Stranding Response Technician; Seasonal

Job Title:

Stranding Response Technician Posting Date:
Job Department:
Animal Rescue - 290

Schedule:

Full-Time Seasonal (December 2026 –June 2027)

On-site

National Aquarium Stranding Response Center- 6405 Seabay Drive #2600, Ocean City, MD.

The National Aquarium is seeking a Stranding Response Technician (Full-Time Seasonal through June 2027). The Stranding Response Technician will be providing regional field response to and disposition of live-stranded marine animals and performing triage operations independently under the direction of the Animal Rescue Manager and Response Biologist. This position supports improving the capacity for field response to emergency events involving live marine mammals and sea turtles in Maryland.

As scheduled, provide rotating on-call coverage of the 24-hr Stranding Hotline.

This is a field position for the National Aquarium that will be based along the Atlantic Coast of Maryland, within the primary area of Ocean City. The final candidate will be expected to reside in close proximity to the primary response area.

Essential responsibilities include:

• 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, Response Biologist and veterinarians.
• Assist Response Biologist with animal assessments, patient care, and treatment of pinnipeds and sea turtles undergoing triage, in collaboration with veterinarians and the Animal Rescue Manager.
• Provide safe restraint and handling of animals during husbandry and clinical procedures
• Ensure accuracy of stranding related records in accordance with federal and Aquarium standards using animal management software and hardcopy files.
• Assists with necropsy of animals, in conjunction with the Response Biologist, 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; ensure 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.
• Assist with 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 digital content including photos, video, and website stories. Assists with public and media relations as directed.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, aquatic sciences, environmental or related science or equivalent experience
• Previous experience with a stranding response or rehabilitation organizations including experience working with live pinnipeds.
• Employees assigned to this position must possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle…