What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sea Cliffs Intern - Spring 2026 position at Wildlife Conservation Society?
Sea Cliffs Intern - Spring 2026
Location: New York Aquarium
Department: Animal
Duration: Spring 2026 (late January/early February - May)
Schedule: 3 days per week for 20 weeks, 4 days per week for 15 weeks, or 5 days per week for 12 weeks.
Stipend: $2,000 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, 2025. 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 animal care and training while working alongside the animal care staff to assist with the husbandry of marine mammals (sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters) and penguins. Interns will also complete a final project.
Learning Outcomes:
- Interns will learn the daily husbandry and care routines for marine mammals and penguins
- Interns will learn about effective enrichment including how to schedule and administer enrichment to collection animals
- Interns will learn the basics of operant conditioning and applied behavior analysis
- Interns will learn the basics of guest interaction in a zoo or aquarium setting including how to convey educational information and effectively communicate conservation efforts.
- Interns will learn about the essential role that zoos and aquariums play in conservation.
- Interns will participate in classes on animal training and complete an animal training shaping plan.
- Interns may learn to perform an educational narration