Spring Freshwater Gallery Intern

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."

Summary: 

Interns assist staff Aquarists with daily animal husbandry responsibilities of the New England Aquarium's Freshwater Gallery, including feeding of fish, reptiles and amphibians, maintaining aquarium systems and other routine animal care duties. This gallery focuses on freshwater areas from the Amazon River Basin to the rivers and ponds of New England. Interns have the opportunity to learn about the daily care of animals such as piranhas, Amazonian reptiles, cichlids, and salmonids in addition to the daily care of live plants. 

Organizational Description: 

The New England Aquarium is a catalyst for global change through public engagement and education, commitment to marine animal conservation, innovative scientific research, and effective advocacy for a vital and vibrant ocean.

Department Description: 
 
The Freshwater Gallery staff support the New England Aquarium’s mission to protect the blue planet by creating and maintaining exhibits that encourage the public to care about freshwater ecosystems and to become involved in conservation. 

Time commitment: 

Spring, Summer, & Fall: 12 Weeks. At least Two Full Days Per Week (8:00 am-5:00 pm)

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:  

Provide daily care, maintenance, and assist with the appearance of the gallery  

Maintain windows, backgrounds, and habitats of exhibits and holding systems  

Diet preparation and feeding, including vitamins and supplements   

Record and monitor water parameters  

Daily organizing and upkeep for behind-the-scenes spaces  

Maintain exhibit life support systems including protein skimmers, UV sterilizers, and mechanical filtration processes.  

Participate in operant conditioning and enrichment of various species  

Maintain animal welfare standards  

In-water cleaning tasks including cleaning windows and scrubbing habitat. 

Assist staff with projects in the gallery  

Potential to assist in other Galleries (Tropical, Temperate, Yawkey, Northern Waters)  

Record keeping in regulation to protocols set forth by NEAq  

Potential to observe and assist with veterinary procedures  

Attend professional development sessions with the Volunteer Programs and Internships office  

Qualifications: 

The position requires physical labor. Applicant must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to climb multiple flights of stairs  

Must be able to take in and carry out multiple instructions and execute them in a timely manner  

Must be able to work independently and as part of a team  

Must be comfortable working with animal food items, including raw seafood  

Work in confined spaces of varying temperatures, light, and sound levels  

Must be comfortable working with live food items such as fruit flies, crickets, and worms 

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."