National Aquarium · 21 hours ago
Stranding Response Technician
Ocean City, MD
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$44K/yr - $50K/yr
2+ years expThe National Aquarium is seeking a Stranding Response Technician to provide regional field response to live-stranded marine animals and perform triage operations. This role supports improving the capacity for field response to emergency events involving marine mammals and sea turtles in Maryland.
Non ProfitPetWildlife Conservation
Responsibilities
Provide field response to and triage of live stranded marine mammals and sea turtles along the Atlantic Coast and Eastern Shore of Maryland, according to established protocols
Provide exemplary care, welfare, and final disposition of stranded animals under the care of the National Aquarium in the field and in triage, including humane euthanasia cases, in conjunction with the Animal Rescue Manager and veterinarians
Lead animal assessments, patient care, and treatment of pinnipeds and sea turtles undergoing triage, in collaboration with veterinarians and the Animal Rescue Manager
Accountable for the safe restraint and handling of animals during husbandry and clinical procedures by both staff and volunteers
Ensures accuracy of all stranding related records (animal, accession, and related) in accordance with federal and Aquarium standards using animal management software and hardcopy files
Assists with necropsy of animals, in conjunction with the Animal Rescue Manager, veterinarians and MD Department of Natural Resources
Improves capacity for field response to emergency events involving marine mammals and sea turtles, including mass strandings, live large whales, hazardous material spills, UME’s, natural disasters, out of habitat situations, and entanglement cases
Implements Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Incident Action Plans (IAPs) related to stranding response; manages events under the Incident Command System and ensures volunteer and animal safety
Support maintenance of the triage facility; ensure readiness by maintaining equipment and supplies necessary for response, recovery, transport, and triage
Support a team of response and seal steward volunteers, providing training and guidance in animal field assessment, safe handling and restraint, data collection, and triage protocols, as well as assisting with the coordination and delivery of annual training events
Implement Animal Rescue outreach activities and programs related to stranding response, with the goal of engaging the public and youth in action-oriented programs
As scheduled, provide rotating on-call coverage of the 24-hr Stranding Hotline, and provide exemplary customer service
Support communications with the Regional and National Stranding Networks; collaborates with federal (NOAA Fisheries Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service), state (MD Department of Natural Resources) and local municipalities, as well as regional partners in matters relating to live-stranded marine mammals or sea turtles
Supports digital content including photos, video, and website stories. Assists with public and media relations as directed
Other duties as assigned or required
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in biology, aquatic sciences, environmental or related science or equivalent experience
Minimum of two years previous professional work experience with a stranding response and/or rehabilitation organization including experience working with live pinnipeds
Employees assigned to this position must possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license, have an acceptable driving record, and possess the ability to drive a variety of vehicles (cars, vans/trucks)
Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and evenings
Ability to climb ladders, lift and carry 50 lbs, and physically restrain large, wild animals
Ability and willingness to mentor and train interns and volunteers
Preferred
Proficiency in phlebotomy and blood sample processing for seals and sea turtles
Familiarity with electronic animal record keeping software systems (i.e. Tracks, ZIMS, etc.)
CPR/AED and basic First-Aid Certification
24hr HAZWOPER Certification
Benefits
Four weeks paid time off
Six paid floating holidays
Up to four weeks of paid family leave
Health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work
Conservation day leave
401(k) plan with employer match
Company
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$11.23MKey Investors
Philanthropic Partners
2023-11-13Grant· $0.23M
2019-11-08Grant· $11M
Leadership Team
John Racanelli
CEO
Ginna Newton
Senior Vice President & Chief Operations & Financial Officer
Recent News
Maryland Daily Record
2025-06-04
2025-05-24
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