Home » Intern: Fish & Invertebrates

overview

Take the first step in developing your career as an aquarist at a public aquarium. Interning with the Fish & Invertebrates (F&I) department is a great way to earn valuable, hands-on experience and learn from our dedicated team of professionals.

F&I internships offer opportunities to work with some of the most unique animals at the Aquarium: jellyfish, sharks & stingrays, corals, and many species of fish.

F&I interns get training in:

aquarium exhibit maintenance
animal diet preparation
water quality testing
record keeping
animal health assessments
quarantine procedures
aquatic system design

details & requirements

Please review individual position descriptions below.

Please note: All internships are unpaid. Interns must have their own housing and transportation.

Must be at least 18 years old
Must be currently enrolled in a college or university as a sophomore, junior, or senior
Must be receiving school credit for the internship
Commit to working 18-24 hours/week for a duration of 7-10.5 weeks
Able to work on a team, as well as function independently, with little supervision
Must be able to lift at least 50lbs; work on uneven and slippery surfaces; withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures; be able to sit/stand for long periods of time when necessary
Must be comfortable handling fish and squid

Recent graduate or currently enrolled in a college or university as a sophomore, junior, or senior
Commit to working 32-40 hours/week for a duration of 12-15 weeks
Demonstrated interest in a career working as an aquarist/biologist
Able to work on a team, as well as function independently, with little supervision
Able to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds; work on uneven and slippery surfaces; withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures; be able to sit/stand for long periods of time when necessary
Demonstrate proficiency in public speaking and guest interaction
Must be comfortable handling fish and squid

Fall (late August- December)
Winter (late November- January)
Spring (late January-May)
Summer (late May-August)

*Start/end dates may be flexible based on school schedules

Must be able to work 8 hour shifts
Hours range from 7:00AM-5:30PM during fall and spring, summer hours can go until 7:00PM

• Fall: July 15th

• Winter: October 15th

• Spring: December 15th

• Summer: March 1st

For questions and more information, please contact:

Part-Time Internships: Tammy Weber, Assistant Curator, tweber@aquariumofniagara.org
Full-Time Internships: Dorothy Richards, Aquarist II, drichards@aquariumofniagara.org