School to Career - Riverhead Foundation - Educational Coordinator


		Education Program Pamphlet
		Seal Walk
		Animal Transport Truck
		Seal Cruises
		Adopt-a-seal
		In the Schools
		You Can Help

Related Links
		Seal Cruise Info Link

Educating the public about the importance of the marine environment and about caring for marine mammals - in case one is discovered on the beach and in need of help - is an important part of the mission of the Riverhead Foundation. Educational outreach consists of many activities including classes, which are organized so that people can learn more about marine mammals and sea turtles.

At the Riverhead Foundation, Chris Buchman, a marine biologist, takes on this key role. Along with the rest of the staff, Chris takes on a wide range of other tasks that can result in a hectic seven-day work schedule. Chris has studied hard to learn about marine mammals and sea turtles and how to rescue them when necessary.

Along with educating the public, Chris helps out with three or four daily feedings, gives treatments including eye or eardrops, changes the water in the seal tank and gives seal cruises off Point Lookout on Long Island. At the end of the day, cleaning up the facility and on occasion the beach are also part of the job.

Chris always loved the beach and found sea mammals extremely fascinating. A desire to be involved and help animals was his impetus for going into this field. A Biology major at Southampton College, he gained a great deal of experience through internships at the Coney Island Aquarium and the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. He then interned at the Riverhead Foundation itself while attending Hofstra University's Masters Program.

According to Chris, if you want to pursue a career as a marine biologist and teach other people about marine mammals, you need to work extremely hard in biology, along with studying math, physics and chemistry. "It's to your advantage to volunteer so you will become comfortable working with animals. It's also important to be able to go with the flow, since you never know when you'll be called out for a rescue mission." While Chris finds the job very rewarding, he acknowledges that one of the toughest aspects is realizing that you can't save every animal.

If you enjoy the sea, want to help its inhabitants and educate others about marine mammals, you might consider this adventurous career.