Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Internship
Applications for 2025 are now closed. Apply for the 2026 season.
Work with our animal care and veterinary staff as well as our animal husbandry volunteers to provide care for our patients, which primarily consist of harbor seals. In addition to patient care, interns will assist with post-mortem examinations, medical record-keeping and possibly field work and response. Interns will also develop and conduct a marine mammal research project.
This is a two- to three-month long, full-time, unpaid position. Housing is not available, and the intern is responsible for having reliable transportation. Due to the seasonal nature of our patients, internships are available from June through November. Each internship opportunity may vary slightly depending upon our patient load and other factors.
Location of Position:
Sealife Response, Rehabilitation, Research. Des Moines, WA
Reports to:
Intern Coordinator Position
Classification:
Internship
Session Dates:
June 16th 2026- September/October 2026 (end dates can vary)
Position Overview:
The Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Intern position provides undergraduates or recent college graduates an opportunity to gain skills in the field of marine mammal rehabilitation which includes providing primary care of stranded marine mammals, assisting with post-mortem examinations, developing and conducting a marine mammal research project, medical record keeping, and the possibility of some field response. This is a three to four month long, full-time, unpaid position during the summer; we do not offer any fall or winter internship opportunities at this time. Interns are responsible for their own housing and must have reliable transportation.
Key Responsibilities
Work with a team of volunteers and staff to provide care for marine mammals, mostly harbor seals, including assessment, treatment and general husbandry.
Help with daily upkeep of all resources needed for rehabilitation, general cleaning duties and animal enclosure maintenance.
Learn and adhere to standards of PPE, sanitation, and quarantine as it applies to transfer of disease and parasites.
Prepare daily diets, administer feeds, and provide patients with environmental enrichment.
Perform data entry and daily records on feeds and animal behaviors.
Assist with exams, perform animal restraint, and administer medications and treatments.
Aid in conducting post-mortem examination on deceased patients to investigate causes of death and disease processes.
Assist with collecting and processing of laboratory samples.
Develop a marine mammal research project, topic of your choosing, and present findings at the end of the internship.
Participate in public education and outreach.
Respond to and rescue stranded animals as needed.
Qualifications & Experience
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Current student at a college or university or recent graduate with a background in marine biology, conservation, or a related field.
Strong knowledge and enthusiasm for the local marine environment and ocean conservation.
Proficiency in using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Google docs.
Have your own reliable transportation.
Applicants must be self starters, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
A flexible schedule to accommodate animal care and response needs including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Able to follow directions and protocols effectively.
Willingness to learn and participate in all aspects of work.
Demonstrated strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Physical Requirements
Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, and independently lift up to 40 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 both in the rehabilitation hospital setting and in the field.
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.
May involve strong smells associated with dead animals and the care of animals
Internship Deliverables
Interns will learn marine mammal handling and husbandry skills at an accelerated pace
Interns will be introduced to basic veterinary skills as it pertains to marine mammals
Interns will be able to network with established professionals in the field of marine mammal rehabilitation
Interns will develop skills pertaining to marine mammal rescue
Interns will have the opportunity to work on their research and presentation skills through their independent project ABOUT SR3 and OUR MISSION SR3 is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Des Moines, Washington. Our mission is to promote the health and welfare of marine wildlife in the Pacific Northwest. For more information, please visit our website at SR3.org
To Apply
Applicants must submit all the following materials to apply@sr3.org with the subject line “SR3 REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP APPLICATION” to be considered for this position:
1. Cover letter outlining the…
applicant's interests and professional goals
preferred end date
2. Current resume
3. Two professional references (name, relationship to you, phone number and email). No letters of recommendation.
Application period is open January 6th, 2026 through February 3rd, 2026. Selection process and interviews will occur on a rolling basis, with notification to all applicants by March 7th, 2026
