Intern, Mammals and Birds

This program offers interns hands-on animal training experience with the Mammals & Birds team. Interns are exposed to animal care and training activities primarily with belugas, harbor seals, and Asian small-clawed otters, with some possible exposure to sea otters, African penguins, and alcids. Interns work directly with trainers to support the daily care of the collection and learn the basics of operant conditioning. Interns will be paired with a mentor and guided through several training seminars and workshops to gain insight into operant conditioning techniques and how they are used in Georgia Aquarium’s Mammals & Birds program. This internship will give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields where they are considering pursuing careers.

Responsibilities

Daily responsibilities include:

1. Working alongside trainers and assisting with animal diet preparation, behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, animal care area clean up, and disinfections.
2. Playing support roles in assisting with animal training and husbandry sessions.
3. Developing skills such as: diet preparation and feeding; water sampling; commissary clean-up; exhibit and husbandry area maintenance; behavioral observations; environmental enrichment; data recording and data entry; assisting team with animal training, handling, and medical procedures; and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

1. This internship involves substantial physical labor, and therefore interns must be able to climb stairs and ladders and should be capable of lifting at least 50lbs.
2. Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
3. This internship requires a regular schedule of 5 days per week and may include weekends and holidays. Average hours per week are 35 – 40.
4. Must have an interest or major in animal science, biology, marine biology, psychology, or related field.
5. Must have a high school diploma or GED.
6. Previous animal care experience is not necessary.
7. This is an experience-based, paid internship.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and work around saltwater. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Commitment

I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:

Vision:  To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.

Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion

Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.