What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavioral Husbandry Aquatheater Intern position at Wildlife Conservation Society?
Behavioral Husbandry Aquatheater Internship
Location: New York Aquarium
Department: Animal
Duration, Schedule, & Stipend: Winter/Spring 2027 (December- April)
- Current students: 3 days per week for 20 weeks, 4 days per week for 15 weeks, or 5 days per week for 12 weeks.
- Non-students (including recent graduates): 4 days per week for 10 weeks or 5 days per week for 10 weeks.
Stipend: $1,280-$2,000 total stipend depending on schedule- approximate total stipend to be paid as one lump sum upon completion of the position, less applicable taxes.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by November 15, 2026. The position may be filled before the deadline - candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Internship Summary:
The New York Aquarium's Aquatheater internship program expands upon the aquarium's long-term efforts to educate future animal care professionals. During this internship, you will assist in all aspects of care of California sea lions and Harbor seal and may have the opportunity to perform in daily animal presentations. While this is a hands-off/no animal contact internship, the skills learned through active observation are vital to future momentum in the field. Interns will learn the importance of providing a safe and clean environment to the animals, training terminology and be able to watch training in progress, and assist with the section’s animal enrichment program. Additionally, interns will complete reading assignments, coursework, and complete an independent project which will aid the section in their daily objectives. The internship is designed to be a stepping stone into an eventual career as a marine mammal trainer/keeper. Many individuals with the desire to pursue a career in animal care or training in a zoo or aquarium have successfully moved on to full time positions after completion of this internship.
Learning Outcomes:
- Through hands-off observation and coursework, you will learn the basics of animal training and training terminology and how these methods are applied.
- You will learn all components of care for marine mammals such as diet preparation and environment cleanliness- this is often a large part of the day.
- You will learn about animal enrichment including how to schedule and administer daily enrichment and how to conduct animal enrichment observations.
- You will learn how to communicate with guests and develop your public speaking skills.
- You will complete reading assignments, quizzes, and course work.
- You will also complete an independent project. Project topics are dependent upon animal and team needs.