Fish & Invertebrate Intern - Fall 2026
About the Role
This internship is designed to be an important entry point for someone looking for a career working with animals. Interns will receive a well-rounded training course in aquatic animal husbandry, including exhibit and life support maintenance, diet preparation, feeding, quarantine protocols, and assessing water quality parameters. They will also observe medical procedures, transports, and the arrival of new animals. Interns will complete a project based on their interest and internship learning outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Learn about life support systems, design, and problem-solving within aquariums.
- Study invertebrates such as jellyfish and cephalopods during the first half of the internship.
- Focus on teleosts and corals during the second half of the internship.
- Understand dietary needs, animal health, water quality, and quarantine procedures.
- Learn about the essential role that zoos and aquariums play in conservation.
- Complete a project on a topic of their choice in collaboration with the internship coordinator.
Qualifications
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Current college or graduate student enrolled in a degree-granting program.
- Interest in pursuing a career in animal care.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions (rain, snow, heat, cold, etc.).
- Ability to work well in a busy and fast-paced environment.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Schedule
2, 3, or 4 days per week for 15 weeks, with at least one weekend day per week.
Pay
Stipend: $1,000 - $2,000 total, depending on the number of days per week, to be paid as one lump sum upon successful completion of the position, less applicable taxes.
Location: New York Aquarium
Department: Animal
Duration: Fall 2026 (September - December)
Application Deadline: August 14, 2026 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)