Husbandry Intern - Winter 2025 Marine Environmental Education Center at the Carpenter House (MEEC)

Husbandry Intern – Winter 2025: Marine Environmental Education Center at the Carpenter House (MEEC) 

UNPAID: This position is not paid (Eligible for Academic Internship Credit)

Carmen Rodriguez – Director 

PRIMARY PURPOSE:  

 The primary purpose of the internship is to provide hands-on experience in the care and management of animals in a professional setting. Interns will assist in daily care routines, including feeding, cleaning, maintaining water quality and monitoring animal health. Additionally, they will learn about animal behavior, enrichment, and welfare practices. This internship aims to develop practical skills in animal husbandry, enhance understanding of species-specific needs, and prepare individuals for careers in animal care, marine biology, and conservation. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

1.  Daily Husbandry and Feeding:

• Prepare and distribute appropriate diets for various aquatic/terrestrial species.
• Maintain feeding schedules and monitor feeding behaviors to ensure proper nutrition.

2.  Exhibit Maintenance and Cleaning:

• Clean and maintain animal exhibits, tanks, and enclosures to ensure a healthy environment.
• Perform routine water changes, vacuum tanks, and remove debris.
• Assist in the maintenance of life support systems (ex. Rinsing equipment, backwashing, etc.)

3. Health Monitoring:

• Observe and document animal behavior, appearance, and health daily.
• Report any signs of illness or abnormal behavior to the veterinary or supervisory staff.

4. Water Quality Management:

• Test and monitor water quality parameters such as pH, temperature, salinity, and more.

5.  Animal Enrichment:

• Design and implement enrichment activities that encourage natural behaviors and mental stimulation for the animals.
• Monitor the effectiveness of enrichment programs and adjust them as necessary.

6.  Record Keeping and Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records of feeding, health checks, water quality, and other relevant data.
• Assist in documenting any changes in animal behavior or exhibit conditions.

7.  Assistance with Medical Procedures:

• Support the veterinary/ animal care team in routine health assessments, treatments, and procedures.
• Assist with animal handling and restraint during medical exams.

8.  Public Education and Interaction:

• Engage with aquarium visitors to provide information about the animals, their care, and conservation efforts.
• Conduct or assist with educational presentations and tours.

9.  Collaboration with Team Members:

• Work closely with other animal care staff/ Volunteers to ensure smooth operations and effective animal management.

10.  Safety and Compliance:

• Follow all safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of both animals and staff.
• Adhere to local, state, and federal regulations regarding animal care and aquarium operations.

11.    Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

1.    Knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook; database and data entry skills

2.    Ability to utilize or learn to utilize software relevant to the research programs, new research methods, and work routines quickly

3.    Reading and comprehending reports and other scientific literature

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Ability to lift at least 50lbs

Ability to stand for long periods of time in inclement weather (heat, rain, etc) during programming/tours

Being able to go up and down a flight of stairs several times a day 

Must be able to afford housing, food and transportation to the MEEC

All applicants must commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week worked for the entire length of their internship (4 months total).

 REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES:

Must submit and pass criminal background check

 REQUIRED EDUCATION:

High school Diploma

Must be current undergraduate student

 MAJOR: 

Marine Biology or related science preferred

 REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: 

Undergraduate Classes: Introductory Biology, Introductory Chemistry

Strong desire to learn about the marine sciences

  OTHER PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Good communication skills

Well organized with attention to detail