The Port Townsend Marine Science Center holds a letter of authorization from NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, to serve as the Marine Mammal Stranding Network (MMSN) coordinators for East Jefferson County on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. In the summer of 2023, we experienced a significant increase in response calls for stranded harbor seals along the shores adjacent to Rat Island and Fort Flagler State Park on Marrowstone Island. With concerns related to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 infected Caspian Terns, we plan to increase monitoring of these areas this year and do more outreach to the public about HPAI and what to do if you find a stranded marine mammal (call the MMSN).
The Marine Mammal Stranding Network Program Specialist will focus on marine mammal stranding network response and educational outreach to the public. The position is based out of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. This is a seasonal, temporary, part-time, non-exempt (hourly) position.
Primary duties for the role involve monitoring the PTMSC marine mammal stranding network hotline; dispatching volunteers when necessary; responding to strandings and collecting Level A data and photos; collecting animals for transport to Center Valley Animal Rescue (CVAR) when candidate for rehabilitation; collecting carcasses and transporting to CVAR for HPAI testing; surveying shorelines as needed; and providing educational outreach to the public about MMSN and HPAI.
Qualified applicants should have previous education in Marine Biology, Aquarium Science or a related field; experience with animal care in a public, research, or wildlife facility; experience following protocols and procedures; experience communicating clearly in a variety of settings; experience working and interacting with all levels and different styles of personalities while maintaining a professional attitude. Previous education in aquarium or life sciences is strongly preferred, and experience in a customer-driven environment is a plus. Reliable transportation is required for this position. Mileage reimbursement is available for travel to and from animal response sites and for the transport of animals to and from CVAR from sites. Weekend and holiday work will be required for this position.
This is an hourly position, paid at a rate of $18.00 to $20.00 per hour based on qualifications and professional experiences. This position will average approximately 25-30 hours/week. Benefits include Paid Sick Leave at the rate of 1 hour sick leave for every 10 hours worked.
At PTMSC we value collaboration generated by a positive, friendly environment. A good sense of humor is a must! In addition to departmental responsibilities, team members have opportunities to participate in special projects, represent the science center at events, and advance their professional development.
How to Apply:
Find the full position description on our website, ptmsc.org/work-for-us.
This position is open until filled. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Please email a copy of your resume and cover letter to jobs@ptmsc.org, with the subject “MMSN Specialist Position.” Please address your cover letter to Betsy Carlson, Citizen Science Coordinator.
PTMSC will provide equal opportunity to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, military status, marital status, order of protection status, genetic information, sexual orientation, transgender status, or any other category protected by law, in accordance with all applicable law.
Filed under: Olympic Peninsula | Tagged: jobs |
Thanks, Al, for reposting. I hadn’t grasped how essential this position is to science and health. And what a timely and important stretch position it is. Like so many other summer jobs here, there’s built-in bias: it requires a candidate who can afford to take it. Any other ideas on how to get it filled?
not really I think that you have to really work connections here on the Peninsula and maybe down in the Seattle region. There’s lots of people down there that would probably love to be up here the question is, where would they live.