Intern, Fish & Invertebrates - Spring 2027

Georgia Aquarium Careers; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

Georgia Aquarium is seeking a Fish and Invertebrates Intern for Spring 2027 in Atlanta. You will work with the Fish & Invertebrates team across galleries such as Ocean Voyager, Sharks, River Scout/Discovery Zone, or Tropical Diver/Coldwater to support daily animal care and learn essential husbandry skills.

You will gain hands-on experience in feeding, animal handling, water quality, exhibit maintenance, enrichment, and data recording while collaborating with aquarists and staff.

Qualifications

• This internship involves substantial physical labor; ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Regular schedule of 5 days per week; may include weekends/holidays; 35–40 hours per week.
• Interest or major in animal science, biology, marine biology, psychology, or related field.
• High school diploma or GED required; prior animal care experience not required.

Responsibilities

• Diet preparation and feeding of exhibited animals.
• Water sampling and quality checks.
• Exhibit and husbandry area maintenance.
• Behavioral observations and recording.
• Animal enrichment activities for living displays.
• Data recording and data entry of care tasks.
• Assisting biologists with animal handling and medical procedures.
• Attending staff and departmental meetings.

Skills

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Flexible schedule

Observation skills

Animal science interest

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Title: Fish and Invertebrates Intern - Spring 2027

Department: Fish and Invertebrates - 3220

Classification: Non-Exempt

Direct Report: Manager, Fish, and Invertebrates

Position Summary:

This program offers interns hands-on animal training experience with the Fish & Invertebrates team. Interns will be assigned to work with one of the following galleries for the duration of the semester: Ocean Voyager, Sharks, River Scout/Discovery Zone, OR Tropical Diver/Coldwater teams. Interns work directly with aquarists to support the daily care of the collection and learn the basics of animal care. Our aquarists work together to ensure the health and well-being of our animals as well as the maintenance and display of our exhibits.

Upon completion, candidates will possess a strong understanding of the following: skills in feeding, animal handling, record-keeping, and general husbandry of a large and small aquatic exhibits; understand the importance of water quality and the life support components; maintenance of exhibits, components, and the equipment used to keep them all running; importance of behavior management, enrichment, and animal training for fishes in human care. This internship will give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields where they are considering pursuing careers.

Responsibilities:

Daily responsibilities include:

1. Diet preparation and feeding
2. Water sampling
3. Exhibit and husbandry area maintenance
4. Behavioral observations
5. Animal enrichment
6. Data recording and data entry
7. Assisting biologists with animal handling and medical procedures
8. Attending and participating in staff and departmental meetings

Qualifications:

1. This internship involves substantial physical labor, and therefore interns must be able to climb stairs and ladders and should be capable of lifting at least 50lbs.
2. Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
3. This internship requires a regular schedule of 5 days per week and may include weekends and holidays. Average hours per week are 35 – 40.
4. Must have an interest or major in animal science, biology, marine biology, psychology or related field.
5. Must have a high school diploma or GED.
6. Previous animal care experience is not necessary.
7. This is an experience-based, paid internship.

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; sit; 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 the Georgia Aquarium, Inc. the following:

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

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

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