Georgia Aquarium Internships: Requirements and Opportunities
The Georgia Aquarium offers a range of internships providing invaluable experience, professional connections, and unique learning opportunities. These internships are designed to integrate classroom knowledge with practical skills development in a professional setting. If you're passionate about marine life, conservation, or aquarium operations, an internship at the Georgia Aquarium could be a significant step in your career journey.
Internship Structure and Commitment
Internships at the Georgia Aquarium are structured on a semester basis. This means recruitment occurs for one semester at a time, so it's essential to check for current openings regularly. Interns commit to a consistent schedule, typically working between 20 to 40 hours per week. The duration of the internship is usually 8 to 12 weeks, providing a focused and immersive experience within a specific department.
Key Considerations
- Schedule: Be prepared for a regular schedule of 20-40 hours per week for 8-12 weeks. The exact schedule can vary depending on the specific department.
- School Credit: If you're seeking academic credit for your internship, it's crucial to contact your school advisor or professor to understand their requirements and ensure the internship aligns with their criteria.
- Citizenship/Visa: You must provide proof of US citizenship, a valid Green Card, or a student/work visa to be eligible for an internship.
How to Apply
To apply for an internship, you'll typically need to submit your resume and other requested documents before the semester deadline. The application process usually involves the following steps:
- Check for Openings: Regularly visit the Georgia Aquarium's career or internship page to check for current openings. If no positions are listed, check back later, as recruitment happens each semester.
- Review Position Details: Carefully read the details of the internship position you're interested in, including any supplementary documentation and questions provided.
- Submit Application: Click the "Apply Now" or "Apply for this Job" link/button to submit your application.
- Bookmark (Optional): If you want to review the position later, use the "Bookmark" link.
Internship Programs
The Georgia Aquarium offers internships across various departments, each providing a unique learning experience. Here are a few examples:
Animal Training (Fish & Invertebrates)
This program provides hands-on experience with the Fish & Invertebrates team. Interns will primarily work with either the Sharks and Ocean Voyager team OR the River Scout/Discovery Zone and Tropical Diver/Coldwater teams. Interns will work directly with Aquarists to support the daily care of the collection and learn the basics of animal care. Our aquarists work together to ensure the health and well-being of our animals as well as the maintenance and display of our exhibits. Upon completion, candidates will possess a strong understanding of the following:
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- Skills in feeding, handling record-keeping, and general husbandry of a large and small aquatic exhibits.
- Understanding the importance of water quality and the life support components.
- Maintenance of exhibits, components, and the equipment used to keep them all running.
- Importance of behavior management, enrichment, and animal training for fishes in human care.
Research and Conservation
Interns with the Research and Conservation program will be expected to develop and conduct a unique, independent project under the guidance of their intern supervisor. The results of this project will be presented in formal setting which allows constructive feedback to the intern. Interns will need to have a flexible schedule as the schedule may vary from week to week. Typically, this intern will be onsite from 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday.
Application Requirements
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Letter of Recommendation
These documents should be submitted as PDFs with a file name indicating your name and the internship you're applying for.
Application Deadline
- Wednesday, March 18th
Environmental Health Lab
This internship provides hands-on experience with laboratory procedures, equipment calibration, usage, and maintenance. Our Environmental Health Lab focuses on analyzing and monitoring air, water, and light in the various habitats of the aquarium.
Application Requirements
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Letter of Recommendation
These documents should be submitted as PDFs with a file name indicating your name and the internship you're applying for.
Application Deadline
- Wednesday, March 18th
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Interns should be aware of the physical demands and work environment associated with their chosen internship. In general, you may be required to:
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- Stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
- Use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls.
- Reach with hands and arms.
- Climb stairs and maintain balance.
- Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- Talk and hear.
- Taste or smell.
- Lift and/or move up to 25-40 pounds.
Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Depending on the role, you might be exposed to weather conditions, including sun, heat, and rain.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status.
Contingent Offer of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable.
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant Internship
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is looking for a motivated and energetic individual who enjoys working with diverse groups of people, is interested in aquarium systems, and passionate about marine animals as living educational resources. This intern will work with aquarium personnel to perform tasks related to animal husbandry, tank maintenance, and engaging public visitors at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium near Savannah, Georgia.
The University of Georgia (UGA)
The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Every four years, our program develops a long-range strategic plan that describes our goals and priorities for the coming years. The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards.
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