The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) in Dauphin Island, AL, is recruiting a highly motivated intern to assist with marine mammal stranding response in coastal Alabama. ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner and works in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to respond to dolphin, whale, and manatee strandings. Our primary goal is to enhance reporting and response efforts for marine mammal strandings to ensure collection of consistent, high-quality data that are used to evaluate causes of strandings and/or death. This internship is a physically demanding position, as field response and necropsy events often create long days in a variety of weather conditions. This intern will gain useful knowledge, skills, and experience in the fields of marine biology and marine mammalogy.

Internship Dates: 3 to 5 months starting as early as January 2022 (3 month minimum; may be extended based on intern performance and availability; start/end dates flexible)

Daily duties include: Field stranding response, data collection, data management, participation in necropsy events, sample handling, and equipment/lab maintenance/cleaning. Interns will also have the opportunity to complete an independent research project based on relevant interests, culminating in a presentation.

Qualification requirements:
• be a student or recent graduate (within 0-2 years) of a biology/marine biology, marine science, oceanography, zoology, or related program (non-traditional students encouraged to apply);
• have interest in marine mammal biology, physiology, and anatomy;
• have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record;
• be 18 years or older;
• be physically fit and a confident swimmer;
• able to lift at least 50 lbs and drag at least 100 lbs;
• have the ability to endure unpleasant field conditions including temperatures between 30°F-100°F, rain, humidity and biting insects;
• have the ability to work at least 30 hrs/week (no more than 35) including one weekend day per week (nights and holidays may be required as necessary with fieldwork);
• show proof of fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 before start date.
o Having knowledge of digital SLR cameras and lenses is a plus.

This position is paid ($10-12 per hour). Intern is responsible for providing their own housing and transport to DISL. Assistance finding housing can be provided. Applicant must be eligible to legally work in the U.S. for the duration of the internship period; no visa assistance can be provided. Interested applicants must send a cover letter, CV, and dates of availability to almmsn@disl.org by November 15th, 2021 to be considered.
Resources for the construction of such documents are available online and at most institutions’ Career Services departments, such as https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/careerservices/job.html.
Preference will be given to applicants who can stay through the entire internship period. Application review will begin immediately.

DISL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from a diverse pool of prospective interns without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic or any other identity information. DISL and ALMMSN recognize that a diversity of perspectives, lived experiences, ideas, and passions allows us to better meet our goal of ocean-literate communities in Alabama and that equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to achieving our mission. It is the intent of the ALMMSN to be fair and impartial in all of its relations and to recognize and respect the individual.

More information about ALMMSN and the Marine Ecosystem Response Laboratory can be found at http://almmsn.disl.org/, https://www.disl.edu/research/marine-mammal-research-program or by contacting ALMMSN at almmsn@disl.org.