Inspiring creative thinking and a commitment to ocean conservation in future generations.
The Animal Care and Training Internship with the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program is designed to give undergraduate students a dynamic educational experience in the marine mammal field while offering valuable career experience. Students are responsible for a number of support tasks with dolphins and sea lions throughout the course of the internship including diet preparation, sanitation, and equipment and facility maintenance. Interns also have the opportunity to assist the Animal Care and Training staff in husbandry, research, and open ocean training sessions.
Animal Care and Training Internship Dates For 2021
- Summer - May 3 - August 20 and May 17- September 3 - deadline March 1st
- Fall August 23 - December 10 and August 30 - December 17 - deadline June 1st
Veterinary Externship
For students in their fourth year of veterinary school, the Veterinary Externship provides a comprehensive look at the NMMF and U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program's veterinary care of dolphins and sea lions. NMMF veterinarians, technicians, and fellows provide on-call veterinary care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mornings are typically used for clinical procedures, veterinary medical technologies support, and medical rounds. Most afternoons are dedicated to sample processing, data entry, research, training, and emerging care needs. Students are given the opportunity to observe and participate in all clinical activities, under the direction of the veterinary staff, as the situation permits. In addition, students are expected to complete a clinical research project in marine mammal medicine and then present the results at the end of their externship.
Conservation Medicine Internship
Through conservation-focused internship opportunities, the NMMF strives to train the next generation of marine mammal scientists and veterinarians in conservation medicine.
Conservation Medicine Fellowship
Through advanced opportunities in conservation medicine, we are cultivating the next generation of leaders in marine mammal science, medicine, and conservation.
How To Apply
To apply for any of our internship and externship opportunities, please contact Erika Putman, Director of Education and Outreach: erika.putman@nmmf.org.
What do students think?
Learn more about the Animal Care and Training Internship with the Navy Marine Mammal Program, including job duties and how to apply
The Marine Mammal Program (MMP) began in 1959 with a single Navy scientist and one dolphin. Since that time, the program has expanded its study with the development of the Fleet Marine Mammal Systems utilizing dolphins, beluga whales, and sea lions. In addition, the MMP is doing a variety of research projects investigating the hearing abilities in a number of species of marine mammals. Research studying dolphin’s biosonar, and their physiological environmental adaptations are also being conducted. We are currently offering positions to be a part of the marine mammal program through internship opportunities.
This internship is designed to give undergraduate students a dynamic educational experience in the marine mammal field while offering valuable career experience. Students will be responsible for a number of support tasks with dolphins and sea lions throughout the course of the internship. These responsibilities will include diet preparation, sanitation, and equipment and facility maintenance. Interns may also have the opportunity to assist the marine mammal training staff in husbandry and open ocean training. In addition, they will provide support to the animal care staff in animal physicals, and assist in a number of different marine mammal research projects. Lectures and field trips will also be conducted throughout the term to enhance the learning experience.
The internship is offered on a competitive basis to sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the Marine Science, Biology, Zoology, Psychology, and Veterinary fields. Though the internship is designed for undergraduate students, recent graduates are also eligible to apply. All interns must arrange to receive college credit to be considered for the internship. The internship is a 40 hours per week, 16-week commitment. Interested students are encouraged to send a resume, cover letter, an unofficial or official copy of their transcripts, proof of medical insurance, and proof of US citizenship. In addition, a minimum of three letters of recommendation from professors or employers is necessary to complete the application. The application deadline for spring is October 1st , summer is March 1st , and Fall is June 1st .
If you would like to learn more about the MMP, I encourage you to visit our website. Please forward all application materials to the email address or physical address listed below. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Erika Putman at (619) 767-4100 or email at nmmp_intern@spawar.navy.mil
Dr. Mark Xitco
Attn: Coordinator of Volunteer Opportunities
NIWC, Code 567
53560 Hull Street
San Diego, CA 92152
