The National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF) is seeking applicants for a Veterinary Technician position in marine mammal medicine, with the primary goal of providing direct support to the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program (MMP) in San Diego, California.
This recruitment may be part-time or full-time with benefits, pending program needs and candidate availability.
NMMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to improve and protect life for marine mammals, humans, and our shared oceans through science, service, and education. The NMMF supports the U.S. Navy’s ability to provide exceptional medical care and training for its marine mammals.
Position Responsibilities
The veterinary technician will participate in daily animal care, medical procedures with veterinarians and animal care staff, hospital maintenance, and medical record keeping. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Collecting, analyzing, and archiving biologic samples
- Participating in physical examinations and the MMP’s preventive medicine program
- Dispensing medications and prescriptions
- Operating and maintaining medical and laboratory equipment
- Completing medical data entry and reconciliation
- Performing water quality sampling and analysis
- Managing HAZMAT labeling, disposal, and SDS binders
- Participating with animal care staff in the training of husbandry behaviors and aiding in nutritional preparation and support
Qualifications
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience in technical and laboratory skills, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnostic imaging, emergency response, biologic sample collection and processing, cytology, and other in-house analyses
- Experience in, or an interest in gaining experience in, anesthesia and patient monitoring and surgical assistance
- Attention to detail and gaining proficiency regarding equipment setup, use, and maintenance, including equipment used for routine laboratory analysis, endoscopy, digital radiography, anesthesia, laser therapy, instrument sterilization, and ultrasonography
- Experience in database management, data entry, data analysis, and word processing
- Professionalism, self-motivation, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent time-management skills and communication, with the ability to work independently without supervision
- Strong interpersonal skills, good decision-making, and the ability to respond calmly and quickly to urgent matters
- A positive attitude, creative and independent thinking, and the ability to successfully perform duties both individually and within a dynamic team environment
Position Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Have the ability to obtain a Secret clearance
- Be able to carry 40 pounds and remain on their feet for extended periods
- Be comfortable working on floating docks and in pier-side, boat-based, and marine environments
- Be able to respond in person within one hour while on call
Schedule, On-Call & Travel Requirements
Some travel in support of the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program will be required, approximately four weeks per year, and may vary depending on the needs of the animals and the Navy mission.
Applicants will be required to participate in an on-call rotation for a minimum of three weeks per quarter. Weekend work may be scheduled as part of the regular work schedule, and holidays may be required as needed based on the needs of the animals and veterinary team.
Compensation & Benefits
The starting salary range is dependent on experience.
Full-time positions are benefits-eligible.
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit the following:
- A cover letter or statement outlining the applicant’s goals and interests in marine mammal medicine
- A current curriculum vitae or résumé, limited to four pages
- Three professional references with email addresses and phone numbers; two references should be veterinarians and one should be a manager or veterinary technician
Applicants seeking part-time employment are welcome to apply.
All application materials must be received no later than November 30, 2026.
Additional information about the National Marine Mammal Foundation can be found at www.nmmf.org. Questions regarding the position may be directed to hr@nmmf.org.
The National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF) has a mission to improve and protect life for marine mammals, humans, and our shared oceans through science, service, and education.
We achieve our mission through the following actions:
- Collaborate with the nation’s top scientists and institutions to translate our research into applicable medicine and species conservation
- Develop education programs to share NMMF research discoveries and expertise
- Foster an environment that creatively, effectively, and positively shapes marine mammal medicine, research, training, and education
- Conduct research that benefits the conservation and care of marine mammals and the health of humans
- Support the Navy’s ability to provide exceptional care and training of their marine mammals
Our vision for the future is to revolutionize the way we think about marine mammals. By embracing the partnership created between human and marine mammal, we can create a sea change in our global approach to scientific exploration, ocean conservation, and public education.