About the role#
This internship provides hands-on experience with the Marine Mammal Rescue program at the International Operations Center in Yarmouth, Massachusetts. Interns support the rescue and care of stranded marine mammals, assist with scientific data collection, and participate in community outreach. You will be paired with staff mentors to gain experience in stranding response and necropsy. This is an unpaid position for the Winter 2027 term, running from mid-January through the end of May.
What you'll do#
- Answer the stranding hotline, document reports, and dispatch volunteers.
- Assist staff with live animal health assessments, supportive care, and necropsies.
- Support operations at the Cetacean Intensive Care Unit, including animal care and facility cleaning.
- Maintain and organize stranding response gear, necropsy equipment, and field kits.
- Enter data and manage archives of photos, videos, and datasheets.
- Prepare outreach materials and participate in community events.
What you'll need#
- At least 18 years old.
- A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Enrollment in or completion of a degree in biology, zoology, ecology, conservation, or a related field.
- Ability to follow protocols and work both independently and in teams.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Availability to work 3 to 4 days per week, including one weekend day.
- Previous experience with marine mammal stranding, necropsy, animal handling, driving large trucks, or photo-ID is preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: Yarmouth, Massachusetts.
- Term: Winter 2027 (Mid-January to late May).
- This position is unpaid and does not include housing or transportation support.
- Interns may be required to work holidays and assist with overnight shifts when animals are in care.
About IFAW
The International Fund for Animal Welfare operates as a non-profit organization focused on wildlife conservation, animal rescue, and animal welfare. Founded in 1969, the group maintains its headquarters in Washington, District of Columbia. It employs between 201 and 500 people. The organization works with local communities and governments to develop practical solutions for environmental and animal welfare challenges.
How to get in at IFAW
Applying early to IFAW gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you apply among the first before the pile grows. You avoid the frustration of submitting your resume to an overflowing inbox. Using Intern Insider to reach the recruiters behind IFAW roles allows you to ask about the position or a referral directly. This approach often improves response rates compared to standard submissions. It is a more effective way to demonstrate your interest than waiting for a status update in a portal.
