Shores Region Internship - Spring 2027

The Columbus Zoological Park Association • Powell, OH

5d

About The Position

The Shores Region Internship offers hands-on experience in one of three areas: the Aquarium, Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, or Corals & Marine Aquaculture. The internships introduce students to aquatic zookeeping, with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center also providing exposure to marine mammal rehabilitation. Applicants should be college students in their second year or higher or recent graduates (within two years), and must be within 24 months of their graduation date. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale is required.

Aquarium interns assist with husbandry for marine bony fishes, sharks, stingrays, marine macro-invertebrates, and coral colonies. Corals & Marine Aquaculture interns focus on coral colony husbandry. Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center interns assist with husbandry for Florida manatees, marine bony fishes, stingrays, and waterfowl.

Applicants must be able to balance multiple assignments, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, maintain a neat appearance and courteous behavior, and work in varied weather conditions. A flexible schedule that includes weekends, evenings, and holidays is required. Pre-employment TB testing, a BMV check, and a criminal background check are required; the position is also subject to the Drug Free Workplace Policy. Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center applicants additionally need SCUBA certification and must pass a swim test and dive skills test, with physician authorization for diving.

Requirements

• Must be within 24 months of graduation; Aquarium and Corals & Marine Aquaculture applicants must be college students in their second year or higher or recent graduates (two years or less).
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
• Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be neat in appearance and maintain courteous behavior at all times.
• Ability to work in varied weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Pre-employment TB test required.
• Subject to Drug Free Workplace Policy, BMV check, and criminal background check.
• Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center applicants must have SCUBA certification, pass a swim test and dive skills test, and obtain physician authorization for diving.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in corals and aquatic systems (Aquarium and Corals & Marine Aquaculture areas).
• Previous fish keeping and aquarium experience (Aquarium and Corals & Marine Aquaculture areas).
• Previous animal caretaking background (Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center).

Responsibilities

• Assist aquarium or zookeeper 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 areas.
• Deliver educational interpretation to guests or the general public.
• Provide 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 to support hands-on, mission-driven internship experiences. Applicants must be Ohio residents or attend an Ohio college or university and meet the other program eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

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