimum requirements are working 40hrs per week. Hours requirements total 500 hours over the season for a 3-month program, 600 for a 4-month program, 800 for a 5-month program, 950 for a 6-month program. These hours are required to build on prior learning and increase knowledge of the marine animal field.

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

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, providing exceptional guest experience through daily interactions, narrations on a microphone, hosting guest interaction programs, cleanliness of the facility, maintaining and designing animal habitats.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Develop general knowledge of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, natural history, and biographies of resident animals and be able to provide accurate information to guests
• Acquire basic knowledge of animal behavior and record on designated observation shifts
• Attend mandatory orientation and various seminars including weekly classroom lecture series designed to teach fundamentals 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, 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

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 

• Seeking or recently completed a four-year degree (within the past year); field of study in psychology, biology, marine biology or another related field preferred
• 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) - often
• Lift and carry 50 lbs - often
• 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 

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.