Stranding Response Technician

The National Aquarium – Stranding Response Technician

Posting Date : September 2025

Job Department : Animal Rescue - 290

Schedule : Full Time Seasonal (November 2025 – May 2026)

Job Type : On-site

Location : National Aquarium Stranding Response Center- Ocean City Municipal Complex, 65th Street, Ocean City, MD. (410) 576-3880

JOB SUMMARY :

The National Aquarium is seeking a Stranding Response Technician (Full-Time Seasonal November 2025-May 2026) that will provide regional field response to and disposition of live-stranded marine animals and perform triage operations independently under the direction of the Stranding Response & Triage Manager. 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.

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

KEY REQUIREMENTS :

• 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 Stranding Response Manager and veterinarians.
• Lead animal assessments, patient care, and treatment of pinnipeds and sea turtles undergoing triage, in collaboration with veterinarians and the Stranding Response & Triage 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 Stranding Response 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

QUALIFICATIONS :

TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION :

Salary range : $43,900-50,099 Annual

National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, and six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.

How to Apply

Interested and engaged applicants should visit our website : http : / / aqua.org / jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodations can be made by emailing our office.

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