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 as well as reptiles, penguins, and small-clawed Asian otters. The GSC 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.

All staff, volunteers, and interns are currently required to wear masks in certain animal areas and while preparing animal diets. Covid-19 vaccination is recommended. To learn more about our COVID-19 safety procedures, visit our website at www.greensboroscience.org.

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 January and continue through May. A minimum of 380 hours and a maximum of 400 hours are 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?

  • Sarah Halbrend, Aquatics Curator
  • 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 60lbs, 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 complete this application (you will need a resume, cover letter, and list of the names and contact information of three people who can provide professional references for you) by 11:59PM EST on June 30th for the best chance of consideration.

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 internships@greensboroscience.org. Due to the large number of applications we typically receive, only selected applicants will be contacted for interviews. We are unable to contact all applicants directly.

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.