Aquarium Internship
We introduce the Aquarium Husbandry Intern to basic aquatic animal care and husbandry techniques. Through assisting aquarium staff in daily care and maintenance of the Center’s fish and invertebrate collection, and life support systems. Interaction and sharing information with our visitors is also a major expectation of the intern. Our goal is to build on the individual’s current education and background with new practical knowledge and skills which may prove useful in a career in aquatic animal care. Under guidance of Aquarium staff, the Intern will be trained in and expected to perform the following duties:
Primary Responsibilities:
- Learn and recognize Alaska marine life species and its natural history.
- Assist in care of native fishes, invertebrates and algae in our exhibit settings and holding tanks including the operation of life support systems in the aquaria.
- Learn and recognize animal diet needs and assist with daily diet preparations and feeding marine organisms.
- Assist Aquarium staff with routine cleaning of exhibits and visitor areas, food prep room, and service areas.
- Monitor water system conditions using water quality measuring instruments and techniques.
- Deliver informative presentations to visitors about our animals in feeding talks and animal interaction programs.
- During spring and summer months, assist in marine invasive species monitoring and harmful algal bloom sampling activities in Seward.
- Assist the Aquarium staff with exhibit collections in the field.
- Assist Aquarium staff in development and installation of new aquatic displays.
- Maintain current and accurate records on animal health and behavior.
Other Desirable Skills and Abilities:
- The ideal intern has an active curiosity about the ocean world.
- Has some background with home aquariums, school aquariums or aquatic lab responsibilities, or volunteer or paid experience in aquaculture or aquatic animal care.
- Is organized, self-motivated, and possesses a strong desire to see the completion of projects.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to swim; see and hear; move about; stoop, kneel, and crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; and sit. Ability to lift and move 50 pounds.
Unpaid Internship
Internship Dates: January 3, 2023 to May 1, 2023
Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums