Spring 2026 Internship - Animal Care - Polar Play Zone

Shedd Aquarium • Chicago, IL

4d • $17 • Onsite

About The Position

Shedd Aquarium's Internship Program aims to provide meaningful career exploration for those seeking professions in non-profits, animal care, conservation, research, and beyond. We hope to inspire and develop future professionals as diverse as the aquatic world we care for. These opportunities are geared toward those that are new to the field and just starting to establish a career. They have the skills and knowledge, but not necessarily the real-world application. We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships. This career learning opportunity is designed to introduce experiences necessary for those looking to pursue a future career in aquaria, fisheries, hatcheries, and the general animal husbandry industry. The Aquarium Team is responsible for all aspects of animal husbandry and habitat maintenance for a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Interns will assist with animal care, life support, water quality monitoring, and cleaning. Interns may also complete a research or observational project to further their understanding and career goals. This position will work directly with the Aquarium Sustainability team focusing on plankton culturing, animal rearing (fish and echinoderms), and maintenance of cold, saltwater exhibits. Aquarium Team interns will be working with aquarists behind the scenes of the aquarium habitats. This position may involve working in hot, humid, wet, or cold environments, and exposure to low to moderate noise levels. Interns may need to perform tasks that involve working in and around cold water (~55°F). Interns will be required to spend long periods of time standing, walking, and bending. They may be asked to perform physical tasks such as climbing a ladder or lifting up to 40 lbs. Interns must follow safety procedures for working with hazardous chemicals, working near construction zones, using appropriate PPE, and working with potentially dangerous animals. Be able to harvest and quantify copepod cultures. Be comfortable with all necessary husbandry (both animal care and life support) for the Polar Play Zone habitats with supervision. Demonstrate a hands-on understanding of the role in-situ conservation can play on ex-situ animals by working with the Pycnopodia helianthoides project.

Requirements

• Fields of Interest: Applicants should be interested in a career in animal husbandry, aquaculture, or conservation.
• Coursework in the biological sciences or some animal care experience is preferred.
• Skills/Characteristics: Comfortable working closely with a variety of aquatic animals.
• Have good time management skills and be able to work independently.
• Attentive with good observational skills.
• Able to take advice and feedback in a professional manner.
• Able to communicate effectively with a team (written and verbal).
• Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
• Have a high school diploma or GED at time of application.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework in the biological sciences or some animal care experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd's vision, mission and values
• Complete assigned animal care tasks including diet preparation, feeding, and recording health observations.
• Assist in all aspects of habitat maintenance for Polar Play Zone habitats including cleaning walls/windows and substrate, performing water changes, understanding large and small aquarium life support systems, and monitoring water quality.
• Perform daily harvests and counts of plankton species.
• Aid in bimonthly sunflower sea star fitness tests.
• Other projects as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees