What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fish & Invertebrate Intern position at Wildlife Conservation Society?
Fish & Invertebrate Intern
Location: New York Aquarium
Department: Animal
Duration: Spring 2027; February- May
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 December 15, 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 learning about 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.