Intern - Aquatic Sustainability -Spring 2027

Georgia Aquarium Careers; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Aquarium invites applications for the Aquatic Sustainability Intern – Spring 2027. This hands-on program covers quarantine procedures, water quality, filtration, nitrogen cycle, and general aquatic husbandry alongside dedicated staff in the Aquatic Sustainability Department.

Offsite quarantine facilities require interns to arrange own transportation. The internship is paid and aims to develop entry-level expertise for careers in animal care and related fields.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interest or major in animal science, biology, zoology, psychology, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Learn animal care standards and system operation for a variety of aquatic species through mentorship and training with approved staff.
• Perform tasks including diet preparation, water sampling, exhibit/area maintenance, filtration cleaning and maintenance, behavioral/medical observations, data recording and other duties as assigned.
• Interns may assist with animal training and medical examinations.
• Participate in the developmental curriculum including quizzes and a presentation on an approved topic.
• Perform other duties as workload necessitates.

Skills

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Interest in aquatic biology

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Title:

Aquatic Sustainability Intern – Spring 2027

Department:

Aquatic Sustainability - 3250

Division:

Zoological Operations

Classification:

INT - Intern

Direct Report:

Intern Supervisor, Aquatic Sustainability

Position Summary:

This program offers interns hands‑on experience in one of Georgia Aquarium’s most diverse areas – Aquatic Sustainability. Our Aquatic Sustainability Department works with a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and their associated life support systems. Our goal is to provide interns the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for an entry level position in aquatic husbandry. Upon completion, candidates should possess a strong understanding of the following: quarantine purpose and procedures, common disease‑causing agents and related medical treatments, water quality parameters, filtration systems, nitrogen cycle, system components and design, general fish and invertebrate anatomy, propagation and larval rearing, and standard practices and procedures in aquatic husbandry. Although we do work with veterinarians, this is not a veterinarian internship, nor do we work with any birds, cetaceans, or pinnipeds.

Georgia Aquarium’s Quarantine facility is an offsite warehouse located west of the Georgia Aquarium. Interns will need to provide own reliable transportation for this internship.

Responsibilities:

Interns will:

1. Learn animal care standards and system operation for a variety of aquatic species through mentorship and training with approved staff.


2. Perform tasks including but not limited to diet preparation, water sampling, exhibit/area maintenance, filtration cleaning and maintenance, behavioral/ medical observations, data recording and other duties as assigned.


3. Interns may also play support roles in assisting with animal training and medical examinations.


4. Partake in developmental curriculum including but not limited to quizzes and a presentation on approved topic of the interns choosing.


5. Perform other duties as workload necessitates.

Qualifications:

1. Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team.


2. This internship requires a regular schedule of 40 hours per week and may include weekends and holidays.


3. Must have an interest or major in animal science, biology, zoology, psychology, or related field.


4. Must have a high school diploma or GED.


5. This is a paid internship with the goal of gaining work related animal career experience.

Important Dates for Spring 2027 Semester:

Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 25th. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may close before the official deadline.

Mandatory Spring 2027 Orientation: Thursday, February 4th, 2027.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; kneel; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and work around saltwater. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Commitment:

I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:

Mission:

Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.

Vision:

To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.

Values:

Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion