The Seek2Sea Animal Care Apprenticeship offers a paid 22-week work-based learning experience to train early-career individuals in the skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to enter the marine science field in animal care. The goal of Seek2Sea is to reduce barriers to entry-level animal care employment opportunities in marine science for the BIPOC community of Greater Boston (including Revere, Somerville, Cambridge, Quincy, Malden, and Chelsea) by establishing a career pathway that combines hands-on training, professional development, and marine science learning opportunities.
- Apprentices will work closely with experienced animal care professionals to learn the skills needed to care for the animals in the New England Aquarium's care.
- They will learn husbandry and enrichment techniques used to enhance the care and well-being of our animals, how to maintain the intricate life support systems that keep our animals healthy, and general exhibit maintenance.
- Apprentices may work with fish, invertebrates, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
- This position is intended for applicants with pre-entry level skills and experience in an animal care setting - those with no prior animal care experience are encouraged to apply.
Schedule:
- This full-time, temporary, on-site position runs from February to July 2025. The schedule will consist of five eight-hour days weekly (either Sunday - Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday, depending on team placement).
Apprentices will be trained in the following duties and responsibilities:
- Developing knowledge in the biology, history, and ecology of natural habitats for assigned aquatic species
- Developing knowledge in nutrition and carrying out food preparation for assigned aquatic species
- Performing a variety of feeding techniques, reading, and adhering to feeding charts and recipes
- Observing and documenting the feeding behavior of assigned species
- Performing essential enclosure maintenance, including changing filter bags, cleaning protein skimmers, and siphoning waste
- Identifying components and functions of life support systems and reporting deviations from optimal system conditions
- Recognizing typical and abnormal behaviors and characteristics of species in assigned systems
- Maintaining written and electronic records and submitting entries via NEAQ's specimen database system TRACKS© - this may include both narrative notes and numerical data.
- Upholding a high standard of animal welfare, including identifying signs of animal distress and following NEAq protocols
- Engaging in ongoing learning and professional development sessions, including e-learning modules, one-on-one meetings, projects, and off-site learning experiences
Apprentices will receive:
- Pay rate: $15.00 per hour
- Paid learning opportunities, including hands-on training, e-learning modules, certifications, and additional courses
- On-site meal allowance
- Monthly LinkPass (for subway and bus use; other commuting expenses will not be subsidized)
- Opportunities for institutional and industry networking
- Job placement support upon completion of the apprentice program
Qualifications
- Minimum Training and Experience
- High School Diploma or equivalent experience
- Must reside in Greater Boston (including Revere, Somerville, Cambridge, Quincy, Malden, and Chelsea)
- A strong interest in a career in Biology, Marine Science, or Animal Care
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Motivated with a strong commitment to learning
- Willing to accept instruction and feedback
- Interest in developing strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to maintain collaborative working relationships with colleagues
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Able to work independently as well as collaboratively
- Able to lift 50 pounds, climb multiple flights of stairs, and use small ladders
- Able to work in confined spaces of varying temperature, light, and sound levels
- Willing to actively participate in daily animal care duties, including food preparation, handling raw fish, exhibit cleaning, and maintenance
- New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. Here, we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion.
- We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.
- For more information and to apply online, please visit http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/
Salary
- $15.00 / hour
