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Internships at Georgia Aquarium

Looking for invaluable experience, professional connections and unique opportunities? Become an intern at the world's largest aquarium! We rely on hard-working, energetic interns to help us accomplish all our tasks. All Internships are unpaid.

Available Internships:

Internship Info

Interns commit to a regular schedule in a specific department for a short period of time (3-8 months). If you cannot commit to a regular schedule, we encourage you to apply to be a standard volunteer. Interns receive unlimited admission for themselves and five discounted tickets for guests during their internship as well as the opportunity to earn five free tickets. All internships are unpaid.

Completing an internship for school credit? We require that you obtain an instructor to oversee your internship and the necessary paperwork from your school before completing our application.

Applicant Requirements

  • Age 18 years or older
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Proof of US citizenship, current green card or student/work visa
  • Ability to attend all training courses & intern at least 20 hours a week on a regular schedule for 3-8 months
  • Submission of resume and contact info for three academic or professional references who applicant has known for at least a year
  • Satisfactory completion of a background check
  • Willingness to follow the policies and procedures of the Georgia Aquarium
  • Additional requirements for particular internship (listed below)

Due to the number of applications, not all applicants will be contacted.

Internship Opportunities

Accounting and Finance/Cash-Room
The Cash-Room intern must have accounting or Cash-Room experience. Must have working knowledge of standard practice and procedures. Strong ability to organize, manage time and set priorities. Must be able maintain appropriate audit trails. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Product (Word and Excel). Perform functions necessary to maintain accuracy in balancing safe and cash reports and must have cash handling experience.

Application Deadline: February 15 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: May 24-August 17
Schedule: Open
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

Audio/Visual-Multimedia Services
Interns assist with daily building activities including turning on/off, maintenance, equipment trouble shooting, etc. Interns also assist in any video projects (e.g. shooting, editing, etc.) as well as help with the entering metadata into clips for ingest into CatDv.

Application Deadline: February 15 for Spring 2013 internship
Internship Dates: March-May
Schedule: Flexible
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

  • General knowledge of audio and video components, i.e., cameras (both still and video), audio mixers, video displays, microphones. Advanced knowledge of any of the above is a plus.
  • Moderate to excellent skills with Final Cut Pro, After Effects and Photoshop
  • Some knowledge of video servers (CatDV, Final Cut Server) a plus. Ability to quickly learn both if not
  • Interest in post production, video editing, and producing
  • Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Ability to multitask
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills
  • Email resume to: rsheorn@georgiaaquarium.org

Community Events and Promotions
Interns assist in ensuring Georgia Aquarium representation at community events, School internship fairs, Expos and other events. Interns will work alongside the Marketing & Promotions Specialist in gathering event information, preparing the Aquarium booth, scheduling & training volunteers, conducting event follow up and assisting at events. Individuals will gain hands-on experience in events and promotions from an operations perspective. Interns will also be asked to perform various administrative duties and assist the Marketing & Promotions Specialist in day-to-day office tasks.

Application Deadline:February 15th for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: May-August
Schedule: Weekends and 2/3 days a week (Monday - Friday, flexible on days)
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 30

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in non-profit management, event management, hospitality or related field preferred
  • CNP (Certified Non-profit Professional) preferred
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills as well as superior attention to detail
  • Ability to:
    Lift and carry 30 lbs
    Bend & stoop
    Stand for up to 5 hours
    Work outside in all weather conditions
  • Resume and cover letter required. Email resume to: cmihaiu@georgiaaquarium.org

Development
Fundraising Event interns are involved in all aspects of planning and executing the fundraising events at Georgia Aquarium. For the Summer term, this internship will have hands-on experience with the Red White & Brew fundraising event, Lecture Series and pre-planning of Aqua Vino. Interns will also be asked to perform various administrative duties and assist the Fundraising Event Manager in day-to-day office tasks. At the end of the internship, this intern will understand the importance of fundraising for a non-profit and will have experience in event planning, event marketing and the strategies behind making an event a success.

