Marine Mammal Intern, Fall 2026
About The Position
This position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Curator, Supervisor, and Marine Mammal Staff in assisting with the animal care routine and maintenance for the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin and north American river otter areas. As an intern, you can expect to get experience in the daily care of our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and north American river otters and learn what it takes to be a marine mammal trainer. Throughout the internship, interns will learn various tasks required for the daily operation of a marine mammal facility; gain practical training experience by working closely with staff during training and enrichment sessions; and develop skills in time management, communication, public speaking, and teamwork. The position will also be responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety protocols and standard operating procedures. The goal is to help interns succeed professionally in any chosen field.
Requirements
- 18 years of age or older
- Enrolled in or recent graduate of a four-year college program in psychology, biology, marine biology or another related field
- Ability to work full-time, 4 days per week, for 16 weeks
- Ability to perform physically demanding job duties daily
- Daily interaction with fellow team members and the public
- Excellent observation and communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that sustain a positive and professional environment
- A valid driver’s license and ability to travel to and from work
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and days closed due to inclement weather
- Ability to find and secure housing for the duration of the internship
Nice To Haves
- Previous animal care experience, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or completing other internships is preferred
- Applicants should consider themselves hardworking, dedicated, and reliable
- Valid CPR and first aid certification preferred
- Strong swimming skills preferred
- Public speaking experience preferred
Responsibilities
- Assists marine mammal staff in the overall daily care of the dolphins and otters
- Performs proper animal diet preparation
- Keeps support areas clean, organized, and safe
- Completes educational animal training lecture series
- Builds knowledge of operant conditioning and aids staff in behavioral training of the dolphins and otters
- Designs, implements, and evaluates environmental enrichment under guidance of staff
- Supports interactive programs and educational presentations through formal and informal public speaking opportunities
- Ensures guest satisfaction by delivering exceptional customer service
- Complies with all standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to daily operations and safety
- Promotes conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks
- Undertakes special projects as assigned by manager(s)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
