Marine Mammal Specialist at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

Overview

The selected candidate is responsible for providing support to marine mammal care. This internship’s primary purpose is to learn about marine mammal care, conservation, research, and training. There is limited hands-on animal contact during the internship.

Duties

  • Prepare daily animal diets as instructed – Supports staff in the cleanliness and safety of all animal backup areas.
  • Observe and assist in enrichment, husbandry and training sessions.
  • Participate in pre-session preparations – Perform behavioral observations of the colony.
  • Maintain accurate records and assist staff in day-to-day duties.
  • Attend educational lectures from other departments.
  • Design, implement and present findings and from a project focusing on topic or area of interest to the intern in relation to the marine mammal field.
  • Complete assigned readings and exercises in a timely manner.

Pre-Requisites

  • Preference given to applicants who major in life science, psychology or related field.
  • Must have a basic understanding of marine mammal natural history.
  • Must have basic swimming skills and be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Must be comfortable in a demanding work environment (standing, kneeling, carrying, bending, climbing ladders, exposure to extreme temperatures, working around large animals).
  • Must work well both individually and as a team member.
  • Must be available to work weekends.
  • Must be willing to work shifts starting as early as 6:30 am.
  • Preference will be given to interns demonstrating intent to pursue a career in marine mammal training

Required Courses

  • PSYC 305 – Cognitive Neuroscience or PSYC 274 – Biological Psychology
  • PSYC 253 – Fundamentals of Learning and Motivation

Assessment

  • 42 hours of work per credit hour (most interns do 3 credits with 126 hours of work)
  • Grade is based on on-campus supervision, agency evaluation, reflective journal, and a professional development portfolio.

Agency Contact

Email: intern@aqua.org

Address: 501 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202

Phone: 410-576-3886

View the national aquarium internships website.