Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California 

Reports to: Medical Director: Dr. Cara Field

Position Classification: Seasonal 3-month rotation between March 1- Sept 30, 2024

Benefits: Travel and living expenses provided

Position Overview

The Marine Mammal Center’s International Veterinary Fellowship Program (IVFP) provides marine mammal veterinarians across the globe an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in marine mammal rehabilitation medicine and pathology. The position is temporary, and it is expected that successful applicants will return to their pre-existing program, prepared to implement and expand training programs of their own. 

The Fellow will gain exposure to marine mammal medicine, rehabilitation, husbandry, response, and pathology, and will complete a research project with the goal of publication. The Fellow will work under the direct supervision of veterinary staff and volunteers, and will participate in veterinary examination and diagnostic procedures, surgical and anesthetic procedures, recordkeeping, daily clinical rounds, marine mammal husbandry, and necropsies. Opportunities for additional professional development such as attendance +/- presentation at a related professional conference will be supported. 

This position is up to 3 months in duration, with 2 positions offered each year that occur between March 1 and September 30 during the Centers peak patient season. Airfare and travel to San Francisco, California is provided, as well as a room in a shared Center Guest House within the Marin Headlands and a stipend for food and basic living expenses. The Guest House is shared with other students, residents and researchers associated with the Center. The Center/ National Park Service will support a J-1 Visa for the training period, and require the Fellow to have an International Driver’s license. 

Key Responsibilities

· Work with a robust team of veterinary professionals and volunteers to provide care for stranded, debilitated marine mammals, mostly seals and sea lions including assessment, treatment, husbandry and critical care.

· Work with the pathology team to conduct post-mortem examination on deceased patients to investigate causes of death and disease processes.

· Help collect samples for research projects and maintain animal medical records.

· Develop and carry out a research project with the goal of presenting results to the Center community, and are highly encouraged to submit results for publication.

Qualifications and Experience

·  A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, or      equivalent, confirming completion of veterinary school is required.

·  Preference will be given to veterinarians that are      currently employed within a marine mammal rehabilitation program or      non-profit organization equivalent.

·  Strong written and spoken English is required.

Physical Requirements 

· Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and lift up to 50 pounds throughout the primarily outdoor hospital for extended periods of time in variable weather conditions.

· Ability to physically restrain and interact with large and potentially dangerous marine mammals in the rehabilitation hospital setting.

· Hospital environment with use of potent anesthetic drugs, radiographic and other diagnostic procedures indoors and outdoors.

· Ability to remain in a stationary position, and move in an office environment for extended periods of time.

· Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.

· Ability to walk/cover up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis.

Work Environment 

· Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases.

· Exposure to sharp instruments and needles.

· Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements daily. 

· Potential exposure to formalin.

· May involve strong smells associated with dead animals and the care of animals.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint. 

OUR MISSION

The Marine Mammal Center advances global conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education.

ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER

The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. The Center is the largest marine mammal Teaching Hospital in the world and a critical training ground for veterinary professionals, combining high-quality animal care with hands-on learning experiences.

For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org

To Apply: Please submit the following materials (to the web application):

1. Cover letter including your current program/ position, your preferred time frame for a rotation, a brief description of your clinical, research and pathology experience, especially with marine mammals, and how this program will help you achieve your future goals.

2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Two Letters of Recommendation/ Reference from professionals who are familiar with the applicants academic and/or clinical performance.

The Application period will open in September 2023 and closes on December 8, 2023. Applications will be reviewed and candidate selected during January 2024. 

Inquiries beyond the guidelines above can be directed to the following email address: training@tmmc.org

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.