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Penguin Colony Intern
Now accepting Fall 2025 applications
Time commitment:
12-16 weeks. At least 3 Full Days Per Week (8:00 am - 5:00 pm), one weekend day required, preference for Sunday-Tuesday or Thursday-Saturday.
Summary: The New England Aquarium’s Penguin Colony is an open air, 150,000 gallon saltwater exhibit. It has 6 manmade islands with water temperatures ranging from 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is home to multiple temperate climate penguin species.
Penguin Colony Interns assist the penguin staff with the daily husbandry and programming requirements for the exhibit.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Prepare food twice a day for the penguins
- Help maintain and organize food preparation area
- Assist with the cleaning of the penguin exhibit and support area; This involves washing/ scrubbing habitats and disinfecting materials
- Assist the staff with feeding the penguins by recording daily intakes for individual birds and document observations of behaviors
- Will be responsible for formal presentations given to the Aquarium’s visitors
Qualifications:
- Biology, Marine Science or Animal Science major preferred but not required; Previous experience with animals desired
- This position requires extreme physical labor including crawling, lifting, bending, reaching, and scrubbing while rock-climbing; 90 % of this work is done wearing a coldwater neoprene SCUBA diving suit
- This position involves heavy cleaning duties
- It requires standing in 50-60 degree Fahrenheit water for at least 5-6 hours
- Applicant must be able to lift 50 pounds
**** Because of the physical demands, this position may be difficult for people with active or former knee and back injuries.
Required Gear:
- Wool socks
- Long sleeve rash guards or lycra skins
- Bathing suits
Special Note: In general, research proposals or semester projects will not be accepted.
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.
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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