Aquarium Internship at the Maria Mitchell Association

The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is offering four internships at its Aquarium during the 2027 summer season. The Maria Mitchell Aquarium houses roughly 65-75 different marine species each year. One of the most unique public aquarium internships in the country, this paid opportunity immerses interns in all facets of public aquarium operations, including exhibit design, collection and husbandry of 75+ marine species, plumbing and troubleshooting of filtration systems, program and tour leadership, volunteer management, retail in the gift shop, and more. The ideal candidates have interest and experience with marine biology and environmental education, as well as an interest in asking biological questions, making careful observations, following procedures, keeping accurate records, and thinking critically about results. Many former Aquarium interns are working in the fields of outdoor education, public aquarium husbandry and education, aquaculture, K-12 science education, and marine biological sciences.

The Aquarium interns work as a team with the Aquarium Manager and are responsible for all facets of the aquarium's operation. Aquarium interns choose an “elective” project to work on over the summer. Previous electives included marine plankton culturing, invasive species surveys, signage design, animal photography, graphic design, and more!  Aquarium interns will also participate in cross-training and cross over experiences with the Natural Science Museum. This internship includes nights and weekends, with no two consecutive days off guaranteed.  This is a fantastic, immersive experience for students and recent graduates interested in marine biology or in aquarium careers.

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. The Aquarium is the most visited of all MMA’s facilities.

Key Requirements and Qualifications

• Some degree of marine science experience which may include coursework, study abroad, internship, volunteering, lab work, etc. with at least two years of college experience
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• CPR and First Aid Certified, or willing to be certified by the start of the internship
• Able to pass a safe driving test to be qualified to drive company vehicles to outbound field trips

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Curate aquarium displays with animals caught on and around Nantucket Island via methods including seining, hand netting, fishing, snorkeling, etc.
• Daily food preparation for aquarium animals, which includes handling live and frozen fish, crabs, shrimp, etc.
• Daily maintenance and general care to meet the needs of our animals
• Assistance with medical and animal acclimation procedures
• Providing engaging and educational tours to Aquarium visitors of all ages
• Present educational and outreach programs on and off-site several times per week for public and private entities
• Assist MMA Environmental Educators in teaching marine field programs for MMA Discovery Camps and private programs and support program design and materials preparation
• Aquarium exhibit maintenance and support operation (which can include, but is not limited to plumbing, troubleshooting and repairing filtration systems, water changes, water quality, and filter cleaning)
• Mentor MMA Aquarium high school interns and volunteers
• Sell MMA membership, merchandise, and admissions when at the front desk
• Take part in MMA service projects of 1-2 hours per week
• Cross-train and cross over responsibilities with the Natural Science Museum
• Assist with observatory open nights at front desk
• Stay curious and enthusiastic about the natural world!

Compensation and Duration

• This is a paid internship at $16 per hour. 
• The MMA has dormitory-style housing available for interns to rent for $30 per week with a Security Deposit of $200. Housing is located within walking distance to the town center and is a short bike ride to beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and other great locations. If you live on campus, you will be expected to attend and participate in all dorm cleaning days as part of your housing agreement. Please note that the dorm rooms are shared. Interns are not required to live in MMA provided housing, however, as Nantucket’s housing availability is notoriously limited and often expensive, we require our interns to provide proof of alternative housing before their internship begins.

This internship runs from May 31, 2027, to approximately September 3, 2027. The end date may be flexible with the possibility to extend until October 31, 2027.

MMA Aquarium Internship applications are due February 1, 2027, at 11pm EST.

Completed applications consist of:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Contact information for 3 references
• 2 letters of recommendation (which can be submitted with the application or emailed directly)
• Official transcripts
• Internship application