Marine Mammal Stranding Internship - Fall Session 2026

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is seeking Marine Mammal Stranding Interns for the Fall Session 2026. Interns will assist with stranding hotline coverage, marine mammal stranding response and necropsy, CICU operations, data entry and sample processing, and outreach. No experience is necessary, but a background in biology, zoology, ecology, or conservation is preferred. This is an unpaid internship, and interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and secure reliable transportation.
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, have completed an undergraduate or graduate study of biology, zoology, ecology, conservation or related field (preferably within 2 years of graduation), or equivalent experience.
• Able to follow written and oral staff directions and protocols effectively and able to work in teams and individually.

Benefits

• Opportunity to gain experience in marine mammal stranding response and research
• Cross-training in stranding response and necropsy
• Mentorship from experienced staff members