Seek2Sea Animal Training Apprenticeship

New England Aquarium • Boston, MA

7d • $18 • Onsite

About The Position

The Seek2Sea Animal Training 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, training, and enrichment techniques used to enhance the care and well-being of our sea lions and seals, and general exhibit maintenance.
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. Apprentices will work 5, 8 hour days each week including a weekend day. Hours will be 8a – 5p EST for the first 11 weeks of the apprenticeship, and 7a – 4p for the final 11 weeks of the apprenticeship.
Apprentices will receive:
Pay rate: $17.60 per hour
Paid learning opportunities, including hands-on training, e-learning modules, 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

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience
• Must reside in Greater Boston (including Revere, Somerville, Cambridge, Quincy, Malden, and Chelsea)
• A strong interest in a career in Marine Science, Animal Training, 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
• Providing daily care for animals and facility, including food preparation, feeding, medication distribution, cleaning, and enclosure maintenance
• Developing knowledge in basic behavior, training, and enrichment concepts to assist trainers during training sessions and presentations
• Observing and documenting the behaviors for assigned species
• Recognizing typical and abnormal behaviors and characteristics of assigned species
• Engaging visitors, guests, and the public in presentations, behind the scenes tours, and Q&A sessions
• 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, bi-weekly apprentice learning sessions, projects, and off-site learning experiences

Benefits

• Paid learning opportunities, including hands-on training, e-learning modules, 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