We’re Hiring!

Cetacean Conservation Biology Apprentice

Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California 

Reports to: Associate Director, Cetacean Conservation Biology

Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

• This is a grant-funded position through April 30, 2026, with continuation contingent upon renewed funding thereafter.
• This is a full-time position.
• The work schedule is generally Wednesday – Sunday.
• Regular onsite work and consistent weekend work is required.
• Days and hours of work may vary according to the needs of The Marine Mammal Center.
• Travel to fieldwork sites within California is expected.

Compensation Range: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Housing may be available
• Generous time off policies, including Holidays, Sick, and Vacation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Apprenticeship Summary:

The Cetacean Conservation Biology Apprentice (CCBA) is an intensive hands-on apprenticeship designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to community-powered conservation, with a strong emphasis on cetacean biology and inclusive engagement. Hosted within one of the world’s largest marine mammal stranding response programs, the CCBA supports both scientific research and community outreach efforts focused on cetacean conservation.

The apprentice will participate in regular marine mammal surveys conducted via small vessels and from shorelines in both nearshore bay and offshore environments. Responsibilities include assisting with survey preparation, volunteer and intern training, and data management using tools such as photo-identification, drone operations, and line-transect sampling, alongside software such as Mysticetus and ArcGIS.

This apprenticeship also includes training in small boat handling, field data collection techniques, participation in collaborative research meetings and community working groups that focus on science-driven conservation initiatives. In addition, the CCBA will support project and volunteer coordination, providing mentorship to interns and volunteers while strengthening their own leadership and organizational skills.

Essential Functions:

Research & Data Collection: 70%

• Support data collection for offshore and coastal/inshore boat-based cetacean surveys, including photo-identification and drone operations, utilizing Mysticetus software for data logging and tracking.
• Collaborate on the preparation and maintenance of research vessels and equipment to ensure readiness and safety for field operations.
• Participate in the creation of visual materials, such as figures, maps, and tables, for use in publications, science communication, and working group meetings.
• Assist with administrative responsibilities, including standard operating procedure documentation, equipment inventory management, and general reporting.
• Provide support for cetacean research projects as needed.
• Participate in whale entanglement response efforts through photography and documentation.
• Assist in the coordination of the Center’s and California Academy of Sciences (CAS) joint large whale responses as they arise.

Volunteer Coordination: 20%

• Lead coordination and communication efforts for shore-based volunteers across the San Francisco Bay, ensuring consistent engagement and operational support.
• Assist with training volunteers in field data collection techniques and provide guidance on data analysis using ArcGIS and R, supporting scientific accuracy and project objectives.

Other Duties as Assigned: 10%

• Attend research meetings, and other appropriate meetings/seminars as assigned.
• Perform special projects and research as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:
None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Passion for marine and environmental conservation.
• Knowledge of basic principles marine mammal biology and conservation.
• Experience with marine mammal data collection methods, including photo-ID.
• Ability to operate equipment safely and competently to carry out their duties.
• Ability to drive/operate a vehicle. Public transportation between housing accommodations and site is limited. 
• Ability to respond to emergency situations effectively and calmly.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities as set by management.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain open communication in a team environment.
• Experience using data visualization and analysis programs, such as ArcGIS and R a plus.
• Minimal skills or ability to learn Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and videoconference technology (Slack, Teams, Zoom).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, which may include staff, volunteers, training participants, and members of the public.
• Ability to practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with staff, volunteers, training participants, and members of the public.
• Willingness to support and participate in The Marine Mammal Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Qualifications and Experience:

• This position requires an interest and passion for cetacean and ocean conservation. Recent graduate in biology, physics, ecology, environmental science, computer science, marine science, or related field. This position is especially directed toward early career researchers with previous research and work experience preparing for graduate school, or recent graduates of advanced degrees looking to bridge the gap between research and applied conservation science.
• FAA Part 107 license or ability to obtain within first month of employment preferred.
• California boater card or ability to obtain within the first month of employment preferred.
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability.
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements: 

• This position operates in a professional office, laboratory, and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors with access to various parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways.
• This position requires work in an environment that involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials or chemicals and situations that require extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment and completion of training procedures.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion in tasks.
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer.
• Ability to work in an open cubicle office space environment with many distractions.
• Ability to drive/operate a vehicle for extended periods of time.
• Ability to safely walk on beaches and assist with animal rescues in various locations across California.
• Research is conducted on land and sea, requiring hiking to observation points, and acting as part of a boat crew.
• Ability to swim, operate a vessel, and serve as boat crew.
• Able to withstand harsh elements including wind and rain for extended periods of time.
• Not prone to seasickness or ability to manage sea sickness.
• Ability to walk up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis.
• Ability to spend extended periods on your feet, walking, standing, crouching, and climbing stairs (potentially in inclement weather conditions).
• Ability to participate in cetacean mortality investigations, requiring training and use of sharp instruments.
• Ability to perform physical work requiring manual dexterity, agility, strength, and coordination including ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
• Involves strong smells associated with dead animals (carcasses) and the care of live animals.

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. 

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 from underrepresented groups to apply. 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