Sharks Intern

About the Role

The New York Aquarium Shark Internship is an in-depth program for future animal care professionals, focusing on essential skills and knowledge to enter the competitive field of aquatic animal husbandry. This program offers hands-on experience in the 'Ocean Wonders: SHARKS!' exhibit, caring for various shark, ray, sea turtle, and saltwater teleost species. Interns will learn directly from animal care staff, developing skills in aquatic animal husbandry, including dietary preparation, quarantine procedures, exhibit and life support operation, record keeping, feeding, and the fundamentals of training and enrichment.

Responsibilities

• Learn and apply scientific concepts vital to keeping animals in an aquarium environment.
• Understand and manage aquarium system design, filtration, water quality maintenance, and problem-solving.
• Focus on animal husbandry, including dietary needs, overall animal health, operant conditioning, enrichment, quarantine procedures, and record keeping.
• Participate in formal instruction and complete reading assignments.
• Conclude the internship with a project presented to the animal care staff.
• Observe routine veterinary procedures and animal transfers.

Qualifications

• Current/rising college junior or above.
• Current college student or recent graduate.
• Proficiency in swimming.
• Ability to commit to the outlined schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Interest in pursuing a career working with sharks and rays.
• Ability to work well in a busy and fast-paced environment.
• Physically able to operate in extreme weather conditions.
• Able to lift 50 lbs.
• Able to complete all daily tasks independently.
• Provide own housing and transportation.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Schedule

Winter: December - February/March

• Current students:
  • 5 days/week: 10 or 12-week program
  • 4 days/week: 10, 12, or 5-week program
  • 3 days/week: 15 or 20-week program
• Non-students (including recent graduates):
  • 4 or 5 days/week: 10-week program

Pay

$1,300-$2,000 total stipend (varies depending on schedule), paid as one lump sum upon completion of the position, less applicable taxes.

Application Deadline: November 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Application Requirements: To be fully considered, applicants must upload both a resume and cover letter. A recommendation letter (preferably from a previous animal care facility or coworker) is encouraged but not required and can be combined with the cover letter into a single document.