Job Description
Animal Behavior Internship Join the South Carolina Aquarium family located on the pristine Charleston Harbor located in Charleston, South Carolina. At the South Carolina Aquarium, inclusion, accessibility, diversity, equity, justice and belonging are core values of our institution, and we are committed to fostering a workplace filled with active participation from diverse voices throughout all departments and leadership roles. We look forward to applications from all who qualify, and we encourage BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans and those with disabilities to apply.
Description: This opportunity can be either a 3-month or a 6-month internship.
Students interested in animal behavior and enrichment will gain valuable experience through this internship. Interns in this position will be working with many different Aquarium animals (mammals, birds, reptiles and aquatic animals). Main responsibilities could include observing, monitoring and recording animal behavior, assisting with development of species-specific animal history profiles, documentation of enrichment in animal areas, learn and follow all safety protocols and policies, assist with special events involving enrichment, and possibly participate in a special project. Applicants should be flexible, a self-starter, able to work independently and in a team setting, and an effective communicator.
Learning Objectives: - Follow aquarium safety and animal protocols
- Become familiar with animal behavioral data collection techniques
- Develop observation skills
- Collect behavior and enrichment observations
- Work on an independent project
Requirements: - Recent college graduate or current college student with a background in biology, zoology, natural science, psychology, or related field
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills
- Ability to work well as part of a team and independently
- Must be able to lift 50lbs.
- Complete assigned reading material
- Complete a project under the guidance of staff
- Must be able to work 20-30 hours per week, including at least 1 weekend day
Compensation: - Unpaid, housing not included
Perks: - Experience at an AZA accredited institution.
- Field experience opportunities
- Ability to earn aquarium tickets and a reciprocity pass to local area attractions
Physical Requirements: Often requires walking, standing, and bending. Regularly requires stooping, crouching, climbing ladders/steps, carrying up to 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, balancing, pushing and pulling, crawling, working with tools, and working in tight spaces.
Application Instructions & Key Dates: - Application Deadline: September 9, 2024
- Start Date: Mid-September 2024 (negotiable)
- End Date: 3 or 6 months from the start of the internship
- Apply at:
The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our mission is to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience.
The South Carolina is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Job Tags
Local area, Flexible hours,