MARITIME AQUARIUM INTERNSHIP IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The mission of The Maritime Aquarium is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For more than 35 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium welcomes nearly 500,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals. Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 7,000 animals and 320 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce approximately 60,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education, and its conservation programs are leading collaborative efforts addressing critical priorities for the Long Island Sound ecosystem. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 75 full-time staff, and as many as 80 part-time and seasonal staff during the summer months, in addition to nearly 200 volunteers, which contribute 28,000 hours annually. Emerging from the pandemic, the Aquarium’s annual operating budget has grown from roughly $11 million to $18 million, with a significant diversification of revenues including earned revenues through admissions, membership, sales, and fee-based programs, as well as philanthropic institutional grants (state, federal and private) and individual gifts. A new ten-year strategic plan, An Aquarium Without Walls, sets the Aquarium on an ambitious and innovative path forward. 

Position Overview:

The Maritime Aquarium aims to promote diversity and inclusion by encouraging applicants from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to pursue a career in animal husbandry.

We are launching The Maritime Aquarium Internship in Animal Husbandry. We will provide internship opportunities to one candidate from an underrepresented demographic with the opportunity to work intensively with the Aquarium’s live animal collections alongside professional aquarists.

The Intern will work a full-time temporary position for 23 weeks and be paid $21.13 per hour. The internship will provide hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional support.

The selected candidate will demonstrate a passion for the applied science of animal husbandry, the environment, wildlife and/or conservation, and have plans to pursue a professional career at aquariums and/or zoos.

The Intern will receive experience working with a specific taxa of their choice, ranging from fishes, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, to birds and mammals), as well as industry-recognized credentials in animal welfare, and continuing education in animal husbandry, water quality analysis, life support systems (LSS), and other topics through our professional development program.

Inclusivity Statement:

This internship opportunity is aimed at underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in the marine sciences, including, but not limited to, persons of color and Indigenous Peoples, African Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and others who are traditionally underrepresented in zoos and aquaria.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in a program for or recently graduated with a four-year degree (B.S. preferred, or B.A.) in marine biology, biology, zoology or related field – OR -

• Enrolled in a program for or recently graduated with a two-year degree (A.S./A.A.S.) specific to aquarium/zoo science PLUS a minimum of one year experience in animal care (may be any combination of paid work, internships, or volunteer service) may be substituted for formal education.

• General knowledge of laboratory equipment, procedures, and PPE.

• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal.

• Able to lift a minimum of 60 pounds

• Able to negotiate stairs, climb high obstacles and maneuver behind the scenes areas.

• Able to negotiate various field conditions.

• Able to work standing up for extended periods of time in wet, hot, cold and/or humid environment.

• Must be comfortable around a variety of animals.

• Able to work weekends, evenings and holidays.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintains all aquarium and related life support systems.

• Perform daily inspection of assigned exhibits to assess animal health and proper functioning of life support equipment.

• Observe, identify and report unusual animal behavior to direct supervisor.

• Document and report possible diseases. Assist with veterinary care and provide medications as directed by veterinarian.

• Performs water quality analysis. Familiar with making necessary adjustments to water quality.

• Participates in the collection and transportation of animals from Long Island Sound and other locations for display.

• Documents and communicates observations as needed.

• Maintain accurate records.

• Prepare and administer diets.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

TO APPLY

Please send a 1-page statement of your career goals in Animal Husbandry and how you feel your role in this internship will contribute to The Maritime Aquarium’s diversity and inclusion goals, along with your resume and a Maritime Aquarium application with Diversity Internship in the subject line to applications@maritimeaquarium.org.

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.