Shores Region Internship - Spring 2027

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks • Powell, OH

6d

About The Position

The Shores Region internship offers placements in the Aquarium, Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, or Corals & Marine Aquaculture. The internships introduce students to aquatic zookeeping, with opportunities to gain experience in animal husbandry and, for the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, marine mammal rehabilitation.

Aquarium interns support the care of marine bony fishes, sharks and stingrays, marine macro-invertebrates, and coral colonies. Corals & Marine Aquaculture interns focus on coral husbandry. Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center interns support the care of Florida manatees, marine bony fishes, stingrays, and waterfowl.

Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a seasonal schedule: spring opportunities in January–February, summer in February–April, fall in May–June, and winter in September–October. Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to support hands-on, mission-driven internship experiences at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. Applicants must be Ohio residents or attend an Ohio college or university and meet the other program eligibility requirements. Scholarship application windows are winter: October 1–November 30; spring: December 1–January 31; summer: February 1–March 31; and fall: May 1–June 30.

Requirements

• Be a college student in the second year or higher, or a recent graduate within two years, for Aquarium and Corals & Marine Aquaculture placements.
• Be within 24 months of the graduation date.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
• Pass a pre-employment TB test.
• Be able to balance multiple assignments successfully.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintain a neat appearance and courteous behavior at all times.
• Be able to work in varied weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• For the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center placement, have SCUBA certification, pass a swim test and dive skills test, and obtain physician authorization for diving.
• Be subject to the Drug Free Workplace Policy, a BMV check, and a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in corals and aquatic systems is preferred for Aquarium and Corals & Marine Aquaculture placements.
• Previous fish-keeping and aquarium experience is preferred for Aquarium and Corals & Marine Aquaculture placements.
• Previous animal caretaking background is preferred for the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center placement.

Responsibilities

• Assist staff with preparing animal diets.
• Clean and maintain animal enclosures and exhibits; Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center interns also maintain area grounds.
• Observe animals and report behavioral changes.
• Monitor filtration systems daily and conduct water quality testing.
• Maintain algae and cope-pod cultures in the Aquarium and Corals & Marine Aquaculture placements.
• Deliver educational interpretation to guests or the general public.
• Assist with manatee enrichment at the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000, subject to eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed