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Aquarist Intern, Freshwater Gallery
Apply now for: Fall 2024
*Fall applications will be available in April. Spring and Winter applications will be available in August.
Time commitment:
Spring, Summer, & Fall: 12 Weeks. At least Two Full Days Per Week (8:00 am-5:00 pm)
Winter: 125 hours minimum
Summary:
Interns assist staff Aquarists with daily animal husbandry responsibilities of the New England Aquarium's Freshwater Gallery, including feeding of fish, reptiles and amphibians, maintaining aquarium systems and other routine animal care duties. This gallery focuses on freshwater areas from the Amazon River Basin to the rivers and ponds of New England. Interns have the opportunity to learn about the daily care of animals such as piranhas, Amazonian reptiles, cichlids, and salmonids in addition to the daily care of live plants.
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
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Provide daily care, maintenance, and assist with the appearance of the gallery
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Maintain windows, backgrounds, and habitats of exhibits and holding systems
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Diet preparation and feeding, including vitamins and supplements
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Record and monitor water parameters
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Daily organizing and upkeep for behind-the-scenes spaces
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Maintain exhibit life support systems including protein skimmers, UV sterilizers, and mechanical filtration processes.
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Participate in operant conditioning and enrichment of various species
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Maintain animal welfare standards
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In-water cleaning tasks including cleaning windows and scrubbing habitat.
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Assist staff with projects in the gallery
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Potential to assist in other Galleries (Tropical, Temperate, Yawkey, Northern Waters)
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Record keeping in regulation to protocols set forth by NEAq
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Potential to observe and assist with veterinary procedures
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Attend professional development sessions with the Volunteer Programs and Internships office
Qualifications:
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The position requires physical labor. Applicant must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to climb multiple flights of stairs
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Must be able to take in and carry out multiple instructions and execute them in a timely manner
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Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
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Must be comfortable working with animal food items, including raw seafood
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Work in confined spaces of varying temperatures, light, and sound levels
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Must be comfortable working with live food items such as fruit flies, crickets, and worms
Organizational Description:
The New England Aquarium is a catalyst for global change through public engagement and education, commitment to marine animal conservation, innovative scientific research, and effective advocacy for a vital and vibrant ocean.
Department Description:
The Freshwater Gallery staff support the New England Aquarium’s mission to protect the blue planet by creating and maintaining exhibits that encourage the public to care about freshwater ecosystems and to become involved in conservation.
To Apply:
Please register an account here then click “Submit an Application” in the menu bar. If you already have an account, please log in and click "Submit an Application."
Questions?
Visit: Frequently Asked Questions
E-mail: intern@neaq.org
Applications should be submitted by*:
For details about priority deadlines, please click here
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