Get Involved:
Do you want to help save the world? Would you like to wake up every morning knowing that your work is getting us one step closer to a world where whales and dolphins are safe and free? We have plenty of different opportunities for you to get involved at Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
For over 30 years, WDC has been working across the globe in marine conservation. We are guided by the simple principle that whales are climate giants, meaning they play a critical role in the health of our marine ecosystems and help us combat changes in our climate.
WDC’s North American office works to protect whales and dolphins through programs focusing on public outreach/education; policy work; and science. Our dog-friendly Plymouth office houses a highly driven team of individuals who promote a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and celebration of a flexible mindset.
Employment
Thank you for your interest in WDC!
Currently, we do not have any openings available.
Internship
Marine Mammal Conservation Internship
The submission period will be open November 1 and will close November 30 at 11:59pm EST.
Temporary, full-time, paid
Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s North American office is offering a 12-week, entry-level Marine Mammal Conservation Internship to candidates with little to no prior experience. This opportunity will help to build skills relevant to the field of marine conservation while providing interns with insight into the inner workings of a non-profit as well as job skills transferable to any field.
This position is designed for those who do not yet have experience in marine mammal conservation and outreach. We will prioritize candidates who do not have practical experience (internship, significant volunteering, employment) in this field outside of a classroom setting. Applicants should be eager to dive into new experiences and enjoy having a variety of tasks to work on. This position will help to assist staff in three key program areas: Marine Animal Rescue and Response, Education, and Boater Outreach. Occasional opportunities to see whales at sea may also be possible, though no part of this position requires being in the water.
Successful candidates will gain transferable skills in effective communication and public speaking, project management, developing and delivering presentations and other interpretive resources, working on a close-knit team, and record keeping.
We have two open positions in 2024 for this temporary, full-time, paid internship. We are seeking to fill one position each for the spring (March-May) and summer (June-August). Each of the successful candidates will be assisting all WDC programming, including Marine Animal Rescue and Response, Education, and Boater Outreach.
LOGISTICS:
Candidates must be able to demonstrate that they are legally eligible to work in the U.S. by the proposed starting date. Successful candidates will need to make their own arrangements, as needed, for housing and transportation to and from the WDC office in Plymouth, MA, USA. Please note that the cost of living for the Plymouth area is above the national average when considering this role. Successful candidates are expected to work 40 hours a week (including occasional evening and/or weekend work) for the 12-week period of the program; they will be compensated at a rate of $15/hour.
Applicants must be 18 years or older by the internship start date and fluent in English. WDC will assist interested students in obtaining credits for the program through their college or university. Candidates should be advised that WDC’s office is dog-friendly; up to three dogs may be in the office on any given day.
Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Whale and Dolphin Conservation embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We recognize that the field of marine mammal research and conservation lacks diversity, including within our own organization. WDC is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities which represent diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
Candidates in this internship will:
- Have effective verbal and/or written communications skills
- Work well with diverse audiences and teams
- Have an interest in education/outreach initiatives
- Act effectively as a member of a close-knit team
- Be able to problem solve in unanticipated situations
- Have an attention to detail and follow policies and procedures
- Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive a large pick-up truck
- Be able to pass a background check
- Be able to lift or move heavy objects and work outside in adverse weather conditions
- Be comfortable working with deceased/decomposing animals
- Have health insurance coverage and be free of (or able to manage) medical issues aggravated by exposure to animals including their fur and bodily fluids, which could contain transmissible diseases
- Be legally able to work in the United States
- All staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless employee qualifies for exception under applicable law relating to disability or sincerely held religious belief). CDC COVID recommendations are reviewed at frequent intervals and guide the updating of WDC's protocols to keep employees safe.
Internship responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Researching and exploring potential outreach and education partnership opportunities
- Writing blogs, creating social media content, and managing program websites
- Relationship building with boating industry members
- Developing outreach materials and grade school lesson plans connected to science standards
- Delivering educational programs to K-12 students as well as adults/families at community events
- Responding to stranded live and dead marine mammals in the field, including assisting with health assessments and examinations to determine cause of death
- Answering WDC’s rescue hotline and handling reports from callers
- Ensuring marine animal response preparedness by inventorying and restocking equipment, cleaning gear, fueling vehicles, etc.
The three programs this internship supports are as follows:
Marine Animal Rescue and Response
WDC’s Marine Animal Rescue and Response Program (MARR) is responsible for responding to stranded marine mammals along about 200 miles of Massachusetts coastline.
Interns will learn the skills needed to respond to pinnipeds (seals) and cetaceans (whales, porpoises, and dolphins), including standard data collection and data input (Level A and human interaction evaluations) and managing supply inventory and ordering materials. It's important to note that stranding events are unpredictable and hands-on experience and species encountered will vary.
