Seal Internships
Seals & Sea lions Internship
Internship
Spring, summer and early Fall bring us the greatest influx of
wild patients. To ensure that the animals get all the care
they need in our busiest months, we offer numerous internships
from May to the end of October.
The Best Candidates
Most of the interns chosen have an education in animal
sciences, a veterinary or vet tech background, or past
wildlife experience. However, we occasionally accept
candidates with a strong environmental and community
conscience who have demonstrated this through community
and/or volunteer work.
An intern can expect to be part of most aspects of the
rehab process. Working closely with our staff you will
gain hands-on experience of basic rehab techniques such
as handling, diet preparation, feeding methods, charting,
cleaning and maintenance. Interns may also take part in
rescues and releases and, depending upon experience, may
assist with some technical work such as administering
meds, x-rays and microscopic exams.
An internship is not a position for anyone looking for
an ‘adventure holiday‘. Our staff work long, hard hours
and take their jobs seriously. The work is fast-paced and
physically demanding, so an intern must be in excellent
physical condition. Much of the work is repetitious and
dirty, and is anything but glamorous. However, as an
intern you will become part of a team of like-minded,
dedicated welcoming people and will be treated with
respect and friendship. Be prepared to give 100% to our
beautiful wild patients you will find your experience to
be among the most rewarding you have ever known. For an
intern’s insight into this experience, see Sumi Motoki’s
article in our winter newsletter, downloadable on this site.
Work Hours
In the peak of summer the hours are extremely long. The
work day begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues until well
past midnight. A shift can be 10 - 12 hours per day, six
days a week, with one day off.
Length of Internship
Internships are for a two-month term, commencing May 1
and ending October 31. Occasionally, due to a high
volume of animals, an internship can extend until November.
Accommodation
The Centre provides on-site basic shared sleeping cabins
(including bedding). Usually two interns share a cabin.
Tent sites are also available. There are two modern
bathrooms with tub and shower, plus a fully stocked
communal kitchen.
Stipends
Internships are unpaid, however a monthly stipend is paid
to each intern to cover the cost of groceries and basic
necessities.
Location of Island Wildlife
IWNCC is located on the largest of the Canadian Gulf Islands,
Salt Spring. Located between Vancouver’s mainland and
Vancouver Island, Salt Spring is a rural community, an
artist’s haven and popular tourist destination. Our village
of Ganges has numerous shops, galleries, restaurants and
services so you can easily purchase anything you need on the
island.
Transportation
Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Salt
Spring Island. Our closest cities, Vancouver and Victoria
both have airports and the island is well served by ferry
service from each city. The Centre is several miles outside
the village of Ganges and interns may use a Centre vehicle
to go into town for supplies (there is no public
transportation on the island). If you are a successful
candidate, our staff will work with you to help you make your
way to the Centre.
How to Apply
Print out and complete the Application Form. Write us a brief
essay regarding your background and motivation for this
internship. We receive about 200 applications each year and
this helps us to get to know you a little better. Include
your CV and send your completed application to the address on
the form. Applications should be received by MARCH 15. We
will respond by the beginning of April. Applications cannot
be accepted by e-mail nor dealt with by phone. If you are
being considered, we will reach you by phone for an interview.
Internship Application
---------------------------------
Experience working alongside our seals, sea lions, and their
trainers. Aid in area maintenance, husbandry, and training.
Requirements:
Pursuing a college degree (at least sophomore level) or a
recent graduate in a related field.
For more information, please contact
the Marine Mammal Department ext 214.
Direct interest and applications to:
(the appropriate department)
c/o Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
(716) 285-3575 or 1-800-500-4609
(Please apply at least one semester in advance.)
---------------------------------
Internships
Pinniped and Penguin Husbandry
Department Function:
Pinniped and penguin aquarists feed, train and care for the
Aquarium's collection of Northern Fur Seals, Steller's sea
lions and African penguins.
Daily Duties:
* Assist staff with preparing diets for pinnipeds and penguins.
* Cleaning and maintenance of exhibits and back-up areas.
* Record keeping.
* Assist feeding pinnipeds and penguins.
* Assist with the training of husbandry behaviors.
* Assist Husbandry staff and staff veterinarian
with medical procedures.
* Assist with stranded marine mammals when possible.
Recent Projects:
* Shade utilization in northern fur seals and Steller's sea lions.
* Pre-molt vs. post-molt patterns in African penguins.
* Quarantine procedures for stranded marine mammals.
* Dietary trends of Steller's sea lions.
* A comparative analysis of food consumption from late
gestation through lactation in northern fur seals.
* The correlation between season and abnormal foot
conditions in African penguins.
