INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Hearst Intern, Vertebrate Zoology

CompanySanta Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center
LocationSanta Barbara
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 9, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Assist in the care, curation, and preservation of vertebrate zoology collections, including maintaining records and databases. Handle specimen loans, accessions, and the general upkeep of the work area.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
137
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Founded in 1916 as the Museum of Comparative Oology, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has evolved to include more than 3.5 million specimens covering every aspect of natural history—from mammals, birds, and marine life to geology, astronomy, paleontology, and anthropology. Newly renovated in 2018, the Museum boasts state-of-the-art interactive exhibits for all ages, paired with the Central Coast’s only planetarium, on 17 acres of oak woodland along Mission Creek. Guests learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history and then go outside to explore nature in the Museum Backyard. Museum education programs serve all ages to promote scientific literacy and instill a passion for nature and learning. In 1987, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History built the Sea Center on historic Stearns Wharf to communicate the biodiversity and ecological importance of the regional ocean environment. This small aquarium and marine education facility offers guests hands-on encounters with life from the Santa Barbara Channel, including Swell Sharks, rays, sea stars, sea urchins, and anemones. On the wet deck, guests experiment like scientists by using oceanographic tools to sample the ocean and examine life below. Upstairs, guests can view mesmerizing jellies, Decorator Crabs, a California Two-Spot Octopus, soft corals, and other animals found in nearby waters. Life-size replicas of a Gray Whale mother and her calf preside over an unparalleled view of the coast towards East Beach, Montecito, and the spectacular Santa Ynez Mountains.
About the Role

Description

Title: Hearst Intern, Vertebrate Zoology

Classification: Temporary, part-time, non-exempt

Department: Vertebrate Zoology

Reports To: Ally Coconis, Curator of Mammalogy

Wage Band: Technical Skills Level 1

Compensation: $20.80/per hour


Mission: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History inspires a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world.


Position Summary: Assist in the care and curation of the vertebrate zoology collections.


Specific Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the care of the collections including; preparing and maintaining specimens, collection records, databases, and literature.
  • Assist in arranging loans and accessions of specimens.
  • Ensure that specimens are properly prepared, preserved, handled, and stored.
  • Responsible for maintaining a clean and orderly work area.
  • Responsible for the completion of specific projects and other duties as assigned.

Essential Requirements:

  • Applicant must be currently enrolled in college.
  • Dependable and responsible.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Sensitivity to, and respect for, museum collections.
  • Excellent attention to detail with a commitment to quality of work.
  • Comfortable engaging with the general public.
  • General knowledge of and interest in mammals.
  • Interest in and basic understanding of natural history museum research collections.
  • Adheres to safety guidelines for lab and office space.
  • Comfortable working around dermestid beetles and dead mammals.

Work Environment:

  • Standing, walking and bending.
  • Work in an office and collection environment.
  • Climbing of ladders or other work in elevated conditions.
  • Repetitive data entry on a computer.
  • Lifting of light to moderately heavy loads (25-40 lbs.).
  • Work with preservative fluids (ethyl alcohol).
  • Work with dead mammals.
  • Work with live dermestid beetles.

The incumbent must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description. Essential Requirements are representative and are essential for satisfactory job performance. The Work Environment characteristics are representative of those that may be encountered while on the job. The Museum will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Key Skills
Specimen PreparationCollection ManagementDatabase ManagementPreservation TechniquesNatural History ResearchInterpersonal SkillsAttention To DetailPublic Engagement
Categories
Science & ResearchEducationEnvironmental & Sustainability