What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fish & Invertebrate Intern position at Mississippi Aquarium?
Fish & Invertebrates Intern Position Description
Position Title: Fish & Invertebrates Intern – Spring 2027
Department: Animal Care
Classification: Seasonal, Unpaid, Educational Internship
Direct Report: Supervisor of Aquatics
Internship Dates: 1/11/27 – 4/25/27
POSITION SUMMARY
Ability to work full-time, at least 2 days per week, for 15 weeks
Ability to perform physically demanding job duties on a daily basis
Daily interaction with fellow team members and the public
Excellent observation and communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that sustain a positive and professional environment
A valid driver’s license and ability to travel to and from work
Ability to work weekends, holidays, and possible late hours
Ability to find and secure housing for the duration of the Internship
Ability to work with and around various fish and crustaceans
QUALIFICATIONS
18 years of age or older
Enrolled in or recent graduate of a four-year college program in biology, marine biology, or another related field
Previous animal care experience, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or completing other animal care Internships
Applicants should consider themselves hardworking, dedicated, and reliable.
POSITION ATTRIBUTES
This position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Curator, Managers, and Animal Care Staff in assisting with the animal care routine and maintenance for the fish and invertebrate area. As an intern, you can expect to get hands-on experience in the daily care of our fresh and saltwater aquariums and learn what it takes to be an aquarist. Throughout the Internship, Interns will learn various tasks required for the daily operation of multiple fresh and saltwater systems; gain valuable knowledge in water chemistry, aquarium life support systems, aquatic biology, and quarantine systems; and develop skills in time management, communication, and teamwork. The position will also be responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards. The goal is to help Interns succeed professionally in any chosen field.
Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g., goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Intern for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists animal care staff in the overall daily care of the freshwater and saltwater fish and invertebrate collection
Performs proper animal diet preparation
Keeps support areas clean, organized, and safe
Builds knowledge of water chemistry and aquarium life support systems
Supports educational presentations through formal and informal public speaking opportunities
Ensures guest satisfaction by delivering exceptional customer service
Complies with all standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to daily operations and safety
Promotes conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks
Undertakes special projects as assigned by manager(s)
TEAM REQUIREMENTS
Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest’s experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift.
Sales & Guest Services - Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.
Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our organization.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an Intern 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 Intern is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The Intern must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the Intern is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
REQUIREMENTS
Mississippi Aquarium
2100 East Beach Boulevard
Gulfport, MS 39501