What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fish & Invertebrate Intern position at Wildlife Conservation Society?
Job Description
Fish & Invertebrate Intern
Location: New York Aquarium
Department: Animal
Duration: Summer 2026; May-August
Schedule: 2, 3, or 4 days per week for 15 weeks with at least one weekend day per week.
Stipend: $1,000 - $2,000 total stipend depending on # of days per week to be paid as one lump sum upon successful completion of the position less applicable taxes.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by April 1, 2026, the position may be filled before the deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Overview:
This internship is designed to be an important entrypoint for someone looking for a career working with animals. Interns will receive a well rounded training course in aquatic animal husbandry. This includes exhibit and life support maintenance, diet preparation, feeding, quarantine protocols, and assessing water quality parameters. Interns will also have the chance to observe medical procedures, transports, and arrival of new animals. Interns will be responsible for completing a project based on their interest and internship learning outcomes.
Learning Outcomes:
Eligibility Requirements:
Important Information about the Application:
To be fully considered for this role, applicants must upload both a resume and cover letter.
Stipend: $1,000 - $2,000
Fish & Invertebrate Intern
Location: New York Aquarium
Department: Animal
Duration: Summer 2026; May-August
Schedule: 2, 3, or 4 days per week for 15 weeks with at least one weekend day per week.
Stipend: $1,000 - $2,000 total stipend depending on # of days per week to be paid as one lump sum upon successful completion of the position less applicable taxes.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by April 1, 2026, the position may be filled before the deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Overview:
This internship is designed to be an important entrypoint for someone looking for a career working with animals. Interns will receive a well rounded training course in aquatic animal husbandry. This includes exhibit and life support maintenance, diet preparation, feeding, quarantine protocols, and assessing water quality parameters. Interns will also have the chance to observe medical procedures, transports, and arrival of new animals. Interns will be responsible for completing a project based on their interest and internship learning outcomes.
Learning Outcomes:
- Interns will learn about life support systems, design, and problem solving within aquariums.
- Interns will spend the first half of the position learning about invertebrates such as jellyfish and cephalopods; they will spend the second half focusing on teleosts and corals.
- Interns will learn about dietary needs, animal health, water quality, and quarantine procedures.
- Interns will learn about the essential role that zoos and aquariums play in conservation.
- Interns will complete a project on a topic of their choice in collaboration with the internship coordinator.
Eligibility Requirements:
Important Information about the Application:
To be fully considered for this role, applicants must upload both a resume and cover letter.
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Current college or graduate student enrolled in a degree granting program
- Interest in pursuing career in animal care
- Be able to lift 50lbs and perform physically demanding tasks
- Be able to work in all weather conditions (rain, snow, heat, cold, etc.)
- Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment
- Must be eligible to work in the United States
Stipend: $1,000 - $2,000
Salary : $1,000 - $2,000