Application Deadline: April 15 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: May-August
Schedule: 3-5 weekdays per week
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in business, sales, hospitality, management, marketing or related field
  • Must be a rising college junior, senior or recent graduate
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel & Power Point
  • Excellent writing skills, detail-oriented, strong problem-solving skills, self-motivated
  • Email resume and cover letter to: mwronowski@georgiaaquarium.org

Digital Media
Interns are responsible for writing content for weekly external e-blasts and e-newsletters, internal newsletters as well as being an active member of the Georgia Aquarium website team. Additional responsibilities include assisting in development and facilitation of social media strategy for multiple campaigns, help maintain social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, and collect research on future social media initiatives. Experience with basic web editing skills such as HTML, familiarity with photo/video editing practices, and content writing is strongly preferred. Digital Media Interns work closely with Public Relations Interns and actively participate in aquarium events and staff meetings.

Application Deadline: March 18 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: May-late August/early September
Schedule: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 30

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in public relations, communications, new media, advertising, marketing or related field
  • Excellent written & oral communication and computer skills
  • Basic knowledge of web editing skills such as HTML is preferred, not required
  • Email resume to: mflaherty@georgiaaquarium.org

Dive Operations
The goal of our internship is to introduce our interns to as much as possible in the time they spend with us. This is a very dive focused internship. Dive Operations interns will dive in and clean exhibits around the aquarium. They will begin as a scuba diver in the Ocean Voyager and Beluga exhibits and later be trained in Surface Supplied Diving allowing dives in many other exhibits. There will also be opportunities to learn and perform various tasks such as cylinder filling, dive gear maintenance, surface support, various administrative tasks, advanced diver training and more. This internship should be considered exploratory as every day will present different opportunities and challenges. The best candidate will have some mechanical ability, be proficient in Microsoft Office and must be able to carry dive equipment and exit each exhibit unassisted while wearing dive gear.

Application Deadline: March 15 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: May-August, Flexible, Minimum 3 Months
Schedule: 3-4 Days per Week on Set Schedule, Typically 7am-4pm (special projects may be outside normal hours)
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 25

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Open Water Diving certification or higher from an internationally recognized agency
  • Current record of dives equaling 25 or more, must have a log available
  • Current certifications in First Aid, CPR, AED, and Oxygen Provider
  • Once selected, final acceptance is contingent upon passing a swim/dive evaluation and a dive physical. Physical fees will be waived for interns accepted into the program.
  • Email resume to: wgray@georgiaaquarium.org

Dolphin Show Production
Interns begin by shadowing each technical production area (Lighting, Audio/Video, Wardrobe/Props and Stage Management) where they will learn about the various elements involved in executing the AT&T Dolphin Tales show. The remainder of their internship may be tailored to focus primarily on one area where the intern would become familiar with that department’s day-to-day needs, help with show maintenance and possibly learn to run that department’s show cues—or, be of a more general nature, providing the intern with a broader, “big picture” experience.

Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: May 15-September 15 (start/end dates can be somewhat flexible)
Schedule: 2-4 days/week. We can be somewhat flexible, however we generally operate between the hours of 9AM and 5:30PM, Sunday through Saturday. Some earlier mornings or later evenings may be required.
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Some training/experience in technical theater, arts administration and/or event management is preferred.
  • Email resume to: dbarr@georgiaaquarium.org

Education Programs
The Education Department intern will be responsible for providing students, teachers and parents with excellent customer service. This person will be responsible for contacting teachers to confirm visit details, assisting with reservation preparation, greeting school groups and escorting them into the building, assisting with administrative tasks and performing other duties as workload necessitates.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2013
Internship Dates: June through August
Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 24

Additional Application Requirements:

  • At least 3 years towards Hospitality, Sociology, Psychology or Business Management degree
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to organize, manage time and set priorities while meeting deadlines
  • Flexibility
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (including Excel and Power Point)
  • Enjoy interacting with children and adults
  • Resume and cover letter required. Email resume and cover letter to: aanderson@georgiaaquarium.org . (please use your name as the file name of your resume).

Event Services
Interns assist in executing special events ranging from social functions (weddings, bar mitzvahs, etc) to corporate parties and non-profit fundraisers. Interns will work alongside Events Services staff in all aspects of events including pre-planning and preparing the event space, meeting with catering Captains for day of run-through, on-site management of event timeline, managing event volunteers and event completion/closing functions. Individuals will gain hands-on experience in event management from an operations and venue/facility perspective. Event interns will also be asked to perform various administrative duties and assist the Manager of Event Sales & Services and Coordinators in day-to-day office tasks.

