Introduction

Animals

Training

Fleet Systems

Mine Hunting

Force Protection

Object Recovery

Fleet Support

Deployments

Marine Mammal Health Care

Research Programs

NMMP FAQs

Calendar Wallpaper

Internship Program

In The News

Organizational Chart

Annotated Bibliography

The Marine Mammal Program offers two types of student internships at the Navy marine mammal facility in San Diego: animal care and training, and veterinary medicine. Interested students are chosen from all over the country to participate in these voluntary internships that provide valuable exposure and experience in various aspects of marine mammal training, husbandry, and research.

In the Animal Care and Training Internship Program, students provide support to Navy Marine Mammal Program Staff while getting a dynamic educational experience in the field of marine mammal care and training. The internship program is designed to give undergraduate students hands-on experience with marine mammals. Students will be responsible for a number of support tasks with dolphins and sea lions throughout the course of the internship. These responsibilities will include diet preparation, sanitation, and equipment and facility maintenance. Interns may also have the opportunity to assist the marine mammal training staff in husbandry and open ocean training. In addition, they will provide support to the animal care staff in animal physicals and assist with a number of different marine mammal research projects. Lectures and field trips will also be conducted throughout the term to enhance the learning experience. It is particularly suited for juniors and seniors in fields such as biology, zoology, marine science, animal behavior, psychology, and veterinary science. This is a volunteer program and students must commit to 40 hours per week for 16 consecutive weeks.

The Veterinary Medical Externship is designed for veterinary students, preferably during their senior level or fourth year at an accredited veterinary college. Four students are selected each year to participate in the 4-6 week externship; only one student is on-site at a time. During this time, they are given the opportunity to observe and participate in various clinical activities under the direction of the veterinary staff. In addition, they are expected to select and complete a clinical project in marine mammal medicine during their stay.

Interns training a young dolphin to boat-follow	Food preparation.
Diet preparation is a cornerstone of any animal care program.	An intern washes off the enclosures in the morning.

The internships are voluntary, and students are responsible for their own transportation and housing arrangements. Students interested in the Animal Care and Training internship are encouraged to send a resume, letter of intent including career goals and reasons for wanting the internship, an unofficial or official copy of their transcripts, proof of medical insurance, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a minimum of three letters of recommendation from professors or employers to:

Attn: Coordinator of Volunteer Opportunities
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Code 2351
53560 Hull Street
San Diego, CA 92152,
or fax it to (619) 553-2678.

Students interested in the Veterinary Medical Externship should send a letter to the address below. This letter should include reasons for wanting to participate in the program and dates of availability. It is recommended that applicants list at least three prioritized availability dates. In addition, students must submit a curriculum vitae and two letters of reference. All application materials should be forwarded to:

Center for Government and Corporate Veterinary Medicine
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Maryland
8705 Greenmead Drive
College Park, Maryland 20742-3711

For further information about any of the Navy Marine Mammal Programs internships, please send an email to nmmp_intern@spawar.navy.mil.