Animal Training Intern (Mammals and Birds) – Summer 2025

Position Title:         Animal Training (Mammals and Birds) – Summer 2025

Department:           Animal Training: Mammals and Birds - 3230

Classification:         Non-Exempt   

Direct Report:         Manager, Animal Training (Mammals and Birds)

Position Summary:

This program offers interns hands-on animal training experience with the Mammals & Birds team. Interns are exposed to animal care and training activities with either beluga whales, harbor seals, and Asian small-clawed otters OR sea otters, African penguins, and alcids. Interns work directly with trainers to support the daily care of the collection and learn basic operant conditioning principles. Interns will be paired with a mentor and guided through several training seminars and workshops to gain insight into operant conditioning techniques and how they are used in Georgia Aquarium’s Mammals & Birds program. This internship will give individuals the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields.

Responsibilities:

1. Work alongside trainers and assist with animal diet preparation, behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, and habitat cleaning.
2. Play supporting roles in animal training and husbandry sessions.
3. Develop skills such as: diet preparation; water sampling; commissary clean-up; habitat and husbandry area maintenance; behavioral observations; environmental enrichment; data recording and data entry; assisting team with animal training, handling, and medical procedures; and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. This internship involves substantial physical labor, and therefore interns must be able to climb stairs and ladders and should be capable of lifting at least 50lbs.
2. Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
3. This internship requires a regular weekly schedule and may include weekends and holidays. This internship requires 40 hours per week for twelve weeks.
4. Must have an interest or major in animal science, biology, marine biology, psychology, or related field.
5. Must have a high school diploma or GED.
6. Previous animal care experience is not necessary.
7. This is an experience-based, paid internship.
8. Application Requirement: The internship application will require a resume and cover letter. Please submit as a PDF with a file name that indicates your name and the internship for which you are applying. Example: John_Smith_Internship_Resume.

Important Dates for Summer 2025 Semester:

Application Deadline: March 12th, at 11:59pm. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may close before the official deadline.

Mandatory Summer 2025 Orientation: Wednesday, May 28^th, 2025.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and work around saltwater. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Commitment: 

I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:

Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.

Vision:  To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.

Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion