MMC Intern Program
Important announcement regarding internships:
At this time, MMC has temporarily suspended our internship program due to vagaries of weather and construction at our hospital facility. We appreciate the interest and talent of the students who contact us and we look forward to providing a challenging and rewarding internship experience in the future.
Student Profile
College age: Freshman to Graduate Students
Length of stay
MMC will accommodate the intern’s schedule, but we request
a minimum of 10 weeks of the intern’s time at the facility.
Disciplines
Interns will be working on a variety of projects in marine mammal
husbandry and related fields. While specific disciplines are not
required, having a background in one of the following would allow
the student to participate fully and gain more from the internship
program.
| Disciplines: |
Biology |
Science Education |
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Zoology |
Degree in Zoos and Aquaria |
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Pre-Law |
Marine Mammal Science |
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Pre-Vet |
Veterinary Technicians |
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Chemistry |
Recreation, Park and Tourism |
| |
Political Science |
Administration |
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Environmental Law |
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These disciplines are suggested due to the fact that, while interning,
a student may have the opportunity to participate in various forms
of research, as well as aiding in the rehabilitation of any marine
mammals that may be in need of assistance while the student is here.
Definite interest in marine mammal care is required for any internship
position at MMC. If a student does not fit into any of these pre-determined
disciplines but is still interested in participating, the application
will still be processed. MMC is looking for individuals who are
willing to go the extra mile for marine mammals. If a student feels
he/she can do this, he/she should not hesitate to apply!
Application Process
To apply for an internship with Marine Mammal Conservancy, the following paperwork is needed:
- * Cover letter
- Explaining reasons for applying and goals expected from this
internship. A brief summary of any school and real work experience
dealing with marine mammals is appreciated.
- * Resume
- Highlighting work and/or experience in any of the pre-determined
disciplines or marine mammal husbandry and care.
- * Internship Statement
- Brief statement stating why this position is being applied for,
what goals the
- student is seeking to meet and the expected outcome of the
internship experience.
- * Letter of Recommendations
- Two letters of recommendation with one being from an instructor
in the student's primary field of study.
- * References
- At least three (may be the same as those of letter of recommendation),
with whom MMC can make contact easily. Please attach to resume.
Internship Duties
MMC is dedicated to all issues related to the care and
well being of marine mammals. As an intern of the facility, there
will be opportunities to participate in any and all aspects observed
at MMC. Depending on the intern’s interests and the needs
of MMC for that particular time, daily tasks may include marine
mammal release protocol research, database collections and programming,
community service organization and programming, advocacy research
and work, public awareness programming, water quality and environmental
research and testing, basic facility and area maintenance, wild
marine mammal tracking and research and, when needed, animal husbandry
and care.
“When needed” precedes animal husbandry and care due
to the fact that MMC is not an aquarium. This facility is designed
to care, treat and rehabilitate stranded marine mammals or those
received through other means with the goal of releasing them, preferably,
back into the wild. MMC was not created to collect marine mammals
for display purposes, but rather to help those that come to the
facility and then place them in those habitats that suit their situation
the best, whether it be in the wild or a different habitat/facility.
This means that during an intern’s stay there is a chance
that there will be no marine mammals at the facility; however, if
there are animals to be cared for the interns will have ample opportunity
to work with and behind the scenes during the rehabilitation process.
One thing to remember, whether there is an animal being cared
for or not, each intern will be trained to participate as an MMC
volunteer and will then be given the opportunity to serve as assistant
husbandry personnel and/or volunteer coordinator when the need arises.
Internship Benefits
Selected interns will receive the opportunity to work hands on
in a steadily growing organization. MMC is dedicated to
providing aid to marine mammals in need as well as improving the surrounding
environment in which we all live. To intern with MMC will be an
opportunity for students to earn professional experience through
hands-on work and research with a common goal of helping to make
our environment better for marine mammals.
Since MMC is a not-for-profit organization, these internships will
be on a volunteer basis; MMC will help find lodging if requested,
however rent will need to be paid for by that intern at the rental
location. Budget accordingly as rent can be as high as $800.00 per
month per intern.
Personal transportation will be needed for getting to and from
the MMC facility. During a stranding, etc. transportation will be
provided; however having an extra vehicle to transport extra supplies
and/or volunteers is always beneficial. Fuel costs in these instances
will be reimbursed. The MMC facility is at MM 102.5 in Key Largo
Florida. Housing and transportation arrangements should be made
accordingly.
Application Deadlines
Summer (June 1 through August 31) internships: February 1 of desired
year
Fall (September 1 through December 31) internships: May 1 of desired
year
Winter (January 1 through March 31) internships: September 1 of
previous year
Questions or comments may be directed to Lloyd Brown or Kate Banick at: rgl@marinemammalconservancy.org
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