Clinical Veterinary Student Externship Rotation in Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology
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The Marine Mammal Center
Sausalito, CA, US
Summary
The extern will participate in the veterinary care, husbandry, and rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals under staff supervision. Responsibilities also include assisting with post-mortem examinations and daily clinical rounds.
Job Description
Description
Clinical Veterinary Student Externship Rotation in Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology
Location of Program: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California
Reports to: Clinical Veterinarian, Dr. Emily Whitmer
Program Classification: Seasonal externship/rotation: March 1 - Sept 30, 2028
Benefits: No benefits
Program Overview
The Marine Mammal Center Clinical Veterinary Externship Program is designed for veterinary students in their clinical training (final year of veterinary school) and provides exposure to marine mammal medicine, pathology, rehabilitation, and husbandry. The veterinary student extern will work under the direct supervision of veterinary staff and highly skilled volunteers. Students participate in animal husbandry, veterinary care, necropsy, and daily clinical rounds. Clinical exposure will depend on the present caseload. The majority of the caseload is otariids and phocids with rare exposure to other taxa such as sea otters and cetaceans.
This program requires a 4-week duration, between March 1 and September 30 of 2028. (All externship openings for 2027 are filled). The student is expected to work 5 days per week including one weekend day.
Shared housing near the Center MAY be available for a fee. Independent transportation is required; there is no public transportation to the Center’s hospital and guest housing. Students who are accepted into the program will be asked to submit a separate application for housing.
Key Responsibilities
- Observe and participate in veterinary care and husbandry for stranded pinnipeds.
- Observe and participate in post-mortem examination.
Qualifications and Experience
- Veterinary student enrolled in the clinical year (end of 3rd year through 4th year) of veterinary school.
- Demonstrated interest in wildlife health and conservation and/or zoological animal medicine.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
- This position operates in a professional office, laboratory, and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors with access to other parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways.
- Work occurs in outdoor weather conditions and elements throughout the year.
- Hospital environment with utilization and potential exposure to potent anesthetic drugs and toxic substances including formalin and disinfectant agents. Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment, particularly during operation of radiologic equipment with potential exposure to radiation.
- Routine use of medical equipment such as digital radiology machines, endoscopy equipment and laboratory equipment (centrifuge, etc.).
- Rare work in a field environment may include terrestrial and marine/boat-based work and require hiking to some observation points or acting as part of a boat crew (minimal). The individual may also participate in cetacean mortality investigations.
- Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
- Involves smells associated with animals and the care of animals.
- Risks associated with animal handling such as animal bites or scratches.
- Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion and tasks.
- Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer.
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to crouch down, move quickly, and work with large animals.
- Ability to spend extended periods on standing, walking, and climbing stairs (potentially in inclement weather conditions).
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. The Center is the largest marine mammal Teaching Hospital in the world and a critical training ground for veterinary professionals, combining high-quality animal care with hands-on learning experiences.
OUR MISSION
The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.
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 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. 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.
For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org
To Apply: Applicants must submit all the following materials to be considered for this program: incomplete applications will not be reviewed
- Cover letter outlining the applicant's interests and professional goals.
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Name, email address, and phone number of at least two professionals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or clinical performance. The Marine Mammal Center will initiate the Recommendation Form with your references upon submission of your application. This will come from [email protected] directly to your references.
Application period is open through December 7th, 2026. The selection process will occur in January – February 2027, with notification to applicants to follow by end of February to early March 2027 for the seasonal externship/rotation that will occur within the March 1, 2028 - September 30, 2028, timeframe.
Inquiries beyond the guidelines above can be directed to the following email address, but please review the information thoroughly prior to contacting: [email protected]
