2023 Summer Internship

We are no longer accepting applications for our 2023 internship opportunities. Our 2024 opportunities will be announced in late 2023. Thanks for your interest.

Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) is accepting applications for our summer harbor seal pup season internship, now through January 31st, 2023. MMoME is a non-profit organization federally authorized to respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles between Kittery and Rockland, Maine, covering some of the busiest seal stranding activity on the East Coast. MMoME also operates a unique triage and rehabilitation center which provides critical care to nearly 50 sick and injured pinnipeds annually. Additionally, our mission and work heavily encompass marine mammal research, education, and outreach.

MMoME is seeking up to six motivated, flexible, positive, and independent interns who will be given the unique opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. Interns will learn marine mammal field health assessment, handling, basic husbandry and clinical care of pinnipeds, as well as Level A data collection, necropsy, and sampling of deceased marine mammals. The internship is based out of Midcoast Maine (town of Brunswick), though travel throughout our response region and New England will be necessary. Interns will work as a team alongside veterinary preceptors and volunteers to accomplish MMoME’s broad scope of work during our busiest time of year and will be required to dedicate a minimum of 40-50 hours per week to the internship (approximately 4 days/week). These hours will include holidays, weekends, late nights and early mornings. This internship is unpaid, though many seasonal job opportunities are available in the area. Housing is not provided but staff may be able to assist with sourcing options.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Internship Requirements

  • Must be 18 years of age or older to apply. This internship is open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university (or recently graduated within 2 years from an undergraduate program).

  • The ideal candidate is working towards a career in marine mammal science, veterinary technology, marine biology, environmental education, or related field.

  • Must commit to at least three months, and be available from May 8, 2023 through August 18th, or October 20th, 2023. All interns must be able to start on May 8th. 

  • Must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, a reliable vehicle, and comfortable driving a full-size truck in urban and rural areas.

  • Must be able to work independently and as part of a team with other veterinary and non-veterinary interns, and be adaptable to a fast-paced, changing and unpredictable schedule.

  • Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and be in good physical shape.

  • Individuals that are passionate, responsible, hardworking, eager to learn, flexible, able to work under minimal supervision, able to work well with others as a team member, and detail-oriented are encouraged to apply.

  • Preference given to individuals with a demonstrated interest in marine mammals, and are specifically interested in marine mammal response and care. Previous marine mammal experience or animal husbandry a plus.

How to Apply

Please send a letter of interest which addresses the following questions:

(1) Why you would like to be considered for this internship

(2) How you meet the requirements

(3) What your expectations of this internship are

(4) What you hope to gain from this internship

(5) The start and end dates you can commit to

Your application must also include a resume and one professional letter of recommendation.

Completed applications must be sent to info@mmome.org by 11:59 PM EST on January 31st, 2023. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

We look forward to your application for this exciting experience!

At this time, Marine Mammals of Maine's internship and veterinary preceptorship opportunities are limited to the summer months. Our organization does not currently offer fall, winter, or spring internships or preceptorships.