Aquarist Intern

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC•Scottsdale, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As part of OdySea Aquarium’s Animal Care: Aquarist Internship program, interns rotate throughout the aquarium’s four galleries and quarantine facility. Working alongside aquarists in a supportive, supervised role, interns have the opportunity to work with elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), freshwater and marine fishes, invertebrates, and selected freshwater and marine reptiles, including green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles. Interns contribute to daily operations such as animal husbandry and cleaning, diet preparation, public speaking, and guest education. The internship requires 40 hours per week, arranged as four 10-hour days, for a full semester. Interns participate in educational presentations and interactive programs, create positive guest experiences, record learning activities and hours, and complete a project with an oral presentation and visual aids for peers and staff. They must follow aquarium policies and procedures and complete any additional tasks, worksheets, quizzes, tests, or projects assigned by the program. Interns are expected to uphold the OdySea Aquarium Employee Promise, including taking ownership, anticipating and respecting guest needs, maintaining a positive and ethical attitude, learning about the aquarium’s products and services, taking responsibility for tools and surroundings, and valuing team members. The promise also includes engaging guests through the 10/5 rule and using name recognition when possible.

Requirements

Be a current college student or recent graduate.
Adhere to OdySea Aquarium grooming standards.
Follow all Departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
Satisfactorily complete a background check and drug screen.
Be available to intern a minimum of 3–5 days per week during the designated semester.
Be able to work various operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Be willing to speak in front of groups and comfortable speaking on a microphone and engaging with guests.
Be willing to be flexible, learn, and multitask.
Have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team-oriented, responsible, enthusiastic, and flexible approach.
Be able to lift 50 pounds.
Be able to access animal exhibits, enclosures, and pools.
Submit the application, a cover letter of no more than one page, a resume of no more than two pages, and three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from a past teacher or supervisor.

Responsibilities

Rotate through the aquarium’s four galleries and quarantine facility.
Work alongside aquarists in a supportive and supervised role with the animal collection.
Assist with daily husbandry, cleaning, and diet preparation.
Participate in educational presentations and interactive programs.
Create positive guest interactions and experiences.
Keep a record of learning activities and hours.
Complete a project and give an oral presentation with visual aids to peers and staff.
Follow OdySea Aquarium policies, procedures, and departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
Complete additional tasks, worksheets, quizzes, tests, or projects assigned by the internship program.
Uphold the OdySea Aquarium Employee Promise, including taking responsibility for tools and surroundings and engaging respectfully with guests and team members.