Natural Science Museum Intern

The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is offering two intern positions at its Natural Science Museum for the 2027 summer. The Natural Science Museum is divided into an Aquatics Room housing numerous freshwater and brackish water animals, a Herpetology Room housing snakes, frogs, and turtles, a Collections Room that displays various animal specimens from across Nantucket, and lastly a STEM Activity Room where guests can learn about science through hands-on activities.

A unique position and a unique museum allows the intern to learn everything that goes into running a natural science museum. This paid internship immerses the intern into all facets of museum operations, which includes animal husbandry, animal collection, exhibit and signage design, educational programming, volunteer management, collections preservation, leading tours, gift shop management, and much more.

The ideal candidate should have an interest in biology, ecology, and/or environmental education. Many former MMA Natural Science Museum interns are working in the fields of outdoor education, animal husbandry, environmental education, veterinary medicine, K-12 science education, STEM graduate school, environmental technicians, and environmental stewardship.

The 2027 Natural Science Museum Internship application period will open February 1, 2027 at 11PM EST.

The Natural Science Museum interns work as a team alongside the Natural Science Museum Manager and are responsible for all facets of Natural Science Museum operations, including animal husbandry, leading tours, managing and mentoring volunteers, leading public programs and field trips, designing exhibits, and running the gift shop. Natural Science Museum interns also have the opportunity to learn the art of preserving specimens for the MMA collections and to assist with any fieldwork conducted at the MMA facility. This is a fantastic immersive experience for students interested in ecology, biology, museum science, and/or environmental education.

Nantucket Island is a resort community that swells to over 60,000 people in the summer. There are fifty miles of beaches and over half the land area is conservation land. The mission of the MMA is to inspire people to experience Nantucket’s sky, land, and sea. Programs and facilities focus on environmental education, ecological research, astronomy, and historic preservation.