Stephen Colbert may not yet know his post-Late Show plans, but he has at least one hometown job offer on the table.
The outgoing late-night host is being lured in by the National Marine Mammal Foundation, which has made a job offer to Colbert the center of their latest campaign.
The nonprofit—which works to protect marine mammals, humans, and oceans through scientific research and conservation efforts—has erected billboard messages aimed at adding Colbert to its team of field biologists who operate out of the host’s native Charleston, S.C.
“Wanted: Former Late Show Host, burdened by whale-related childhood ambition,” reads one.
Another is even more direct: “ATTN: Stephen Colbert: What size flippers do you wear? Asking for the dolphins.”
The ads, which are on display around the Charleston area, also feature the hashtag #StephensNextJob and a link for Colbert to apply to the position on the NMMF website, which also features a long letter to the Late Show host.
“You said, publicly, repeatedly, and perhaps dangerously close to manifesting, that you always wanted to become a marine biologist,” the NMMF’s letter notes.
Indeed, Colbert has claimed that entering the field was an early childhood dream of his—until his own biology intervened.
“I always wanted to be a marine biologist,” he told The Post and Courier in 2006. “But then I had this ear problem. I have no ear drum. So I had this operation at the Medical University when I was a kid. Now I can’t get my head wet…. I can’t really scuba dive or anything like that. So that killed my marine biology hopes.”
From the sound of it, Colbert wouldn’t exactly stay dry if he takes the NMMF gig. The org’s field biologists are “on call 24/7 for sick and injured marine mammals,” and lead “critical research to better understand dolphin health” and the surrounding ecosystems.
Though the foundation notes they “wouldn’t complain” if Colbert decided to sign on full-time, it says the main focus of this campaign is to raise awareness for its work in Charleston—something it hopes Colbert will help them shine a spotlight on.
“If this bold outreach accomplishes anything beyond mildly alarming your publicist,” the NMMF’s letter reads, “we hope it helps more people discover the incredible work happening here in Charleston to protect marine mammals and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.”
The opportunity is also open to local students interested in marine science (they can also apply on the organization’s website), and it’s likely they won’t be facing much competition from Colbert.
In recent interviews, the late-night vet has said that he isn’t planning his next gig until The Late Show wraps, though that clock is very much ticking. Colbert ends his nearly 11-year this Thursday, May 21.
If he does envision a future in the waters, he may want to consider adding “It’s Raining Fish” to his resume.
