Job Title: Stranding Response Technician
Posting Date: 12/4/2024
Job Department: Animal Rescue - 290
Schedule: Full Time Seasonal (January-June 2025)
Job Type: On-site
Location: National Aquarium Pier Stranding Response Center- Ocean City Municipal Complex, 65th Street, Ocean City, MD. (410) 576-8532
JOB SUMMARY:
The National Aquarium is seeking a Stranding Response Technician (Full-Time Seasonal through June 2025). The Stranding Response Technician will be providing regional emergency field response to and disposition of live-stranded marine animals and performing triage operations under the direction of the Stranding Response & Triage Manager. This position supports improving the capacity for field response to emergency events involving live marine mammals and sea turtles in Maryland. As scheduled, provide rotating after hours on-call coverage of the 24-hr Stranding Hotline.
NOTE: This is a field position and will be based out of the National Aquarium's Stranding Response Center located in Ocean City, MD. The final candidate will be expected to reside in close proximity to this facility to ensure timely response to animal emergencies.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Essential responsibilities include:
- Lead incident response and triage of live stranded marine mammals and sea turtles along the Atlantic Coast and Eastern Shore of Maryland, according to established protocols.
- Dispatch and coordinate volunteers, ensuring clear communication of roles and responsibilities, while prioritizing human and animal safety and well-being throughout the event. Provide exemplary care, welfare, and final disposition of stranded animals under the care of the National Aquarium in the field and in triage, including humane euthanasia cases, in conjunction with the Stranding Response Manager and veterinarians.
- Lead care and treatment of pinnipeds and sea turtles undergoing triage, in conjunction with veterinarians and the Stranding Response & Triage Manager.
- Accountable for the safe restraint and handling of animals during husbandry and clinical procedures.
- Ensures accuracy of all stranding related records (animal, accession, and related) in accordance with federal and Aquarium standards using animal management software and hardcopy files.
- Conduct necropsy of animals, in conjunction with veterinarians and MD Department of Natural Resources.
- Improves capacity for field response to emergency events involving marine mammals and sea turtles, including mass strandings, live large whales, hazardous material spills, UME’s, natural disasters, out of habitat situations, and entanglement cases.
- Implements Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Incident Action Plans (IAPs) related to stranding response; manages events under the Incident Command System and ensures volunteer and animal safety.
- Maintains the triage facility; ensure readiness by maintaining equipment and supplies necessary for response, recovery, transport, and triage.
- Implement Animal Rescue outreach activities and programs related to stranding response, with the goal of engaging the public and youth in action-oriented programs.
- As scheduled, provide rotating after hours on-call coverage of the 24-hr Stranding Hotline, and provide exemplary customer service.
- Communicates with the Regional and National Stranding Networks; collaborates with federal (NOAA Fisheries Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service), state (MD Department of Natural Resources) and local municipalities, as well as regional partners in matters relating to live-stranded marine mammals or sea turtles.
- Supports digital content needs including photos, video, and website stories. Assists with public and media relations as directed.
- Other duties as assigned or required
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, aquatic sciences, environmental or related science or equivalent experience
- Minimum of two years previous professional work experience with a stranding response and/or rehabilitation organization including experience working with live pinnipeds
- Employees assigned to this position must possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license, have an acceptable driving record, and possess the ability to drive a variety of vehicles (cars, vans/trucks)
- Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and evenings
- Ability to climb ladders, lift and carry 50 lbs, and physically restrain large, wild animals
Preferred:
- Ability and willingness to mentor and train interns and volunteers
- Familiarity with electronic animal record keeping software systems (i.e. Tracks, ZIMS, etc.)
- CPR/AED and basic First-Aid Certification
- 24hr HAZWOPER Certification
Competencies:
- Must have detailed knowledge about marine mammal and/or sea turtle biology and have an affinity for wild animals, including a reasonable comfort level around large and/or aggressive animals.
- Competent regarding wound treatment, preparation and administration of oral and injectable medications, basic diagnostics, and familiar with quarantine protocols.
- Must be able to apply solid knowledge of biology to a stranding response & triage setting.
- Adept at observation and the ability to watch for changes in patient health and monitor changes in behavior.
- Must have the capacity to make decisions, based on the best interest of the animals, public health, and staff safety.
- Must be able to work productively in a teamwork environment.
- Familiarity with computers is necessary, including MS Office software (Word/Excel/Teams), Zoom, and Adobe; ability to learn & effectively use all proprietary Aquarium software.
- Must be able to follow established policies and protocols.
- Must be able to work well under direction and have capacity to absorb feedback from manager or staff and have the capacity to decide when to act independently and when to seek consultation from manager.
TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION:
Salary range ($43,880-49,475 Annual)
National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.
NOTE: This opportunity is for a six-month period from January to June.
About the National Aquarium
Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.
More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.
Our Mission and Goals
The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
Our Values
At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.
In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.
