Aquarium Internship

About the Aquarium Internship

The Greensboro Science Center is looking for qualified interns for an aquarium internship. Interns will assist aquarium staff in all aspects of daily animal husbandry and care working with a collection of freshwater and marine fishes including sharks and stingrays. Please note that the aquarium internship does not include care for fishing cats, otters, and penguins. Those animals are cared for by Zoo Staff. Candidates interested in gaining experience with those species should apply for a zoo internship. The animal collection consists of more than 1,200 animals including 30 species of mammals, 10 species of birds, 127 species of fish, 36 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, and 79 species of invertebrates. Interns should expect to learn AZA skills to prepare them for a full time career in this highly competitive field.

What would I be doing as an Aquarium Intern?

  • completing daily observations of animals
  • cleaning exhibits and holding tanks
  • preparing diets and assisting with feedings
  • Life Support System maintenance
  • record keeping
  • water quality testing and evaluation
  • ensuring personal and animal safety by following established protocols
  • learning modern practices that adhere to USDA and AZA standards

What would my schedule be like?

Aquarium Interns, when possible, are typically on site for a 40 hour, 5 day schedule. Still in school? We’ll work around your schedule, as long as you have at least 3 full days available during the week/weekend. The selected applicant will be expected to start in late May and continue through early August. A minimum of 380 hours and a maximum of 400 hours is required during that time frame for the successful completion of an animal care internship. Please note that in order to receive credit as a GSC intern, you must complete that number of hours regardless of any school or program requirements which may be less than that.

Who would I be learning from?

Karla Jeselson, Assistant Curator
Gustave Stout, Senior Aquarist
Full and part time aquarists

What is the GSC looking for in an intern?

  • Interns must be able to work in a team environment as well as independently, and must have good communication skills
  • Interns must be detail oriented, excellent listeners who can abide by rules and protocols for their own safety—as well as the safety of the animals in their care
  • Interns must be able to lift 60 lbs , climb ladders, and be able to perform physical work outside in wet conditions
  • Interns must complete all intern paperwork and pass a background check
  • Interns must have proof of a current negative TB test that will not expire during the course of your internship (i.e. must be less than 1 year old)
  • Ideal candidates must have college level schooling in marine biology or any other animal related field and 6 months related animal care experience
  • Preference will be given to senior level or recent college graduates pursuing a career in the public aquarium industry

How do I apply?

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and list of the names and contact information of three people who can provide professional references for you (you do not need to submit the actual references) to internships@greensboroscience.org by 11:59PM EST on March 1. Please combine all three documents into one document with a file name that indicates your name and the internship you are applying for. Please note that we are recruiting for 6 internships this semester so please make it very clear WHICH internship you are applying for in your materials. Example John_Smith_Aquarium_Internship.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. You will receive a bounce back email to confirm receipt of your application materials. No phone calls please. Should you have any questions, please send them to the email address provided above. Due to the large number of applications we typically receive, only selected applicants will be contacted for interviews. Final selections will be made no later than April 1.

Internship opportunities are unpaid and housing opportunities are unavailable. Completion of an internship at the GSC does not come with the promise of future part-time or full-time employment.