Overview:
Shores is divided into different areas. An internship can be done in the Aquarium, Manatees, or Coral/Marine Aquaculture
Responsibilities:
Aquarium
Majors Desired: Zoology, Marine Biology, Biology or related field
Description: The goal of this internship is to provide the student with an introduction to the aquatic zoo keeping field. General husbandry for marine bony fishes, sharks & stingrays, marine macro-invertebrates, and coral colonies will be emphasized.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting aquarium staff with preparing animal diets, cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits, observing animals and reporting any behavioral changes, daily monitoring of filtration systems, water quality testing, upkeep of algae and cope-pod cultures, delivering educational interpretation to guests, and performing other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- College student (2nd year or higher) or recent graduate (2 years or less).
- Interest in corals and aquatic systems preferred.
- Previous fish keeping and aquarium experience preferred.
Manatee Coast
Majors Desired: Zoology, Marine Biology, Biology or related field
Description: The goal of this internship is to provide the student with an introduction to the aquatic zookeeping field and marine mammal rehabilitation. Husbandry for Florida manatees, marine bony fishes, stingrays, and waterfowl will be emphasized.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting zookeeper staff with preparing animal diets, cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures, exhibits, and area grounds, observing animals and reporting any behavioral changes, delivering educational interpretation to the general public, daily monitoring of filtration systems, water quality testing, manatee enrichment, and performing other duties as assigned.
Requirements
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Previous animal caretaking background preferred.
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SCUBA certification required.
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Ability to pass swim test and dive skills test required.
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Physician authorization for diving required.
Coral/ Marine Aquaculture
Majors Desired: Zoology, Marine Biology, Biology or related field
Description: The goal of this internship is to provide the student with an introduction to the aquatic zoo keeping field. Husbandry coral colonies will be emphasized.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting aquarium staff with preparing animal diets, cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits, observing animals and reporting any behavioral changes, daily monitoring of filtration systems, water quality testing, upkeep of algae and cope-pod cultures, delivering educational interpretation to guests, and performing other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- College student (2nd year or higher) or recent graduate (2 years or less).
- Interest in corals and aquatic systems preferred.
- Previous fish keeping and aquarium experience preferred.
Qualifications:
Requirements for all areas:
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Must be within 24 months of graduation date.
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3.0 or above accumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
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Pre-employment TB test required.
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Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Must be neat in appearance and maintain courteous behavior at all times.
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Ability to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, cold, rain, snow).
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Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays required.
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Subject to Drug Free Workplace Policy.
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Subject to BMV check.
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Subject to Criminal Background check.
The RISE Scholarship, generously funded by Battelle, is now open! Eligible interns can apply for a $5,000 scholarship supporting hands‑on, mission‑driven internship experiences across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds—applications are open May 1– June 30, 2026.
To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships
