Community Engagement Internship

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Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a registered charity organisation that operates a busy marine animal rescue and rehabilitation centre located in Courtown, Co. Wexford, Ireland. As the only facility that rehabilitates seals within the Republic of Ireland, SRI responds to strandings nationwide. Most reports are for young grey and common seal pups found sick, injured or orphaned across the Irish coastline. In addition, SRI pursues understanding and public engagement of ocean conservation and sustainability through education, community outreach and research programmes.

SRI is currently accepting applications for their dual focus Community Engagement Internship, which will develop a broad set of skills with a focus on education and fundraising. This high paced, full-time position is for a minimum of 12 weeks, but longer time commitments are encouraged. After completion of initial training, interns who excel may be invited to stay longer and offered higher levels of responsibility.

Due to Covid-19, Seal Rescue Ireland is only considering applications from Irish residents until further notice. All offers of internship positions with Seal Rescue Ireland may be subject to change depending on government regulations and advice, as well as SRI’s decisions on what is best for the health and well-being of our team. We thank everyone for their flexibility and understanding during this crisis.

Reports to: Community Engagement Manager

Job Summary: This unique position will provide the intern with work experience in many different aspects of a rescue and rehabilitation centre with a primary focus on fundraising and planning outreach events. The intern will be expected to assist with developing the fundraising program, plan/attend events, source other types of funding, and promote ocean conservation and sustainability while representing SRI. We seek to have two events per week planned offsite (seal releases, beach cleans, information tables at shopping centers, markets, festivals, etc.) to raise awareness and donations, and this role will help us to achieve that goal. When not attending events the intern will work on site assisting with educational tours and administration duties. The applicant will also get the opportunity to be trained on and be involved with assisting in the husbandry care and maintenance of rehabilitation animals if desired.

Requirements: Applicants are desired to have previous experience in fundraising and/or worked in nonprofits. A degree or pursuit of a degree in business management, event planning, marketing, public relations, fundraising, or similar field are preferred. Applicants must be organized, personable, show initiative and have ability to independently plan events. Background knowledge of marine mammals and ocean ecology is preferred. Having good people skills, being comfortable around children and the ability to speak to a crowd is a must. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays. Ability to drive in Ireland preferred (current driver’s license and clean driving record). Having your own vehicle is preferred, however applicants over 25 years of age may be able to drive SRI vehicles. Applicants must be fluent in English, since this role involves a lot of communicating with the public. For non-native English speakers coming from European countries, we require a C1 level of English.

Duties Include:

• Educate the public on ocean conservation via events, tours and presentations.
• Plan and carry out fundraisers and outreach events.
• Establish and maintain professional correspondences with venue representatives.
• Oversee and develop the adoptions and membership programmes.
• Assist in the care and maintenance of the Center’s rehabilitation animals (if desired).
• Provide assistance to the managers and rehabilitation staff as needed.
• Perform other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required.
• Coordinate transport of stranded animals, and keep records of strandings.

This is an unpaid position. Intern housing may be offered to successful applicants for 90 Euro/week (including food). Interns are responsible for their own travel expenses.

Application Deadlines

1st of November, 2020 for January, February, March and April, 2021 start dates

1st of January, 2021 for May, June, July, and August, 2021 start dates

1st of May, 2021 for September, October, November, and December, 2021 start dates

Please visit our website at ( http://www.sealrescueireland.org/internships/) to download the application form. Then send completed with your resume, cover letter, and two reference letters to: intern@sealrescueireland.org

Attention: Community Engagement Internship

Registered Charity: RCN20108519