Animal Training - Dolphin Coast Intern - Spring 2026 - PAID INTERNSHIP
About The Position
Georgia Aquarium's Animal Training (Dolphin Coast) internship is designed for college students and recent graduates to gain valuable experience with common bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, and scarlet ibis. This internship is designed to give hands on experience in the marine mammal training field. Interns work directly with the animal training staff and are exposed to all aspects of the daily care and training of common bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, and scarlet ibis. This internship will give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields where they are considering pursuing careers.
Requirements
- Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- College experience preferred with preference for animal sciences, biology, zoology, psychology, or related majors.
- Strong desire to gain valuable experience working with marine mammals.
- Independent worker and team player.
- Hardworking, dependable, and time efficient.
- Comfortable swimming and working in and around saltwater
- Legally able to work in the United States without restriction.
- Comfortability with swimming and working in and around saltwater.
- Ability to repeatedly lift 50 lbs, comfortably climb ladders and stairs, handle raw fish, and kneel, squat, and stand for extended periods of time.
- Candidates must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet qualifications throughout their internship.
- Schedule availability to include in-person 5-day work weeks, totaling 40 hours including weekends, holidays, and variable shifts
- Strong desire to gain valuable experience working with marine mammals.
- Application Requirement: The internship application will require a resume, cover letter, and letter of recommendation. Please submit as a PDF with a file name that indicates your name and the internship you're applying for. Example: John_Smith_Internship_Resume.
Nice To Haves
- Previous animal care experience is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Interact with and learn from the Animal Training staff about animal conditioning of dolphins for both presentation and guest interaction programs.
- Assist with responsibilities that directly benefit the animals, including: animal diet preparation, water sampling, exhibit/area maintenance, behavioral observations and discussions, environmental enrichment, guest presentations and interactions, data recording, animal care area clean-up, and disinfection, and assistance with animal training and handling.
- Play support roles in assisting with animal training and husbandry sessions.
- Show support as needed.
- Interact with guests, staff, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner.
- Identify all animals in the dolphin and bird exhibit areas.
- Understand safety procedures.
- Attend all seminars and take all quizzes required.
- To perform other duties as workload necessitates.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Industry
Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
