Position: Welfare Officer

Hours: part-time (10 to 20 hrs per week)

Location: HQ in Cork/ Hybrid remote

The Ocean Research & Conservation Association of Ireland (ORCA Ireland) and our sister NGO (ORCA Northern Ireland) Fund is currently accepting applications for a Welfare Officer to oversee our Marine Mammal Stranding Responders with the Marine Mammal Rescue and Research team.

Background: ORCA is an international non-profit organization with its Operations Center/ Head Office located in the Rubicon Innovation Centre, Bishopstown, Cork, Republic of Ireland. ORCAs Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Program is a response program dedicated to marine mammal stranding response on the Island of Ireland and includes Northern Ireland.  Our mission is to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat by improving the rescue and humane care of stranded marine mammals, advancing stranding science, and increasing public awareness through education. In recent years strandings per year of live and dead seals, whales, porpoises and dolphins, have been increasing and the west and south coasts are a known “hot spot” for live and dead strandings.

Position Description: This position is a temporary (12 month) voluntary internship with ORCAs Marine Mammal Rescue & Research Program located at ORCAs Head Office in Cork, Ireland.  This position is designed to afford candidates new to the marine mammal field, the opportunity to work part-time alongside experienced marine mammal stranding responders. 

The Welfare Officer will train directly with ORCAs marine mammal rescue staff and will likely also have opportunities to network and learn from other marine mammal professionals who collaborate with ORCA Ireland.  Through theoretical and practical experience, the apprentice will develop skills and knowledge in marine mammal rescue, health assessment, supportive and clinical care, necropsy, data and sample collection and management, and other related responsibilities. The Welfare Officer will report directly to the Volunteer Coordinator - to organise Necropsy, but will also take direction from other responders who will provide guidance and oversight on day–to-day responses, tasks, and projects as needed.

Schedule: The Welfare Officer is scheduled 5 days per week for a minimum of 2 hours each day (10 scheduled hours per week) and a maximum of 4 hours per day (20 hours per week). This may include at least one weekend day per week. Additional hours may be required, depending on availability of First Responders. The proposed dates for this position are September 2022 – September 2023.

Responsibilities:

·       Participate in live animal stranding events, including health assessment, capture, supportive and clinical care, data and sample collection, transport, tagging, and release. (Fundraising needed to get new equipment).

·       Participate in dead animal response, including carcass recovery, and field and laboratory post-mortem examinations.

·       Provide coverage for ORCAs marine mammal stranding hotline, and coordinate initial responses and dispatch team members.

·       Assist with case data entry and tracking, including stranding event information, health assessments, post-mortem exams, and samples collected and results received.

·       Ensure response and necropsy equipment is maintained and ready for use. 

·       Assist with intern training and leading in daily activities and during responses

·       Manage, inventory, and order consumable response and necropsy supplies. 

Required Qualifications:

·       A Bachelor’s degree in the field of biology, zoology, ecology, or marine/environmental/animal science (or a related field), or a veterinary technician degree or equivalent experience

·       Demonstrate a serious interest in pursuing a career in marine or veterinary science

·       Must be self‐motivated and able to work as part of a team and independently

·       Must be able to follow directions and protocols effectively and efficiently, and have strong oral and written communication skills

·       Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

·       Must be at least 18 years old and legally eligible to work in the U.S.

·       Must possess a valid driver’s license and must be able to pass DOT medical exam upon hiring

·       Experience with or willingness to learn driving large trucks, trailers, and boats

Preferred Qualifications:

·       New to the marine mammal stranding field (ideally not more than 5 years post-graduation and have not previously held full time/permanent paid positions in the marine mammal stranding field)

·       Marine mammal handling/care or necropsy experience

·       Experience working in a field setting or demonstrated ability to work long hours outdoors in various weather conditions

·       Experience handling hotline calls

·       Experience working with volunteers and interacting with the public

For information on how to apply, please send a copy of your CV and Short Cover letter to volunteer.orca@gmail.com by September 20, 2022. Positions available until filled, based on first come first served basis. For more information please visit our careers page on www.orcaireland.org