Coral Nursery Internship - The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium’s Coral Conservation Program focuses on maintaining a living genetic archive of coral species collected from Florida’s reefs. This program focuses on protecting species that are approaching or are at risk of extinction, increasing coral reproduction rates, advancing in coral health, and working toward restoring the Florida Reef Tract. The program strives to maintain sexual reproduction in corals held ex-situ, and has successfully spawned and raised over ten species of coral at the site, working to increase the genetic diversity of coral offspring. 15 species of healthy coral parent colonies and offspring are cared for in 3 coral greenhouses containing advanced purpose-build recirculating aquarium systems.

This internship is located at The Center for Conservation (CFC), a 20-acre campus located in Apollo Beach, Florida and exists as a partnership between the Tampa Electric Company (TECO), The Florida Aquarium, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the University of Florida. The Florida Aquarium’s CFC campus is home to the Aquarium’s Coral Conservation Center and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center.

This internship position will work with the Center for Conservation’s Coral Team to achieve The Florida Aquarium’s mission to protect and restore our blue planet. The intern will work alongside staff responsible for the husbandry and propagation of the CFC’s collection of Western Atlantic coral species and other marine invertebrates.

Qualifications:
• Previous experience with reef aquarium husbandry and knowledge of basic coral and marine invertebrate biology.
• Experience using dissecting microscopes and ability/desire to work using a microscope for many hours.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to work independently or in a group setting.
• Have clear communication with team members.
• Strong oral and written skills, proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Additional Information:
• Ability to work in hot and humid conditions and be on their feet most of the day.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs and assist with physical labor on a daily basis

This application is for the Spring Term (14 Weeks) January - May 2024.

This specialized internship is designed to provide valuable hands-on experience at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited, world class facility.

The Florida Aquarium is a 501c3 non-profit entity. This internship is unpaid and complies with the Fair Labor Standard Act.