Aquarium Fish Intern

OMAHA ZOO GROUP; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is offering an Aquarium Fish Intern position. The internship is seasonal with 12 weeks per session (Spring, Summer, Fall) and requires availability for up to 24 hours per week.

Pay rate is $15.00 per hour, with orientation on first day and duties including feeding, cleaning, and daily care of fish and invertebrates. Eligible students must be 18+, enrolled in college or recent graduate, complete an internship project, attend weekly professional development,

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be enrolled in college or a recent graduate; minimum one year of coursework in a related major.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check and may require a negative TB test.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily feeding, cleaning, and general care of fish and invertebrates.
• Develop and present an internship project aligned with animal care research needs.
• Attend weekly professional development sessions.
• Complete internship checklist learning goals and mid-point/final evaluations.
• Recordkeeping, daily care, and monitoring animal health and behavior.
• Assist in diet preparation and enrichment activities.
• Observe aquarium staff demonstrations of proper animal handling techniques.

Skills

Time management

Communication skills

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Flexible work environment

Education

Currently enrolled in college or recently graduated

One year of coursework in biology or zoology

Job description

Job Title: Aquarium Fish Intern

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours: Seasonal (24 hours/week)

Pay Rate: $15.00/hour

SCHEDULE: Each Internship session, Spring, Summer, and Fall, is 12 weeks long. All interns must be available during this time. Summer session runs from May 12th – August 3rd, 2026.

• Orientation: First day of each semester from 9am-4pm. All interns must be available to attend orientation in-person.
• Weekly Schedule: Must be available to work up to 24 hours per week. Interns must be available to attend professional development sessions as offered. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Internship Coordinator and animal area supervisors.

DESCRIPTION: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern for the Aquarium to assist with daily feeding, cleaning, and general care of fish and invertebrates. The Aquarium collection is comprised of approximately 418 species of fish & invertebrates including Sharks, Rays, Eels, Octopus, Corals, Jelly fish, Sea Stars and Anemones. The Scott Aquarium is the largest Aquarium inside of a Zoo in the Midwest. The Aquarium houses exhibits that represent a multitude of regions and aquatic environments around the world.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of animal care staff in the Aquarium.
• Attend weekly professional development sessions.
• Complete learning goals on internship checklist.
• Participate in and complete a mid-point and final evaluation.
• Assist in and complete tasks as assigned, including but not limited to:
  • Cleaning and general maintenance of the exhibits and building.
  • Daily care of animal collection.
  • Recordkeeping.
  • Animal enrichment.
  • Monitoring behavior and changes in animal health.
  • Diet preparation and feeding.
  • This position offers very limited direct animal interactions. Interns will be provided opportunities to observe aquarium animal care staff demonstrate proper animal handling techniques.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must follow safety guidelines and always demonstrate safe working practices.
• Must have effective time management skills for working in a fast-paced and flexible work environment.
• Must possess strong communication skills; Communicate frequently and in a professional manner with supervisor and team members.
• Must work well with others and have the ability to work independently.
• Must be team-oriented and willing to work with other interns, volunteers, and staff members to further not only the goals of the Department but also of the Zoo’s Mission Statement.
• Must attend shifts on time and as scheduled.
• Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, and may be required to offer proof of a negative skin tuberculosis test.

EXPERIENCE: Previous experience working with aquatic animals or at an AZA institution is preferred, but not required.

EDUCATION: Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university. A minimum of one year of coursework in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc.) is preferred. Knowledge of aquatic animal natural history, biology, captive husbandry, and conservation issues preferred. Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to aquatic animals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position requires considerable physical exertion, including regularly climbing stairs and ladders, lifting heavy objects (up to 50 pounds), and/or assuming awkward positions. This position also requires working in hot, humid, and sometimes wet conditions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider these physical requirements before applying for an internship in this area. Interns that are not able to meet the physical requirements for the position may be reassigned to another department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Routine exposure to hot, humid, and sometimes wet conditions.

PUBLIC CONTACT: Interns will interact with the public frequently throughout their internship and are expected to always exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public.

TO APPLY:

• Prospective interns can only submit ONE application per person specific to their top choice but may indicate up to two other areas that interest them on their application.
• Must submit Cover Letter and Resume to Paycom at the time you apply. Applications without these materials will not be considered.
  • Your cover letter should include clearly defined career goals including how interning in the area you selected as your top choice will help you achieve your goals.

• Interns must provide their availability at the time of their interview. Interviews may be conducted over the phone, in person, or over Zoom.

We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part-time job requirements.

Please note this position does not provide any medical coverage.