Location of Position: Morro Bay, CA  

Reports to: San Luis Obispo Operations Manager

Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel: 

This is a temporary full-time, hourly position. This is a 6-month position, with estimated dates of January - June 2025.

• Days and hours of work are generally Thursday through Monday.

• Evening and weekend work are required.

• Some travel within California is expected for this position. 

Compensation Range: $20.00-$22.00/hr.

Full Benefits:

• Holidays

• Sick Time

• Vacation 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision

• Life Insurance

• Long Term Disability Insurance

• 401k Retirement Plan

• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary:

The Response Apprentice will contribute meaningful support to the response & animal care of marine mammals at our San Luis Obispo Operations and the sea otter conservation program at The Marine Mammal Center. The 6-month apprenticeship provides a high-level view of community powered conservation while supporting the advancement of an inclusive environment within one of the world’s largest marine mammal stranding response programs.

Essential Functions:

Marine Mammal Response and Animal Care:  60%

• Supports the San Luis Obispo operations with marine mammal response and animal care to facilitate an efficient stranding response program. 

• Communicate with Sausalito Dispatch team about incoming stranding reports and dispatch volunteer teams to local responses.

• Complete data entry about all stranded animal calls, responses, patients, etc. into the Center’s custom-built animal database.

• Participate and lead marine mammal rescues, releases, research, and other field work.

• Participate and lead teams of volunteers to provide basic and advanced animal care for patients.

• Coordinate logistics of patient transports to and from San Luis Obispo operations.

• Assist with dead stranded marine mammal response, data collection, and necropsies as needed. 

Sea Otter Conservation Program:  30%

• Aids in the implementation of sea otter post-release data collection standards and management best practices. 

• Participate and lead training for staff and volunteers in sea otter post-release monitoring procedures.

• Maintain and update sea otter response equipment to ensure safe capture. 

Other Duties as Assigned: 10%

• Perform special projects and research as assigned.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Will be trained and become a crew supervisor responsible for training and managing volunteer crews in field response and triage care.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of marine mammal biology and conservation.

• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain open communication in a team environment. 

• Skills using software and database programs, including skills operating Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint). 

• Willingness to develop skills in community engagement. 

• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities as set by management.

• Ability to operate equipment safely and competently to carry out their duties. 

• Ability to drive/operate a vehicle.

• Has reliable transportation to and from the facility. Public transportation between housing accommodations and site is limited.

• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.

• Ability to practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse backgrounds.

• Willingness to support and participate in the Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, initiatives, and trainings.

Qualifications and Experience:

• This position requires an interest and passion for conservation. Experience working in software-based programs and wildlife monitoring and/or research preferred. Proficiency in a language other than English is preferred. 

• Valid California driver’s license and favorable driving history, and proof of auto insurance.

• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious). 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases. 

• Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements. 

• Working in an office environment with rotating groups of volunteer crews. 

• Working with and handling live and dead marine mammals.  

• 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. 

• Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion.

• Ability to frequently move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across site and locations. 

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 from underrepresented groups to apply. 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 ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, 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. 

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

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume and provide a brief description about how your experience aligns with the role.

Note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

In your cover letter, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc). 

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.