Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) is accepting applications now through February 18th, 2026 for the summer harbor seal pup season internship. This internship begins on May 5th and concludes on August 16th, 2026. 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 around 50 sick and injured pinnipeds annually. Currently, this is the only facility taking in maternally dependent harbor seal pups. Additionally, our mission and work heavily encompasses marine mammal research, education, and outreach.
MMoME is seeking flexible, positive, independent, and hard-working 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, and sampling and necropsy of deceased marine mammals. The internship is based out of Midcoast Maine (town of Brunswick), though travel throughout our response region will be necessary. Interns will work closely as a team alongside volunteers and staff to accomplish MMoME’s broad scope of work during our busiest time of year, and will be required to dedicate 5 full days per week to the internship. These hours will include holidays, weekends, late nights, and early mornings. Interns are provided with housing and a stipend to help support the cost of living during the summer. *Key Tasks and Responsibilities:* *Stranding Response:* respond to live and dead cetacean, pinniped, and sea turtle strandings to collect Level A data, collect biological samples, perform health assessments, monitor, relocate, or collect for rehabilitation or humane euthanasia. Carcass collection for disposal or necropsy will also be required. *Patient Care:* assist with all aspects relating to the care of sick, injured, and abandoned pinnipeds (primarily harbor seal pups) undergoing care at MMoME’s center. Tasks include extensive daily cleaning of animal enclosures/dishes/laundry, etc., meal prep, tube-feeding, assisting with medical procedures, animal restraint for exams, running diagnostic lab samples, charting, and medical record maintenance. *Necropsy:* transport carcasses to necropsy and compost sites, assist staff with necropsy of fresh dead pinnipeds (both from the field, and rehab patients), and cetaceans, archive necropsy samples, and maintain and clean necropsy equipment. *Education and Outreach:* give presentations to the public about the organization, attend outreach and fundraising events, and help create educational materials. *Other Tasks:* additional time will be spent on data entry, fundraising, lots of cleaning, and other tasks as needed. *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 graduated within 4 years from an undergraduate program. -Must be able to commit to the full internship starting on May 5 and concluding on August 16th. Preference given to interns who can stay later through October 19th, 2026, but not required. *All interns must be able to start on May 5th, no exceptions possible.* -Must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and willing/able to drive a full-size truck in urban and rural areas. -Must be able to work independently and as part of a team with other interns, volunteers, and staff, and be adaptable to a fast-paced, changing, and unpredictable schedule. -Must be in good physical condition and able to lift at least 50 pounds. -Individuals that are passionate, responsible, hardworking, eager to learn, able to work under minimal supervision and with others on a team are encouraged to apply. -The ideal candidate is working towards a career in marine mammal science, veterinary medicine, marine biology, environmental education, or a related field. -Preference given to individuals with a demonstrated interest in marine mammals and are specifically interested in marine mammal stranding response and care. Previous marine mammal experience or animal husbandry is a plus but not required. *How to Apply:* Applications must include a letter of interest which includes the exact start and end dates you can commit to, a resume, and two professional letters of recommendation. Completed applications can be sent to [email protected] by 11:59 PM EST on February 18th, 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Learn more at www.mmome.org. We look forward to your application for this exciting and unique experience! *Dominique Walk* *Assistant Stranding Coordinator* *Marine Mammals of MaineOffice: 207-844-8718* *Reporting Hotline: 1-800-532-9551* *www.mmome.org <http://www.mmome.org>*
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