What are the responsibilities and job description for the NYA Aquaculture Intern position at Wildlife Conservation Society?
NYA Aquaculture Intern
Location: New York Aquarium
Department: Animal
Duration: Spring 2026 (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 5, 2025. The position may be filled before the deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Overview
This internship is designed to be an important entry point for someone looking for a career working in aquaculture and/or the fish hatchery field. Interns will receive a well-rounded training course on the cultivation, maintenance, and optimization of phytoplankton cultures to support marine life in aquaculture and Aquarium systems. This role will assist in understanding what a crucial part phytoplankton plays for the production of aquatic organisms in the aquatic field. Interns will be responsible for completing a project based on this designation at the aquarium.
Learning Outcomes:
- Interns will learn how to Cultivate and maintain phytoplankton cultures for use in aquaculture and public aquarium systems.
- Interns will assist in monitoring culture conditions, including light, temperature, nutrients, and aeration, to ensure optimal growth and productivity.
- Interns will assist in harvesting and distributing phytoplankton to designated tanks and culture systems as needed.
- Interns will learn how to conduct routine water quality testing and troubleshoot any issues related to phytoplankton culture health.
- Interns will learn how to keep accurate records of culture performance, growth rates, and environmental conditions.