Clinical Veterinary Student Externship Rotation in Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology

Location of Program: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California
Reports to: Clinical Veterinarian, Dr. Emily Whitmer
Program Classification: Seasonal externship/rotation: March 1 – Sept 30, 2026
Benefits:  No benefits

Program Overview

The Marine Mammal Center Clinical Veterinary Externship Program provides veterinary students in their clinical year the opportunity to gain exposure to marine mammal medicine, pathology, rehabilitation, and husbandry. The veterinary student extern will work under the direct supervision of veterinary staff and highly skilled volunteers.  Students participate in animal husbandry, veterinary care, necropsy, and daily clinical rounds.  Clinical exposure will depend on the present caseload; most of the caseload is otariids and phocids.

This program requires a 4-week duration, between March 1 and September 30 of 2026. (All slots for 2025 have been filled).

Shared housing near the Center MAY be available for a fee. Independent transportation is required; there is no public transportation to the Center’s hospital and guest housing.  Students who are accepted into the program will be asked to submit a separate application for housing.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn from a large team of veterinary professionals and volunteers.
• Observe and participate in medical and husbandry care for marine mammals in rehabilitation.  Observe and conduct post-mortem examinations on deceased patients to investigate causes of death and disease processes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Veterinary student enrolled in the clinical year (end of 3rd year through 4th year) of veterinary school.
• Demonstrated interest in wildlife health and conservation and/or zoological animal medicine.  Veterinary student enrolled in the clinical year (end of 3rd year through 4th year) of veterinary school.
• Demonstrated interest in wildlife health and conservation and/or zoological animal medicine.  

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds throughout the primarily outdoor hospital for extended periods of time in variable weather conditions.
• Ability to physically restrain and interact with large and potentially dangerous marine mammals in the rehabilitation hospital setting.
• Hospital environment with use of potent anesthetic drugs, radiographic and other diagnostic procedures indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to walk/cover up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis.  

Work Environment  

• Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements daily.
• Exposure to sharp instruments and needles.
• Risks associated with animal handling such as animal bites or scratches.
• Potential exposure to formalin.
• Potential exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
• Involves strong smells associated with deceased animals and the care of animals.

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 of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. 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.

OUR MISSION

The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.

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. The Center is the largest marine mammal Teaching Hospital in the world and a critical training ground for veterinary professionals, combining high-quality animal care with hands-on learning experiences.

For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org

To Apply: Applicants must submit all the following materials to be considered for this program: incomplete applications will not be reviewed

1. Cover letter outlining the applicant’s interests and professional goals.
2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Name, email address, and phone number of at least two professionals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or clinical performance. The Marine Mammal Center will initiate the Recommendation Form with your references upon submission of your application. This will come from hr@tmmc.org directly to your references.

Application period is open through December 8th, 2024. The selection process will occur in January – February 2025, with notification to applicants to follow by end of February to early March 2025 for the seasonal externship/rotation that will occur within the March 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026, timeframe.

Inquiries beyond the guidelines above can be directed to the following email address, but please review the information thoroughly prior to contacting:  training@tmmc.org