Marine Animal Training Intern – Dolphin Coast (Fall 2026)

Georgia Aquarium, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

Georgia Aquarium's Animal Training (Dolphin Coast) internship provides hands-on experience in marine mammal training with bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, and scarlet ibis. Interns work with the animal training staff to learn daily care, training, enrichment, and guest interaction.

Responsibilities include diet prep, data recording, enrichment, and assisting with training sessions. The program is paid and requires physical fitness, a high school diploma or GED, and a strong interest in

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• College experience preferred with preference for animal sciences, biology, zoology, psychology, or related majors.
• Strong desire to gain valuable experience working with marine mammals.
• Independent worker and team player.
• Hardworking, dependable, and time efficient.
• Comfortable swimming and working in and around saltwater.
• Legally able to work in the United States without restriction.
• Ability to repeatedly lift 50 lbs, climb ladders and stairs, handle raw fish, and kneel, squat, and stand for extended periods.
• Schedule availability to include in-person 5-day work weeks, totaling 40 hours including weekends, holidays, and variable shifts.
• Candidates must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet qualifications throughout their internship.
• This is an experience-based, paid internship.

Responsibilities

• Interact with and learn from the Animal Training staff about animal conditioning of dolphins for both presentation and guest interaction programs.
• Assist with responsibilities that directly benefit the animals, including: animal diet preparation, water sampling, exhibit/area maintenance, behavioral observations and discussions, environmental enrichment, guest presentations and interactions, data recording, animal care area clean-up, and disinfection, and assistance with animal training and handling.
• Play support roles in assisting with animal training and husbandry sessions.
• Show support as needed.
• Interact with guests, staff, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner.
• Identify all animals in the dolphin and bird exhibit areas.
• Understand safety procedures.
• Attend all seminars and take all quizzes required.
• To perform other duties as workload necessitates.

Skills

Marine mammals interest

Independent worker

Team player

Physical fitness

Safety procedures

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Education

High school diploma or GED

College experience in animal sciences/biology/zoology/psychology

Job description

Georgia Aquarium's Animal Training (Dolphin Coast) internship provides hands-on experience in marine mammal training with bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, and scarlet ibis. Interns work with the animal training staff to learn daily care, training, enrichment, and guest interaction.

Responsibilities include diet prep, data recording, enrichment, and assisting with training sessions. The program is paid and requires physical fitness, a high school diploma or GED, and a strong interest in