Education
WDC’s formal and informal educational efforts include creating lesson plans, facilitating inquiry-based activities, making presentations, managing outreach events, and more.
Interns supporting this program will build a strong set of skills related to educational design and philosophy, public speaking and outreach, communications and marketing strategies (including social media), and contribute new ideas and plans on how to grow WDC’s educational programming.
Boater Outreach
WDC works with partner groups to implement three boater outreach programs (See A Spout, Whale SENSE, Sharing the Seas). Interns supporting this program will build a strong set of skills working on components of these programs related to public outreach, including social media strategies, highlighting best practices, and communicating with stakeholders and project partners, while helping to track program budgets and fund allocations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, is the leading international charity dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. WDC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin.
Please review our Privacy Notice for information on how we collect and store your secure information.
Volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities:
Are you interested in volunteering with the Marine Animal Rescue and Response (MARR) program, education program, or helping out in the WDC office? Fill out the form below and we will contact you when we have opportunities available.
Common Corp
Commonwealth Corps Service Internship:
Outreach and Education Specialist
The submission period for this position will re-open April 2024.
The mission of the Commonwealth Corps service internship program is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages, backgrounds, and identities in direct service to strengthen communities, address critical needs, and increase volunteerism. Through hands-on experience, Commonwealth Corps members gain professional skills and valuable knowledge while positively impacting diverse communities in our state.
The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) is a private, nonprofit agency that oversees the program and supports host site partners and members to find success throughout the program year. The two Commonwealth Corps members with Whale & Dolphin Conservation will serve 10 months in a full-time capacity. They will join a diverse corps of members across Massachusetts who share a common desire to discover their passion and build their network in service to their communities and the Commonwealth.
The mission of Whale & Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is to amaze people with the wonder of whales and dolphins and inspire global action to protect them. WDC will host two full-time Commonwealth Corps members who will serve as Education Specialist to educate people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities in Massachusetts. Through their service, members will help increase conservation literacy of marine mammals by increasing our number of individual contacts, seek and build strategic relationships with schools, teachers and community partners, and develop high-quality, inquiry-based lessons and activities that will continue to be utilized for years to come. In addition, they will leverage six volunteers that will be engaged in education & outreach.
What You'll Do:
Essential Responsibilities:
- Complete a minimum of 1500 hours of service, serving through June 22, 2025.
- Attend a minimum of 6 Commonwealth Corps trainings and service events held by MSA post orientation.
- Participate in a minimum of 1 hour of MSA-related activities each week. This include filling out timesheets, completing a bi-monthly reflection or check-in, or other MSA-related tasks or activities.
- Facilitate education programs for schools and communities
Seek and build relationships with schools, teachers, and community partners to implement various WDC education programs - Develop creative lesson plans connected to Next Generation Science Standards
- Respond to calls and provide outreach to the community on marine mammals and strandings
- Develop and complete a project by completion of the service term
Marginal Responsibilities:
- Train & mentor WDC volunteers- host a “new volunteer onboarding training” including an introduction to WDC, volunteering policies and procedures, and an overview of volunteer roles.
- Attend community events – including festivals, libraries and community centers, and STEM events
- Be a part of the greater Commonwealth Corps community, including participating in cross-site learning groups, writing a short profile for the CC newsletter, connecting with other members on our online platforms, and attending optional social/service events.
Who You Are:
You must be:
- A Massachusetts resident with legal authorization to work in the U.S.
- 18 years of age at minimum (member age range is 18 – 70+ years old)
- Excited to give back to your community and interested in developing your skills and gaining new professional experiences
- Able to balance service internship commitments with personal commitments in a sustainable way
- Experience with Microsoft office
- Enjoy interacting with children, diverse audiences and teams
- Able to drive a vehicle & pass a background check
- Able to lift or move heavy objects and comfortable outside in adverse weather conditions
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless the individual qualifies for exception under applicable law relating to disability or sincerely held religious belief). CDC COVID recommendations are reviewed at frequent intervals and guide the updating of WDC's protocols to keep employees safe.
It would also be great if you:
- Are eager to dive into new experiences and enjoy having a variety of tasks to work on
- Are comfortable with public speaking
Speak a second language in addition to English – multi-lingual candidates encouraged to apply
Make a difference
Join our team - no matter which way you choose, your commitment helps whales, dolphins, and our shared planet.
Save the whales, save the world.
Adopt
Adopt a whale and help us protect these amazing creatures.
Join
You can join our team and help us save whales and dolphins
Donate
Your gifts help us take action for whales and dolphins.
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