Wildlife Response Internship

Summary:
The Alaska SeaLife Center is dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine
ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation, and public education. All internships are unpaid
with a minimum 12-16 week commitment required. Housing is provided. The position is scheduled five
days and 40 hours each week. Applicants must be willing to work a flexible schedule, as hours may
include evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Interns will be exposed to and gain experience in
the rescue and rehabilitation effort of Alaska’s stranded wild marine mammals and birds. In addition to
learning animal restraint and husbandry skills, interns are expected to work with the public in-person
and over the phone in a professional and courteous manner.
Education/Training Requirements:
Internship is intended for adults over 18 years of age. Applicants with a background in biology and
wildlife rescue preferred. Experience with Google Suite and Zims360 preferred.
Essential Duties:
Under the guidance of Wildlife Response staff, the Intern will be trained and expected to perform the
following duties:
1. Make daily animal diet preparations and perform routine cleaning of quarantine and work
areas.
2. Assist in the care of the Center’s rehabilitating animals and maintenance of the facility.
3. Assist in pool cleanings and water quality testing.
4. Assist with the Stranded Animal Hot Line and interact with the public professionally.
5. Assist with rescue and release of stranded animals as opportunities present. Please note,
due to the remote nature of Alaska, most animal recovery in the field happens with local
authorities and the animal is transferred to the Center. Rarely do staff pick up animals
directly.
6. Participate in educational talks or tours, and assist in the creation of computerized learning
modules.
7. Maintain and update computerized medical records.
8. Help ensure that the rehabilitation clinic and quarantine area are stocked and prepared to
receive animals.
9. Comply with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs.
10. Perform other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required.

Other Skills and Abilities:
Skill in written and verbal communication, experience giving public presentations and/or working with
various age groups in an educational setting. Ability to be organized, self-motivated, detail oriented,
and possess a strong desire to see to the completion of projects is highly desired.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Applicants should be agile with
a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas, and be able to get
on hands and knees to restrain marine mammal patients. Applicants should be able to work outside in
sun, wind, rain, or a combination of all three.
Ability to see and hear; stand and walk; stoop, kneel, and crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects,
tools, and controls; and sit. Ability to lift and move 50 pounds.

Internship Dates: May 15, 2023 - August 4, 2023

Open Until: January 31, 2023

Unpaid Internship: Housing Available / Reduced meal per diem of $100 per week is available for 12 weeks

A background check will be conducted on all potential candidates.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation. 

Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums