Aviculture and Mammals Internship (Unpaid)
About The Position
The aviculture + mammal intern position is an unpaid internship designed to begin in August 2026 and conclude in January 2027. The internship is ideal for those interested in day-to-day operations that occur within the aviculture and mammal department at the South Carolina Aquarium. The intern will have the opportunity to learn about and participate in husbandry practices and behavioral management of the South Carolina Aquarium’s native bird and mammal collection. The intern will assist staff with all aspects of daily animal care including husbandry, training, and enrichment design. Additionally, opportunities to learn raptor handling, operant conditioning, and assist in cooperative projects with other animal care galleries, collect specimens in the field, and more will be available. This internship is intended for candidates with previous animal experience that would like experience with captive managed bird and mammal populations in a formal AZA certified animal care setting.
Requirements
- Previous animal experience.
- College undergraduate or recent post-undergraduate preferred.
- Any major in Natural Science preferred.
- Clear communication skills during the planning, implementation and execution of projects.
- Ability to work independently; demonstrating the ability to be a proactive problem-solver strongly desired.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with AZA animal care and welfare standards.
- Understanding of species natural history and functional behaviors.
- Understanding of non-profit organization operations.
Responsibilities
- Assist staff with all aspects of daily animal care including husbandry, training, and enrichment design.
- Learn raptor handling, operant conditioning.
- Assist in cooperative projects with other animal care galleries.
- Collect specimens in the field.
- Follow aquarium safety and animal protocols.
- Understand environmental enrichment using the SPIDER method.
- Understand behavioral training using operant conditioning.
- Develop animal care, cleaning, and restraint/capture skills.
- Understand and execute enrichment and training techniques.
- Learn and follow proper feeding procedures and techniques in caring for animals, and ensure daily care of animals.
- Be able to recognize signs of disease and understand the purpose of quarantine.
- Professionally represent The South Carolina Aquarium on the floor for visitors from around the world.
Benefits
- College credit may be available through your university.
- Professional development workshops.
- Ability to earn aquarium tickets and a reciprocity pass to area attractions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Associate degree
