Sharks Internship

Job Description

Sharks Internship | New York Aquarium

The Tone:
This is an in-depth internship at New York Aquarium, located in New York City. The program is designed for future animal care professionals, focusing on developing the essential skills and knowledge required to enter the competitive field of aquatic animal husbandry. Interns will gain hands-on experience in the ‘Ocean Wonders: SHARKS!’ exhibit, contributing to the care of a diverse range of species. This role is vital for fostering the next generation of professionals dedicated to marine animal welfare.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Seasonal (Summer 2026, May-August, 10-20 weeks depending on schedule)
• Location: In-person, New York Aquarium
• Team: Animal Department, collaborating with experienced animal care staff.
• Mission: To equip future animal care professionals with critical skills and knowledge in aquatic animal husbandry.
• Stipend: $1,280-$2,000 total, paid as one lump sum upon completion, with the amount varying based on the selected weekly schedule.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Provide Animal Care: Gain hands-on experience caring for a diverse range of species including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and saltwater teleosts in the ‘Ocean Wonders: SHARKS!’ exhibit.
• Manage Husbandry Tasks: Prepare diets, implement feeding techniques, perform quarantine procedures, and support the fundamentals of training and enrichment.
• Maintain Systems: Conduct exhibit and life support maintenance, ensuring proper filtration and water quality.
• Record and Report: Accurately keep detailed records of animal health observations, dietary needs, and procedures.
• Present Findings: Complete reading assignments and develop a final project to present to the animal care staff, demonstrating acquired knowledge.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Must be a rising college junior or above, or a recent college graduate, with a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career working with sharks and rays.
• Experience: Proficiency in swimming is required. Candidates must be able to commit to the outlined schedule, including working weekends and holidays, and must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Skills: Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform laborious tasks, potentially in extreme weather conditions. Capacity to complete all daily tasks independently and thrive in a busy environment.
• Bonus: Prior animal care experience is preferred, evidenced by a letter of recommendation from a previous animal care facility or coworker. Applicants from New York City will be prioritized for this role.