Animal Care Internship at the SEA Discovery Center (Poulsbo)

Animal Care & Conservation Internship 

at SEA Discovery Center, Poulsbo

Program Support Staff 1 - Animal Care & Conservation 

Employer: Outreach & Continuing Education

Position: Only open to WWU students

Contact: Bridget Anderson, Director

Address: 18743 Front ST NE

City: Poulsbo, WA

Pay Rate: $20.00 hour

Hours: 19 hours/week

Part time, temporary

Dates:  June 5, 2026 – September 6, 2026

Visitor Services: Friday 10:30am – 4:30pm (6 hrs)

Animal Care:  Weekly TBD upon hire/need (13hrs)

SEA Discovery Center, WWU’s public aquarium in Poulsbo, WA, is hiring a paid summer intern to support animal care, conservation, and visitor services.

Applicants must currently be enrolled in at least 6 WWU credits and returning fall quarter.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Animal Care & Conservation Internship provides hands-on experience in aquarium operations, marine animal husbandry, and visitor engagement within a public-facing facility focused on the Salish Sea.

Interns support daily animal care and guest services, contributing to smooth aquarium operations and meaningful conservation-focused interactions. This role is suited for students interested in aquariums, marine science, conservation, or environmental studies. Interns should be self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable with physical tasks, independent work, and public interaction.

INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Care & Husbandry

• Perform daily feeding, cleaning, and habitat maintenance
• Assist with water quality monitoring and basic life support checks
• Prepare/culture live foods (e.g., Artemia, rotifers)
• Observe and report animal health and behavior
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized workspaces

Exhibit & Facility Operations

• Support exhibit upkeep, including algae management and habitat aesthetics
• Assist with tank maintenance and exhibit improvements
• Help uphold high standards of animal welfare and presentation

Visitor Services & Front Desk (1 day per week)

• Serve as primary point of contact during open hours
• Complete opening/closing procedures and light cleaning of public areas
• Monitor paid parking for compliance
• Welcome guests and process admissions/donations via POS system
• Maintain clean, organized admissions and visitor areas
• Support and direct volunteers during shifts
• Answer visitor questions and interpret exhibits
• Communicate conservation messages related to the Salish Sea
• Work independently while coordinating with staff and volunteers
• Follow safety requirements and report hazards

Note: On visitor services days, interns focus solely on guest experience and may not perform animal care duties.

Volunteer Collaboration

• Work alongside animal care and public‑facing volunteers
• Model best practices and support task completion
• Contribute to a positive, team‑oriented environment

INTERNSHIP PROJECT

Each intern will complete an independent project that supports SEA Discovery Center’s mission. Project types include:

• Exhibit signage or educational materials
• Habitat or system improvements
• Conservation focused outreach or programming
• Animal care protocols or enrichment plans
• Projects must be practical, mission aligned, and implementable. Interns present their final product at the end of the internship.

REQUIREMENTS

• Currently enrolled in at least 6 WWU credits (any campus) or registered for 6+ credits for Fall
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work weekends and holidays
• Customer focused and comfortable engaging with the public
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Able to lift to 30 lbs
• Experience using handheld devices (iPad, Android, etc.)
• Successful background check and completion of WWU Cash Handling training
• Interest in marine science, biology, conservation, or related fields
• Strong work ethic and comfort with physical tasks
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong observational skills

Preferred (not required):

• Coursework or experience in biology, aquaculture, environmental science, or customer service
• Prior experience in animal care, education, or hospitality