Application Deadline: April 22 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: May 27-August 23
Schedule: Varies; evening and weekend work required
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in event management, hospitality or related field preferred
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills as well as superior attention to detail
  • Email resume to: jtaylor@georgiaaquarium.org

Executive Administration
Work with executive administration in all areas of administration including but not limited to scheduling appointments, managing calendars, making conference rooms reservations, receiving guests and handling phone calls. The intern will work on special projects for the president, administrative director and senior management team as needed. In addition, intern will be involved with Board Meeting preparations, proofing documents, electronic filing of permanent documents and Board Corporate Minutes.

Application Deadline: March 15 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: TBD
Schedule: 3 days a week based on schedules
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20-25

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Communication skills - command of the English language
  • Confidentiality required
  • Email resume to: bfairbanks@georgiaaquarium.org

Group Sales
S.E.A.L.S. Internship
(See, Experience, Ask, Learn, Sell)
If you’re looking for an immersive experience where you’ll learn the ins and outs of how a sales operation works, this is the internship for you! Group Sales interns will spend an entire week with other Georgia Aquarium departments experiencing our facility before they even begin interning with the Group Sales office. At Georgia Aquarium, we believe the only true way to tell others about Georgia Aquarium and what we have to offer is to fully experience it. After all, how do you sell something you know nothing about? Interns will experience a mix of attending shows, behind the scenes tours, educational programs, special events and animal interactive programs throughout their internship. Group Sales interns assist with and attend sales tradeshows, go on customer sales calls and lead customer tours of the Aquarium. Interns also complete various research and data entry projects as well as act as the first point of contact for guest/client inquiries. We are looking for interns with high energy, amazing passion for customer service, great personalities and an insatiable appetite to learn. Only the best of the best for this internship! Upon completion of a satisfactory internship, interns are provided with a personalized letter of recommendation to future employers.
Application Deadline: May 15 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: June-Mid August
Schedule: 3-5 days per week
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in business, marketing, hospitality or related field
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and merging documents
  • Reliable transportation to the Aquarium and off-site events required
  • Resume required. Email resume to: mfranklin@georgiaaquarium.org

Guest Programs/Public Education
 The Guest Programs department is responsible for the informal education of the general public, as well as ensuring an overall positive experience for guests of the Georgia Aquarium. The Guest Programs intern will be given the training and opportunity to work with the general public in an informal education setting. Through exhibit interpretation and program development for premium programs including sleepovers, behind the scenes tours and birthday parties, interns will help to create a spectacular experience!

Application Deadline: April 15 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: Early May through late August/early September
Schedule: 3-4 days a week, including one weekend day
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 21

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in education, performance art, hospitality or related field
  • Interest in working with the public and children
  • Interest in generating creative lesson plans and the ability to research them, cite sources and write clear, conscise instructions on how to execute the completed lesson
  • Strong interpersonal, writing and computer skills
  • Please include a cover letter with resume. Please also use your name for the filename of any documents submitted. Email resume to dbenedict@georgiaaquarium.org.

Information Technology

Interns work to maintain desktop and laptop systems, help with end user software issues, design and write reports and create and develop web pages. Interns assist with configuring communications equipment and performing other duties as required.

Application Deadline: February 15 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: May-August
Schedule: Flexible
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

Life Support Systems
Interns in the Life Support Systems (LSS) Department are responsible for the operation, care and upkeep of Georgia Aquarium’s 42 aquatic animal exhibits, water and associated filtration systems. Duties include monitoring all phases of aquatic animal water & filtration systems as well as the condition of aquatic animal life support systems equipment. Interns will work with more senior aquarium staff in providing a safe and healthy environment for our diverse aquatic animal collection. This internship position will frequently interface with other Zoological Operations staff including water quality lab technicians, animal care & training staff and other LSS staff regarding water chemistry parameters, filtration equipment adjustments and exhibit or habitat modifications. This is an experienced based unpaid internship. There is no academic credit offered for this internship.

Application Deadline: March 15 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: Late May-Late August
Schedule: Three shifts per week (flexible); day shifts (weekdays or weekends available)
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 24

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Desire to learn critical aquarium keeping skills associated with maintaining a diverse collection of Fish & Invertebrates including sharks, rays and live coral.
  • Desire to learn critical aquarium keeping skills associated with maintaining a diverse collection of marine mammals & birds including dolphins, belugas, penguins and otters.
  • Ability to perform basic tasks, such as making artificial seawater, and making minor adjustments that are associated with supporting all live animal exhibits from a water quality, habitat maintenance and filtration equipment operations standpoint.
  • Strong desire to learn how to operate and make minor adjustments to aquarium filtration equipment including automated control systems, and all types of filtration systems including sand filters and protein skimmers.
  • Ability to learn the use of proper test equipment, including water quality monitoring equipment as well as the ability to learn basic equipment & hand tool operation.
  • Above average computer skills. Proficiency with MS Windows & MS Office products is a must.
  • Self-motivated and a team player.
  • Ability to:
    Lift and carry 40 lbs.
    Bend, stoop & kneel for long periods.
  • Resume required. Email resume to: ehall@georgiaaquarium.org

Marketing & Communications
Marketing interns respond to marketing calls, voice mails and emails; position will typically field and assess incoming inquiries into the department. Interns assist with certain aspects of promotions from development to execution. The position will assist in the development and tracking for advertising, and work in conjunction with the Director of Marketing and Promotions to ensure advertising process (including media reconciliation) flows smoothly. Intern may also be called on to participate in print, script and creative reviews, editing and revisions, or other related duties.

Application Deadline: February 15th for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: May-August
Schedule: 3 days a week, Monday-Friday (flexible on days) with occasional night and weekend work required
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 25

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in marketing, advertising or related field
  • Excellent writing, proofreading and grammar skills
  • Strong creative perception
  • Some office experience
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Strong sense of urgency
  • Desire to learn and contribute to the success of Georgia Aquarium
  • Resume and cover letter required. Email resume to: cmihaiu@georgiaaquarium.org.

Public Relations
An internship with the Public Relations Department is a great way to make a splash into the communications field. With projects that span across the broadcasts, print and media management disciplines, interns have the dynamic opportunity to gain real-world, PR experience. Interns are responsible for media research, writing press releases, pitches and event blurbs and re-caps. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting in coordinating photo and film shoots, media interviews and site visits; working in multiple databases to keep information current; and actively participating in staff meetings and events.

Application Deadline: March 18 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates:May-late August/early September
Schedule: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 30

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in public relations, communications, journalism or related field
  • Excellent written & oral communication and computer skills
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule
  • Responsible, organized, passionate
  • Able to work as a team and independently
  • Published work a plus but not required
  • Email resume to: brogers@georgiaaquarium.org

Veterinary Preceptorship/Externship: Veterinary Externships/Preceptorships are available to students currently enrolled in veterinary school. For information about veterinary externships at Georgia Aquarium, click here or please e-mail clinical@georgiaaquarium.org, subject line: Veterinary Student Extern/Preceptor Inquiry.

Water Quality
Water Quality interns will work closely with the Water Quality staff in the lab. Interns will be responsible for researching, producing quality data and completing a special project that they will either present a poster or presentation.

Application Deadline: March 15 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: May-August
Schedule:7am to 4pm, 7am to 12 noon or 1pm to 4pm
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in biology, chemistry or related field
  • Detail-oriented
  • Lab experience a plus, but not required
  • Resume required. Email resume to: lmerriwether@georgiaaquarium.org

Volunteer Programs
With over 1,500 volunteers at Georgia Aquarium, interns assist with Volunteer Information Sessions, New Team Member Orientations, answering volunteers' questions and responding to prospective volunteer inquiries. Interns prepare materials for training, process benefits, maintain volunteer records, prepare reports using the volunteer database and other assignments as needed. At the end of the internship, interns will be educated in the fundamentals of a volunteer program and its importance to an organization.

Application Deadline: March 15 for Summer 2013 Internship
Internship Dates: May 6-August 30
Schedule: 3-4 days a week including at least 1 weekend day; 8:30 am-5:00 pm
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 24

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in human resources, non-profit management, hospitality, communications, or related field
  • Strong interpersonal, writing and computer skills
  • Customer service experience preferred
  • Volunteer experience preferred
  • Please include cover letter with resume. Email resume to: jnguyen@georgiaaquarium.org

Zoological Operations: Animal Training (Dolphins)
This program offers interns hands-on experience in Georgia Aquarium’s Dolphin Tales gallery. Interns are exposed to animal care and training activities related to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Interns work directly with the animal trainers to support the daily care of the collection. Responsibilities include: Diet preparation and feeding; Water sampling; Commissary clean-up; Exhibit and husbandry area maintenance; Behavioral observations; Environmental enrichment; Data recording and data entry; Assisting team with animal training and handling; Other duties as assigned

Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: May 1-August 31
Schedule: 5 days per week including weekends and holidays
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 40 hrs/week

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Must be a Junior or higher in college, majoring in animal science, biology, zoology, psychology or related field
  • Independent worker and team player
  • Ability to lift 50lbs, climb ladders and stairs, work around saltwater
  • Candidates must be physically fit
  • Full availability required.
  • Email resume and 1 letter of recommendation to: jambrose@georigaaquarium.org

Zoological Operations: Fish and Invertebrates
This program will offer interns hands-on husbandry experience working with the Georgia Aquarium’s collection of sharks, rays, teleosts, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Interns will work directly with the Fishes & Invertebrates Team to support the daily care of the aquarium’s collection. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: Diet preparation and feeding; Water sampling; Exhibit and husbandry area maintenance; Behavioral observations; Animal enrichment; Data recording and data entry; Assisting biologists with animal handling and medical procedures; Attending and participating in staff and departmental meetings

Application Deadline: March 18 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: Mid May through Mid August
Schedule: 3-4 CONSECUTIVE days per week, including one weekend day. 7am-4pm
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 24 hrs/week

Additional Application Requirements:

  • 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 50 lbs.
  • Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • This internship requires a regular schedule of 3 or more days per week, from 7 am – 4 pm, including 1 hr for lunch, and will include at least one weekend day per work week.
  • Previous husbandry experience is not necessary.
  • This is an experience-based, unpaid internship. There is no academic credit offered for this internship.
  • Zoological internships are offered 3 times per year: Spring (Jan-May),Summer( May-Aug),Fall (Aug-Dec)
  • Resume required. Email your resume and cover letter to: fishesinternships@georgiaaquarium.org by midnight on the day of the deadline. Cover letter and references appreciated but not required.

Zoological Operations: Mammals and Birds
This program offers interns hands-on mammal and bird experience in two of the Georgia Aquarium’s most diverse galleries – Cold Water Quest and River Scout. Interns are exposed to animal care and training activities related to beluga whales, harbor seals, southern sea otters, Asian small clawed otters and African penguins. Interns work directly with Animal Care & Training Specialists (ACTS) to support the daily care of the collection. Interns’ primary responsibilities are to assist with animal diet preparation, behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, animal care area clean up, and disinfection. Interns may also play support roles in assisting with animal training and husbandry sessions. Duties include: diet preparation and feeding; water sampling; commissary clean-up; exhibit 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.

Application Deadline:

  • Spring: October 1
  • Summer: February 1
  • Fall: June 1

Internship Dates:

  • Spring: January 1 - May 20
  • Summer: May 15 - August 30
  • Fall: August 25 - December 31

Schedule: Full availability required (including weekends) 7am-4pm or 8:30am-5:30pm
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 32 hrs/week

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in animal science, biology, marine biology, psychology, or related field
  • Strong desire to gain valuable experience working with marine mammals
  • Independent worker and team player
  • Ability to lift 50lbs, climb stairs, work around saltwater
  • Candidates must be physically fit
  • Resume required. Email resume to: mammaltraining@georgiaaquarium.org

Zoological Operations: Quarantine
This program offers interns hands-on experience in one of Georgia Aquarium’s most diverse areas – Quarantine. Our Quarantine Department receives and works with all fish, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians that will be displayed at the Georgia Aquarium. Quarantine Interns are exposed to a wide variety of animal husbandry as well as treatment of animal diseases and parasites. Interns will work directly with Quarantine aquarists to support the daily care of the collection.

Application Deadline: March 15 for Summer 2013 internship
Internship Dates: June 1st-September 1str
Schedule: 20-40 hours/week
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

Responsibilities

  • Diet preparation and feeding
  • Water sampling
  • Enclosure and husbandry area maintenance
  • Medical Observations
  • Environmental enrichment
  • Data recording and data entry
  • Assisting team with animal handling and medical procedures
  • Other duties as assigned
    • Other details:
  • 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.
  • Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • This internship requires a regular schedule of 3 or more days per week, from 7AM-4PM including 1 hour for lunch, and may include weekends and holidays.
  • Previous animal care experience is not necessary.
  • This is an experience-based, unpaid internship.
  • Email resume to: Mike Daniel mdaniel@georgiaaquarium.org

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