Aquarium Internships
An aquarium internship is the single most effective way to launch a career working with aquatic life. Most aquarists, marine biologists, and aquarium educators got their start exactly this way, spending a few months behind the scenes at an aquarium, building the hands-on experience that no degree alone can replace.
We list internship openings from aquariums, marine science centers, and conservation organizations across the country and beyond. New positions are added regularly, so bookmark this page or check back often.
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Types of Aquarium Internships
Aquariums hire interns across nearly every department. The type you choose should match where you want your career to go:
- Animal husbandry internships: Work alongside aquarists on feeding schedules, water quality testing, exhibit maintenance, and animal health monitoring. This is the most direct path to becoming an aquarist.
- Marine mammal internships: Support trainers with daily care, behavioral conditioning, and enrichment programs for seals, sea lions, otters, and dolphins. These are among the most competitive internships in the field, so apply early.
- Research internships: Collect field or lab data and contribute to conservation, breeding, or behavioral studies. Ideal if you're aiming for graduate school or a career in marine biology.
- Education and outreach internships: Help deliver school programs, guided tours, summer camps, and public presentations. A strong starting point if you want to work in science communication or informal education.
- Conservation internships: Support habitat restoration, community science initiatives, coral propagation, or wildlife rehabilitation projects.
- HR internships: Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and volunteer coordination. Aquariums manage large teams, so HR interns get hands-on experience with hiring cycles, compliance, and staff engagement in a mission-driven environment.
- Business operations internships: Support teams in marketing, finance, accounting, event planning, or guest services. Every aquarium runs on a business side that keeps the doors open, and these internships are a great fit if you want to combine a passion for conservation with a career in nonprofit or attraction management.
Where Internships Lead
The aquarium industry is small and relationship-driven. Internships don't just build skills. They put you in front of the people who make hiring decisions. Many aquariums prefer to hire from their own intern pool because those candidates already know the animals, systems, and team culture.
A husbandry internship is the most common stepping stone to a full-time aquarist position. Research internships often lead to marine biology roles or graduate school opportunities. And education internships can open the door to a career as an aquarium educator or program coordinator.
Whichever path you're considering, an internship is almost always the right first move.
Browse our current listings below, or use the search to find positions in your area. New opportunities are added regularly, so check back often or join our newsletter to get notified of new postings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquarium Internships
What qualifications do I need for an aquarium internship?
Most aquarium internships require you to be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a bachelor's program in marine biology, zoology, environmental science, education, or a related field. Some programs accept high school graduates or gap-year students. Prior volunteer experience at an aquarium or zoo strengthens your application, but it's not always required. Enthusiasm, reliability, and a genuine interest in aquatic life go a long way.
Are aquarium internships paid?
Some are, but many are not. Larger aquariums are increasingly offering paid internships or stipends, and some provide housing assistance. Smaller facilities may offer only academic credit. Each listing on our board includes compensation details so you know what to expect before you apply.
How long do aquarium internships typically last?
Between 3 and 6 months is standard. Most are structured around academic semesters (spring, summer, or fall) and require a full-time commitment of 35 to 40 hours per week. Part-time and year-round options exist at some facilities but are less common.
Can an aquarium internship lead to a full-time job?
Yes. Internships are the most common entry point to full-time work in the aquarium field. Aquariums prefer hiring people who already know their animals, protocols, and team culture. Many working aquarists, marine biologists, and educators started as interns at the same institution that later hired them. Treat your internship like a long job interview.
Do I need scuba certification for an aquarium internship?
It depends on the role. Husbandry and dive internships often require at least an Open Water SCUBA certification before your start date, though some programs will train you on-site. Research, education, and outreach internships typically do not require any dive certifications.
When should I apply for aquarium internships?
As early as possible. Summer internships are the most competitive and usually have deadlines between January and March. Fall and spring positions typically close 2 to 4 months before the start date. Top programs receive hundreds of applications per cycle, so don't wait until the last minute.
What's the difference between an aquarium internship and volunteering?
Internships are structured programs with defined learning objectives, dedicated mentorship, and a set schedule, typically 35 to 40 hours per week over several months. Volunteering is more flexible and less intensive. Both build experience, but internships carry significantly more weight on a resume and are far more likely to lead directly to job offers.
Which aquarium internship should I choose?
That depends on your career goals. If you want to work directly with animals, look for a husbandry or marine mammal internship. These lead to aquarist roles. If you're interested in research or graduate school, a research internship will give you the lab and field experience you need. If you love teaching and public engagement, an education internship is the best fit. Not sure yet? Many interns say the experience itself helped them figure out which direction to go.
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