IMMS Animal Training Internship
Summer: May - August 2017
Deadline: March 1, 2017
The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies ("IMMS") is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization established in 1984 for the purposes of public education,
conservation, and research on marine mammals in the wild and under human care.
Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, IMMS has been an active participant of the
National Stranding Network since its inception. IMMS is the premier stranding
organization in the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama region of the Gulf Coast with
the capability and expertise to care for sick and injured marine mammals. IMMS
serves as an important educational outlet for the Mississippi Gulf Coast,
incorporating programs for conservation, education and research of marine
mammals and their environment.
Program Description
The IMMS Animal Training Internship Program is designed as a way for
students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain
valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained
in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at
IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of
areas while providing expert training and experience. This is an unpaid
position and all interns are responsible for their own housing and
transportation.
Duties
The IMMS animal care and training staff is in charge of caring for Atlantic
bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, and large parrots. Interns will work
directly with animal care staff and be exposed to all aspects of the daily
routine. Heavy emphasis is placed on basic tasks such as food preparation, and
daily cleaning and facility maintenance. Interns will learn how to train
animals with operant conditioning through observation and may assist during
sessions. Enrichment is very important to the well-being of our animals and
interns will be asked to design and implement an enrichment device for our
dolphins and/or birds. Interns will also give educational presentation to
guests before they interact with our animals, as well as help staff with daily
water quality. Because we want interns to have a well-rounded experience, they
will also be asked to assist in other departments. Interns may participate as
1) environmental educators and assist in giving presentations to the public, 2)
research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin based research
studies, or 3) emergency responders as IMMS is part of the Southeast Regional
Marine Mammal Stranding Network and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea
turtles.
Eligibility Requirements
Interns must be:
* 18 years or older.
* A recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences.
* Willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position.
* Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. The
internship can be extended depending on work performance.
* Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
* Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours on your feet, and work outside in
extreme conditions.
* Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of
responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn.
* Financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, though IMMS
staff will do their best to assist you in making arrangements.
* Able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations.
To Apply
Please send the following documents to:
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> with "Animal Training Internship" in
the subject line.
* IMMS Animal Training Internship
Application<http://www.imms.org/downloads/applications/AnimalTrainingInternApplication.pdf>
* Resume with cover letter.
* Two letters of recommendation - Provide at least one academic, and one
work/volunteer- related reference if applicable. Letters may be emailed from
the applicant or the person providing the recommendation letter.
* A copy of your current official college transcript. Applicants may submit
an unofficial copy.
* Full photograph
Documents must be in one of the following formats - PDF, .doc, .docx, and must
be submitted together with your first and last name and the date in the file
name.
Ex)
2013Aug_Jane_Doe_Resume,
2013Aug_Jane_Doe_Application,
2013Aug_Jane_Doe_Transcript.
Katherine Burton
Marine Mammal Trainer
Rescue and Rehab Specialist
Animal Training Internship Coordinator
Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
10801 Dolphin Lane
Gulfport, MS 39503
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