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Aquarist Intern, Quincy Sustainability
Now accepting Summer 2026 Interns
*Fall applications will be available in April. Spring and Winter applications will be available in August.
Time commitment: Two Full Days Per Week (8:00am - 4:30pm) for 12-16 weeks
Summary:
Join the team at the New England Aquarium’s Quincy Animal Care Center as a Sustainability Intern and help bring our mission to “live blue” to life! Located in Quincy, MA, this offsite facility plays a key role in supporting the Aquarium’s sustainability efforts by rearing fish for our exhibits and cultivating the plankton they depend on. As an intern, you’ll get hands-on experience assisting with daily animal care, maintaining live food cultures, and helping with inventory and recordkeeping—all while learning how sustainability shapes animal care behind the scenes.
Responsibilities:
Work closely with Aquarists to accomplish:
- General animal husbandry and system maintenance tasks, such as (but not limited to); feeding animals, making food for broodstock and live food animals, recording tank temperatures, water changes, scrubbing / cleaning of tanks and habitat.
- Assisting with maintenance of live food cultures, such as; microalgae, copepods, rotifers, brine shrimp, mysid shrimp, and grass shrimp.
- Egg collection through various collecting methods.
- Observing and recording animal behavior with a focus on reproductive behaviors.
- Updating data tracking spreadsheets.
Qualifications:
- Strong interest in biology and marine science, previous experience with animals preferred
- High attention to detail, previous experience with microscopes preferred
- This position requires physical labor, must be able to lift 40 lbs. and be at least 18 years old
- Applicant must be able to work independently and as a team
- Ability to take and carry out multiple instructions in a timely manner
- Be comfortable working with animals
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.
This position is not located in Boston and is at our Animal Care Center located along the Fore River in Quincy. Transportation to this facility is easiest by car but one can also reach the facility by public transportation. Public transportation requires taking the Redline to Quincy Center, transferring to bus, and walking about 5 minutes.
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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