Marine Mammal Care Center

Cause Area

Animals
Community
Disaster Relief
Education & Literacy
Environment

Location

3601 South Gaffey St. #8San Pedro, CA 90731 United States

Website:

http://marinemammalcare.org

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Website:
http://marinemammalcare.org

Seasonal Animal Care Roles at Marine Mammal Care Center

Flexible Schedule | San Pedro, CA 90731

Animal Care - Seasonal Volunteer Opportunities About Us: The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles (MMCC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a leader in the field of marine mammal health and conservation. MMCC is the only organization authorized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to respond to marine mammals in distress along the entire Los Angeles County coastline from Malibu to Seal Beach, Catalina Island, and at sea. MMCC has rehabilitated nearly 10,000 marine mammals and returned them to their ocean home since its founding i n 1992. Located in San Pedro, MMCC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with a staff of 18 and 200 actively engaged volunteers. Mission and Vision: The mission of the Marine Mammal Care Center is to inspire ocean conservation through marine animal rescue and rehabilitation, education, and research. Our vision is of a healthy ocean ecosystem where people and marine life thrive together. Marine Mammals are ecosystem indicators, and these animals provide insights into human and ocean threats. We are taking action today to support a network of professionals and stewards to protect our shared ocean environment for future generations. Role Description: The Animal Care Seasonal Volunteer position offers individuals an opportunity to learn how our wildlife hospital provides medical care, housing, and nutrition to seals and sea lions in distress and to participate in their rehabilitation. These volunteers will assist in the care necessary to support our marine mammal hospital for a weekly 3 - 4 hour shift during the busy stranding season . The position is estimated to start in March and last up to 6 months , but may be shorter or longer depending on team needs . This position require s standing for up to three hours, bending over a sink, bending down to retrieve dishes from the ground, working in hot soapy water, using a garbage disposal, and contact with fish, gruel, and disinfectants. This position does not involve animal contact or direct care and is a supportive position only for the busy season. Animal Care volunteers report to the lead staff member on their scheduled shift and will be on-site at the hospital in San Pedro. Responsibilities include: Thawing and sorting frozen fish Preparing gruel for patients unable to eat whole fish Organizing fish shipments (volunteer must be able to lift 25 lbs or more) Accurately calculating the appropriate amount of fish for each patient pen Ensuring cleanliness of fish prep area Cleaning and sanitizing dishes used for feeding and providing animal care at MMCC. This may include bowls, buckets, feeding tubes, blenders, etc. Ensure the kitchen area remains clean and sanitized throughout the shift Keeping dishes organized and easily accessible Cleaning and sanitizing resources used to transport and care for our patients (kennels, pools, etc.) Laundry to ensure our patients and staff have access to clean towels and other materials pertinent to animal care Ensuring the main "staging area" where we prep for incoming patients, coordinate feeds or medical attention remains clean and sanitized at all times Commitment: Animal Care Seasonal Volunteers will commit to one shift at the same time each week for the length of the busy season . The shift will be selected during the onboarding process based on the volunteer’s availability and MMCC’s shift needs. Volunteers will work alongside Animal Care staff, interns, and other volunteers. S hift times are as follows and includes the following duties: Morning S hift: Fish preparation, Dishes, Auxiliary Cleaning ; 7:30 am - 11:00 am Midday S hift: Dishes ; 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Afternoon S hift: Dishes, Auxiliary Cleaning; 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Exact shift times may vary based on patient load. Requirements: The Animal Care Volunteer must be 18 years or older. Participants must have their own medical insurance and reliable transportation. A background check will be required upon acceptance into the program. Volunteers should be competent in the following areas: A willingness to collaborate and communicate with other volunteers and staff Able to manage time effectively Quick learner with a drive to take initiative Able to handle potentially stressful situations with composure and professionalism Follow instructions and ability to take initiative Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and unit conversions) Must effectively communicate in written and spoken English Volunteers are encouraged to purchase personal protective equipment (disposable gloves, fishing bibs, and slip-proof boots) Contact: If you are interested in the Animal Care - Seasonal Volunteer position, please contact the Volunteer Services Manager at kwong@marinemammalcare.org .

Date Posted: Jan 22, 2025

Organization Information

Mission Statement

The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles is a hospital for ill, injured and malnourished marine mammals. Our mission is to rehabilitate and release back into their natural environment, sick and injured seals and sea lions that strand along the Los Angeles County Coastline. We are the only year round rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles County designated to treat marine mammals. Our important work is authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

Description

The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles is a hospital for ill, injured and orphaned marine mammals. Our primary work is the treatment and release of rescued seals & sea lions.

The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles was initially formed as the result of an agreement between Harcourt-Brace and the Los Angeles Unified School District(LAUSD). The Care Center began operating in October 1992.

The Care Center is also involved in the education of students, school teachers and the general public in conjunction with the Center for Marine Studies. We also actively collaborate with other agencies, universities and museums to learn and aid the treatment of the patients in our care.

The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles is a participating organization of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network. In the case of an oil spill within the Los Angeles, Ventura County area, The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles would respond to caring for any marine mammals exposed to petroleum products in their environment, working under the Office of Spill Prevention and Response.

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