We’re Hiring!

Response Apprentice

Location of Position: Castroville, California 

Reports to: Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager

Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

This is a temporary, hourly position. This position is 20 hours per week, for 6 months, approx.: March - September 2025.

• Days of work are generally Saturday to Wednesday.
• Evening and weekend work are required.
• Some travel within California may be expected for this position.

Compensation Range: $20.00/hr.

Benefits:

• Sick Time
• 401k Retirement Plan
• The Marine Mammal Center offers benefits to support the emotional wellbeing of you and your loved ones (Employee Assistance Program)
  
  

Job Summary:

The Response Apprentice will contribute meaningful support to the response & animal care of marine mammals at our Castroville Operations at The Marine Mammal Center.  The 6-month apprenticeship provides a high-level view of community powered conservation while supporting the advancement of the mission and strategic priorities of the world’s largest marine mammal stranding response programs.

Essential Functions:

Marine Mammal Response & Animal Care: 60%

• Supports the Castroville 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 transport to and from Castroville operations.
• Assist with dead stranded marine mammal response and data collection as needed. 

Training & Community Engagement: 30%

• Participate in events such as volunteer trainings, educational booth events in the community, appreciation events and patient releases as assigned.
• Maintain and update training and engagement materials for staff and volunteers.

Other Duties as Assigned: 10%

• Perform special projects and research as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:
None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A passion for marine and environmental conservation.
• Basic knowledge of marine mammal biology and conservation.
• Willingness to develop skills in community engagement.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities as set by management.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain open communication in a team environment.
• Ability to practice self-awareness and respect while engaging staff, volunteers, and members of the public.
• Minimal skills or ability to learn Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word).
• Minimal skills or ability to learn videoconference technology (Slack, Teams, Zoom).
• 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.

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 driver license with favorable driving history and proof of auto insurance.
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• This position operates in a professional office and hospital environment, both indoors and outdoors with access to various parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion.
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer.
• Ability to work in an open cubicle office space with many distractions.
• Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions and elements.
• Ability to move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across site and locations.
• Ability to work with and handle live and dead marine mammals.
• Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
• Involves smells associated with dead animals and the care of live 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 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.