Advanced Training Opportunities
Further your education
As part of our mission of education, we offer a variety of hands-on learning opportunities. We currently offer:
MARINE MAMMAL VETERINARY INTERNSHIP
about the position
LOCATION: Laguna Beach, California
DURATION: 1 year clinical veterinary internship, with the possibility of a second year for a Veterinary Fellowship or collaborative Master’s Degree program.
SALARY & BENEFITS: $45,000/year; full health benefits; intern is responsible for travel and housing
APPLICATION DUE DATE: Check back September 2024.
ABOUT: The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education, and collaboration. As part of our mission of education, we offer a one-year clinical veterinary internship that provides training in marine mammal and wildlife medicine, rehabilitation, husbandry, necropsy, and research for veterinarians interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal medicine and conservation.
The veterinary intern will be trained by our clinical veterinarians, medical team, and animal care specialists. This one-year internship will provide experience in pinniped husbandry, physical examination, medical treatments, anesthesia, phlebotomy, radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy, and surgery. In addition, the selected candidate will participate in marine mammal stranding response, triage, stabilization, transport, and necropsy of pinnipeds and cetaceans.
The intern will have the opportunity to pursue one or more clinical or research projects, with the goal of publication in a peer-reviewed journal. In addition, the intern will mentor veterinary externs and visiting graduate students during their clinical rotations through the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, as well as work with our animal care volunteers, docents, and education teams.
Requirements & Preferences
Must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, VMD) from U.S. AVMA-accredited veterinary school
Must have or be able to obtain a State of California veterinary medical license prior to or within 1 month of starting the internship
Must have previous experience as a veterinarian; preferred completion of a one-year clinical veterinary internship (or equivalent general practice experience) in small, large, or exotic animal medicine
Must be able to lift 50 pounds, be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, and maintain a safe work environment
Hours & availability: 40 hours per week; Must be available for after-hours emergencies, weekends, and holidays
Preference will be given to those with marine mammal, wildlife, and/or research experience
Ability to provide high-quality medical care to patients
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative manner
Ability to accurately and effectively complete electronic medical records
how to apply
To apply, please include the below materials in PDF format, with your name as the file name:
Cover letter (including available start date).
Curriculum vitae (including 3 contacts for references).
One letter of recommendation from an individual familiar with the applicant's clinical performance.
The applications for the 2024 Veterinary Internship are now closed. Please refer back in September 2024 for the 2025 Veterinary Internship application.
VETERINARY STUDENT EXTERNSHIP
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center offers a 4-week externship for veterinary students that provides experience in marine mammal medicine, rehabilitation, husbandry, necropsy, and research.
The extern will work under the direct supervision of the veterinarians, as well as assist animal care staff and volunteers with the daily care and feeding of the patients. Externs will participate in pinniped (and occasional cetacean) triage, physical examinations, medical treatments, anesthesia, biological sample collection, radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy, and surgery depending on the needs of the patients at the time of their externship. In addition, externs will participate in live animal stranding response and necropsy, including pinnipeds, dolphins, and whales.
Externs will be required to complete a small project. Results will be presented to Pacific Marine Mammal Center staff and volunteers, with the potential of completing a project that can be presented at a conference and/or published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Students will be scheduled for 4-week blocks during this time. This is an unpaid position. Preference will be given to students who will be in their final clinical year of veterinary school at the time of the externship. Travel and transportation will not be provided and are the responsibility of the extern.
Applications for the 2025 veterinary externship program are now closed. Please refer back in September 2024 for the 2026 veterinary externship application.
OCEAN HEALTH FELLOWSHIP
ABOUT THE POSITION
As part of our mission of education, Pacific Marine Mammal Center offers a 1-year paid fellowship (40 hours/week) to interested candidates. This fellowship primarily provides experience with marine mammal necropsies and research but may have opportunities to gain experience in rehabilitation, husbandry, and medicine. This fellowship also allows exposure to the day-to-day operations at a rehabilitation facility.
The fellow will work under the direct supervision of the Research & Necropsy Biologist. Fellows will be tasked with sample inventory management, participating in all pinniped and cetacean necropsies (both at PMMC and in the field), necropsy inventory, and pre and post-necropsy duties. Other tasks will be allocated to the fellow depending on the needs of the Research & Necropsy Biologist.
Fellows will also be required to complete a small research project that will be discussed upon acceptance of the fellowship. Results will be presented to Pacific Marine Mammal Center staff and volunteers, with the ultimate goal of completing a project that can be presented at a conference and/or published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Minimum requirements
Attention to detail
Ability to work in a team and independently
Willingness to train necropsy volunteers when needed
B.S. degree in some version of biological sciences
Previous experience working in necropsy is ideal but not required
This is a paid, full time position and preference will be given to those who are able to commit to the full time of the fellowship. Travel, housing, and transportation are the responsibility of the fellow.
The applications for the 2024 Ocean Health Fellowship are now closed. Please refer back in the fall of 2024 for the 2025 Ocean Health Fellowship application.
MED TEAM VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
ABOUT THE POSITION
Pacific Marine Mammal Center offers a veterinary medical team volunteer position that provides training in marine mammal medicine, rehabilitation, husbandry, necropsy, and research throughout the busy season (Jan -Aug).
The volunteer will work under the direct supervision of the veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and animal care staff. Vet Med Team volunteers will participate in pinniped (and occasional cetacean) triage, physical examinations, medical treatments, assist with anesthesia, blood processing, inventory (biological samples, pharmacy, hospital supplies), and other clinic responsibilities (procedure preparation, cleaning, supply stocking, etc.) depending on the needs of the patients and medical team. In addition, volunteers may participate in live animal stranding response and necropsy, including pinnipeds (sea lions and seals), cetaceans (dolphins and whales), and marine turtles.
Volunteers will be scheduled one morning (8am – 12pm) per week during this time. This is an unpaid position and CANNOT interfere with your current PMMC animal care volunteer position.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please include the below materials (PDF saved with the applicant’s name):
Cover letter, including 3 preferred weekday mornings
CV with three professional references listed
Applications for the 2024 veterinary medical team volunteer program are now closed. Please refer back in the fall of 2024 for the 2025 veterinary medical team volunteer application. Preference will be given to current PMMC Animal Care Volunteers
We look forward to your application
Not only are we excited to share our mission but we look forward to what you will uniquely bring to marine mammal care and ocean stewardship.