Seek2Sea Animal Care Apprenticeship

New England Aquarium • Boston, MA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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. Apprentices will work closely with experienced animal care professionals to learn the skills needed to care for the animals in the New England Aquarium's care. They will learn husbandry and enrichment techniques used to enhance the care and well-being of our animals, how to maintain the intricate life support systems that keep our animals healthy, and general exhibit maintenance. Apprentices may work with fish, invertebrates, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. This position is intended for applicants with pre-entry level skills and experience in an animal care setting – those with no prior animal care experience are encouraged to apply. 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). Apprentices will be trained in the following duties and 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 Recognizing 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

• 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
• Motivated with a strong commitment to learning
• Willing to accept instruction and feedback
• Interest in developing strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain collaborative working relationships with colleagues
• 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
• Willing to actively participate in daily animal care duties, including food preparation, handling raw fish, exhibit cleaning, and maintenance

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
• Recognizing 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

Benefits

• Pay rate: $17.60 per hour
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees