Internship: Aquarium Team - CACS
Season: Summer 2024 (Approx Jun-Aug)
Location: Shedd Offsite
Application Deadline: Friday March 29 at 5pm CST

Internship Overview:
This career learning opportunity is designed to introduce aquarist experiences necessary for those looking to pursue a future career in aquaria, fisheries, hatcheries, and the general animal husbandry industry. Interns are responsible for assisting with all aspects of animal care, life support, and water quality concepts, cleaning, and performing various daily tasks alongside Aquarium Team staff. Interns may also complete a research or observational project to further their understanding and career goals. This particular internship will be assigned to assist the Quarantine Team and is based at Shedd’s offsite holding facility, The Center for Animal Care and Sustainability (CACS).

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and explain aquarium protocols around biosecurity, animal welfare, routine cleaning tasks, standard operating procedures
• Practice husbandry skills including food preparation and feeding, observations, cleaning systems and assist in developing animal enrichment opportunities
• Demonstrate an understanding of husbandry concepts such as life support system procedures and maintenance, water quality theory and best practices

Responsibilities & Projects:

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values
• Partner with staff to check specimens and habitats each morning and afternoon for animal health and operation of aquarium systems
• Prepare daily diets of frozen, fresh, and dry commercial foods as directed by staff
• Maintain detailed husbandry records, take accurate measurements, and record data
• Assist in enclosure and habitat maintenance including live food cultures, cleaning, life-support systems, and potential animal transports
• Collaborate with mentor to identify and complete a project aligning with organizational and professional goals
• Other projects as assigned

Qualifications:

Fields of Interest: Applicants should have a genuine interest in animal husbandry related careers. Some coursework in life or aquatic sciences (biology, ecology, ichthyology, etc), hobbyist experience, or animal care experience preferred.

Skills/Characteristics:

• Comfortable working with a variety of animals including fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects
• Must have good observational skills, verbal and written communicative skills, and be able to lift up to 60 pounds
• Comfortable working in hot or humid conditions
• Work well in a team environment
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED.

Time & Compensation:

• This is a non-exempt, temporary position that pays $15.80 per hour
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 30 hours per week for 12 weeks, pending business needs and individual performance.
• Preferred schedule: Monday-Friday from 7am to 1:30pm.
• Set schedule based on intern availability.

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships.

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).