Freshwater Aquarist Intern (Unpaid)

Job description: The Animal Care Intern – Freshwater Aquarist (Unpaid) will gain valuable experience by learning proper husbandry techniques for a diverse collection animals through one-on-one training and hands on experiences. The intern will assist staff with all aspects of daily animal care.  This position is unpaid; a record of service hours will be provided and may be used for academic credit, depending on the college/university internship expectation.

Learning Objectives Primary Duties:

• Follow all Aquarium safety and animal protocols
• Learn and follow proper feeding procedures and techniques in caring for freshwater animals
• Ensure daily care of freshwater animals in the gallery
• Learn life support system operation and how to maintain tanks, and follow schedule of weekly tank maintenance
• Be able to state appropriate water quality parameters, and maintain water quality in exhibits
• Be able to recognize signs of disease and understand the purpose of quarantine, and different treatments

Primary responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Exhibit and backup tank cleaning
• Daily food preparation and feeding
• Record keeping
• Animal observation
• Collecting freshwater animals for educational display

Potential duties may include but are not limited to:

• Veterinary procedures
• Quarantine procedures
• Collecting freshwater animals and transferring animals

Additional Skills:

• Must be dependable and have excellent communication and record keeping skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Be comfortable with informal educational interactions with Aquarium guests
• Be able to work well independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to get wet and dirty

Commitment & Qualifications:

• Length of internship: 6 months
• Hours per week: 25 – 32

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel classified.

The Aquarium is an "at-will" employer, and as such, employment with the Aquarium is not for a fixed term, or definite period and may be terminated at the will of either party, with or without cause, and without prior notice.