Seek2Sea Animal Care Apprenticeship

About the role

The Seek2Sea Animal Care Apprenticeship offers a paid 22-week work-based learning experience to train early-career individuals in the skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to enter the marine science field in animal care. The goal of Seek2Sea is to reduce barriers to entry-level animal care employment opportunities in marine science for communities of Greater Boston (including Boston, Revere, Somerville, Cambridge, Quincy, Malden, and Chelsea) by establishing a career pathway that combines hands-on training, professional development, and marine science learning opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Developing knowledge in the biology, history, and ecology of natural habitats for assigned aquatic species
• Developing knowledge in nutrition and carrying out food preparation for assigned aquatic species
• Performing a variety of feeding techniques, reading, and adhering to feeding charts and recipes
• Observing and documenting the feeding behavior of assigned species
• Performing essential enclosure maintenance, including changing filter bags, cleaning protein skimmers, and siphoning waste
• Identifying components and functions of life support systems and reporting deviations from optimal system conditions
• Negotating typical and abnormal behaviors and characteristics of species in assigned systems
• Maintaining written and electronic records and submitting entries via NEAQ's specimen database system TRACKS© - this may include both narrative notes and numerical data
• Upholding a high standard of animal welfare, including identifying signs of animal distress and following NEAq protocols
• Engaging in ongoing learning and professional development sessions, including e-learning modules, one-on-one meetings, projects, and off-site learning experiences

Requirements

• Minimum Requirements:
• A High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Must reside in Greater Boston (including Revere, Somerville, Cambridge, Quincy, Malden, and Chelsea)
• A strong interest in a career in Biology, Marine Science, or Animal Care
• Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:
• Motivated with a strong commitment to learning
• Willing to accept instruction and feedback
• Interest in developing strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Able to lift 50 pounds, climb multiple flights of stairs, and use small ladders
• Able to work in confined spaces of varying temperature, light, and sound levels
• Able to actively participate in daily animal care duties, including food preparation, handling raw fish, exhibit cleaning, and maintenance

Qualifications

• Minimum Requirements:
• A High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Must reside in Greater Boston (including Revere, Somerville, Cambridge, Quincy, Malden, and Chelsea)

Skills

• Strong commitment to learning
• Willingness to accept instruction and feedback
• Interest in developing strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Able to lift 50 pounds, climb multiple flights of stairs, and use small ladders
• Able to work in confined spaces of varying temperature, light, and sound levels
• Able to actively participate in daily animal care duties, including food preparation, handling raw fish, exhibit cleaning, and maintenance

Benefits

• Paid learning opportunities, including hands-on training, e-learning modules, certifications, and additional courses
• On-site meal allowance
• Monthly LinkPass (for subway and bus use; other commuting expenses will not be subsidized)
• Opportunities for institutional and industry networking
• Job placement support upon completion of the apprentice program

Pay

Pay rate: $17.60 per hour

Schedule

This is a full-time, temporary, on-site position. The position is scheduled to run from April 2026 through August 2026, with some flexibility on the start date. The schedule will consist of five eight-hour days each week (either Sunday - Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday, depending on team placement).

Application

To apply online, please visit: here.

Additional Information

The New England Aquarium is committed to an inclusive workplace culture and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, as defined by the EEOC. Here, we foster a culture of respect and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet. We believe that an inclusive workforce provides diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our workplace culture.