Home » Intern: Marine Mammals & Birds

overview

If you’re interested in a career as an animal care specialist, interning with the Marine Mammals and Birds (MMB) department is a great way to earn valuable, hands-on experience and learn from our dedicated team of professionals.

MMB internships offer opportunities to work with some of our most charismatic animal ambassadors: California sea lions, harbor seals, grey seals, and Humboldt penguins.

MMB interns get training in:

animal diet preparation
water quality testing
animal enrichment
animal husbandry
fundamentals and theories of animal training
public programming

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 with marine mammals
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
Competent swimmer and comfortable in cold, deep water
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: Ally Joy, Animal Care Specialist 1, ajoy@aquariumofniagara.org