Marine Mammal Enrichment Intern
 

Apply now for: Fall 2023 and Spring 2024

*Fall applications will be available in April. Spring and Winter applications will be available in August.

Time commitment:

12-weeks, 3-4 days a week, 7:30am-4:30pm 

Summary:
The Marine Mammal Department maintains two outdoor pinniped exhibits featuring Atlantic harbor seals, Northern fur seals and California sea lions. The Marine Mammal Internship Program is designed to be a career learning experience and is best suited for individuals serious about careers in marine mammal training and aquatic animal welfare.

Enrichment interns will a heavy focus on enrichment fabrication and overall implementation of the Marine Mammal enrichment program.  Interns play an integral role assisting staff during training sessions and presentations, and work in close proximity to the animals.  The New England aquarium is committed to excellence in animal welfare, research, education, and ocean conservation.


Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting animal enrichment sessions

• Cleaning exhibits, behind the scenes areas, and items used in training and enrichment sessions
• Collaboration with trainers on enrichment ideas and implementation
• Organization and management of enrichment collection (assess for damage/replacement needs)
• Train interns and volunteers to collect enrichment observation data and record electronically
• Document daily animal enrichment activities
• Maintain inventory of perishable enrichment items
• Maintain enrichment item rotation schedules
• Readings and activities related to enrichment and animal welfare
• Design and fabrication of enrichment items
• Behavioral observations
• Diet preparation
• Public presentations
• Mentorship with training staff
• Assisting trainers during training sessions and presentations
• Interact informally with Aquarium visitors
• Individual project and presentation

Qualifications:

• Candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a serious interest in a career working with marine animals
• Interns must feel comfortable bending and walking on uneven and wet terrain and be able to lift 50 lbs
• Comfortable using a substantial amount of cleaning with various cleaning agents
• Comfortable being exposed to all weather conditions
• Knowledge and understanding of power tool safety is an essential requirement

Organizational Description:

The New England Aquarium’s mission is to protect the blue planet through hands-on programs, live animal and interactive exhibits, public lectures and forums, and research and conservation projects.

This mission is fulfilled through exhibits, and through education, conservation and research programs. Exhibits showcase the diversity, importance and beauty of aquatic life and habitats, and highlight critical aquatic conservation issues. Programs emphasize species, habitats and issues critical to New England. The Aquarium is also a pioneer in marine animal rescue, and a leading ocean conservation organization with research scientists working around the globe.

The New England Aquarium serves as a responsive community resource that attracts and involves the broadest possible audience; seeks a culturally diverse staff and governing board that reflect our community; adheres to the highest standards of animal stewardship; and is committed to delivering the highest quality visitor experience in a welcoming and enjoyable manner that evokes wonder, curiosity, understanding, caring and action.



To Apply:

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Questions?

Visit: Frequently Asked Questions

E-mail: intern@neaq.org