What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Training (Pinnipeds) Intern - Fall 2026 position at Georgia Aquarium?
Position Title: Animal Training (Pinnipeds) Intern – Fall 2026
Department: Sea Lions - Pinnipeds – 3290
Classification: Non-Exempt
Employee Type: INT - Intern
Direct Report: Manager, Animal Training (Pinnipeds)
Position Summary:
The program offers interns hands-on experience in Georgia Aquarium’s Animal Training – Pinniped Department. Interns are exposed to animal husbandry and training activities related to California sea lions and harbor seals. Interns work directly with animal trainers to support the daily care of the collection and learn the fundamentals of animal training. This internship will give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields where they are considering pursuing careers.
Responsibilities:
Interns will:
- Be paired with Animal Training – Pinniped Department to learn about operant conditioning with California sea lions and harbor seals for public presentations, enrichment, and husbandry programs.
- Learn and participate in area responsibilities directly benefiting the animals, which include but not limited to diet preparation and feeding, water sampling, commissary clean-up, exhibit/area maintenance, behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, data recording and data entry and other duties as assigned. Interns may also play support roles in assisting with animal training and husbandry sessions.
- Be supervised by approved staff at all times during their program but will greatly benefit from demonstrating the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Partake in departmental intern development curriculum, including but not limited to natural history, theories of animal behavior, fish handling, safety, and a diverse lecture series presented by intern mentors. Each intern must demonstrate proficiency in every module by completing written exams, tests, and quizzes.
Qualifications:
- Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
- This internship requires a regular schedule of 40 hours per week and may include weekends and holidays.
- Must have an interest or major in animal science, biology, zoology, psychology, or related field.
- Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- This is a paid internship with the goal of gaining work related animal career experience.
- Application Requirement: The internship application will require a resume and cover letter. Please submit as a PDF with a file name that indicates your name and the internship you’re applying for. Example: John_Smith_Internship_Resume.
Important Dates for Fall 2026 Semester:
Application Deadline: Friday, July 17th. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may close before the official deadline.
Mandatory Fall 2026 Orientation: Thursday, October 1st, 2026.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; kneel; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and work around saltwater. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position requires direct contact with raw seafood.
Commitment:
I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:
Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.
Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.
Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion