Sea Turtle Care Center Intern (Unpaid)

Extend your academic knowledge with a hands-on internship at the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center

Located along the pristine harbor in the heart of historic Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium has been inspiring visitors for over twenty years. From our over 5,000 animals to our award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to our conservation programs protecting local species, visitors are struck with awe and inspiration as they journey through all our exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina.

About the South Carolina Aquarium

We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience.

Application Instructions and Key Dates

• Internship duration: April 1, 2026 -- August 31, 2026
  • * Start and end date are slightly flexible
• Applications will be accepted beginning January 15, 2026 - February 6, 2026   
• Selected applicants will be notified by March 1, 2026

Description

Sea Turtle Care Center Interns have the opportunity to learn about and participate in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native sea turtle species. Interns will assist staff in all aspects of the daily care of sick and injured sea turtles, occasional medical procedures, and educational programs. The overall goal of our internship program is to help interns learn the ins and outs of sea turtle rehabilitation to help prepare for a career in the field. 

Primary Duties

• Perform general patient care: feedings, tank maintenance, and water changes
• Maintain general cleanliness and inventory of hospital and supplies
• Assist with medical procedures
• Detailed record keeping
• Assist in miscellaneous projects as needed
• Perform informal and formal educational programs related to the Sea Turtle Care Center

Winter Season Specifications

The Sea Turtle Care Center is the only sea turtle hospital in the state of South Carolina. Winter is our slower season in regard to local strandings. If tank space allows, we assist northern sea turtle rehabilitation facilities by taking several cold stun patients.  This allows for the opportunity to learn how to admit a higher number of turtles at one time and to learn valuable hands-on knowledge of a common cause of stranding every winter throughout the country. While local releases are not possible during this time of year due to colder waters, it is possible that you will get the chance to participate in a release in Florida.

Commitment & Qualifications

• Length of internship: 5 months
• Hours per week: 32-40 hours on average. Will require flexible hours such as long days, weekend shifts, occasional late night/early morning work, and holiday coverage.
• Education level: Recent college graduate or college senior with a background in biology, zoology, animal science, or related field. 

Necessary Additional Skills

• Demonstrates interest in environmental conservation, rehabilitation or wildlife biology
• Willingness to interact professionally with the public and other staff
• Ability to work with a team and independently 
• Must be able to demonstrate initiative and be detail oriented

Physical Requirements

Often requires walking, standing, and bending. Regularly requires stooping, crouching, climbing ladders/steps, carrying up to 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, pushing/pulling, working with tools and working in tight spaces. 

Compensation & Benefits

At this time, the South Carolina Aquarium does not provide compensation or housing. We know how difficult it is to commit to an unpaid internship, but we try our best to incorporate as many learning opportunities as possible and to work with you. Our desired schedule is working four days with three consecutive days off. 

We offer professional development workshops in order to help you become a more competitive job candidate.  

A reciprocity pass to local attractions and aquarium tickets are provided, as is a membership to the Aquarium.