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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 online application & 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

Guest Programs/Public Education
 Interns interact with Aquarium guests at exhibits and touch pools, engage them in learning about aquatic life and give educational presentations. Interns will also assist in program development including sleepover modules, educational aspects of birthday parties, behind the scenes tours and other tasks as needed.

Application Deadline: August 1 for Fall 2012 Internship
Internship Dates: September - November
Schedule: Two weekdays and Saturday each week
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 24

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in biology, environmental science, education, hospitality or related field
  • Interest in Marine Science
  • Strong customer service and communication skills
  • Resume required. After applying online, email resume to dbenedict@georgiaaquarium.org. Please use your name as the file name of your resume.

Public Relations
Interns are responsible for researching and writing various press releases, website content, e-newsletter articles and marketing pieces. Additional responsibilities include assisting in coordinating photo and film shoots, media interviews and site visits; working in multiple databases to keep information current; helping to grow the Aquarium’s reach on social media; and actively participating in staff meetings and events.

Application Deadline: July 1 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: Late August - December
Schedule: Monday - Friday
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 30

Additional Application Requirements:

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. Digital Media Interns work closely with Public Relations Interns and actively participate in aquarium events and staff meetings.

Application Deadline: July 1 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: August - December
Schedule: Monday-Friday
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 30

Additional Application Requirements:

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 in the development, tracking and traffic for all Georgia Aquarium advertising, and work in conjunction with the VP Marketing to ensure advertising process (from creative development to execution) flows smoothly. Intern may also be called on to participate in print, script and creative reviews, editing and revisions, or other related duties. The position will also assist with certain aspects of the Promotional Marketing platform, from development to execution, as assigned.

Application Deadline: May 25 for Summer 2012 internship
Internship Dates: June - September
Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
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. After applying online, email resume to: media@georgiaaquarium.org with "Marketing Internship" in the subject line.

Development/Fundraising
Development interns assist with fundraising events, membership initiatives and sponsorship research. Interns for the fall semester will have an integral part in our largest fundraising event of the year, Aqua Vino on Nov. 8. At the end of the internship, interns will understand the importance of fundraising for a non-profit and will have experience in event planning, solicitations and membership development.

Application Deadline: July 15 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: September - December
Schedule: 3-5 weekdays per week
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in 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
  • Excellent writing skills, detail-oriented, strong problem-solving skills
  • Resume and cover letter required. After applying online, email resume and cover letter to: sbrown@georgiaaquarium.org

Volunteer Operations
Interns assist with volunteer events, new volunteer Orientation, answering volunteers' questions and contacting prospective volunteers to discuss opportunities. Interns prepare materials for training, process uniform orders, maintain volunteer records and prepare weekly reports using the volunteer database.

Application Deadline: August 1 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: September - December
Schedule: 3-4 days a week including a weekend day
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 24

Additional Application Requirements:

Dive Operations
Interns assist with diving in, cleaning and maintaining the exhibits. Interns also repair dive gear, handle administrative tasks and help with dive training for staff and volunteers.

Application Deadline: June 1 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: August - December
Schedule: Flexible
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 25

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Open Water Diving certification or higher
  • Current record of dives equaling 25 or more
  • First aid, CPR, AED and oxygen administration certifications all current
  • If selected for an interview, applicants must also pass swim test, dive test and dive physical to obtain internship. Physical fee is refundable upon successful completion of internship.
  • Resume required. After applying online, email resume to: wgray@georgiaaquarium.org

Group Sales
Group Sales interns assist 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 help organize, plan and register guests for various client events. At the end of the internship, interns fully understand how to work in a fast-paced sales environment and the importance of sales revenue to a non-profit attraction.

Application Deadline: July 15 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: August - December
Schedule: 3 days per week
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 24

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in sales, 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. After applying online, email resume to: mfranklin@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: July 15 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: September - December
Schedule: Monday-Friday
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 24

Additional Application Requirements:

Event Sales & 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: August 6 for Fall 2012 Internship
Internship Dates: Mid-September - Mid-December
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
  • Resume required. After applying online, email resume to: cmoore@georgiaaquarium.org

Husbandry
Husbandry interns assist in exhibit maintenance procedures, animal diet preparation, behavioral observations, environmental enrichment as well as animal care area clean up and disinfection. Interns either focus on Fish and Invertebrates or Mammals and Birds. Additionally, interns focus on particular Aquarium galleries. Click here to view each internship's job description.

Application Deadline: July 1 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: September - December
Schedule: 3 days per week, including one weekend day
Minimum Required Hours Per Week: 24

Additional Application Requirements:

Animal Training
Animal Training interns will be exposed to all aspects of the daily care and training of bottlenose dolphins. 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, husbandry sessions and the dolphin show.

Application Deadline: June 20 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: August - December
Schedule: Varies
Minimum Required Hours Per Week: 40

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Junior standing in college or higher
  • 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 50 lbs, climb stairs, work around saltwater
  • Physically fit
  • Full availability required (nights, weekends, holidays)
  • Resume and 2 letters of recommendation required. After applying online, email resume and 2 letters of recommendation to kknowles@georgiaaquarium.org. (Please attach letters of recommendation and resume to the same email.)

Life Support Systems
Interns in Life Support Systems are responsible for monitoring all phases of aquarium exhibit water treatment processing as well as the condition of aquatic animal life support systems equipment, making necessary changes or repairs as needed. This internship position will frequently interface with other Zoological Operations staff including water quality lab technicians, animal biologists and other LSS staff regarding water chemistry parameters, LSS process equipment adjustments and needed repairs.

Application Deadline: August 1 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: September - November
Schedule: Three shifts per week (flexible); day shifts (weekdays or weekends available)
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Desire to learn skills associated with maintaining fish, mammal & bird filtration systems. Ability to perform basic tasks that are associated with supporting all live animal exhibits from a water quality and equipment operations standpoint.
  • Strong desire to learn how to operate and repair aquarium filtration equipment including ozone generators, centrifugal pumps, heat exchangers, air compressors, automated control systems, and all types of filtration systems including sand filters and protein skimmers
  • Ability to learn to use of proper test equipment, including water quality monitoring equipment, hand & power tools, and shop equipment
  • 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 50 lbs.
    Bend, stoop & kneel for long periods.
    Climb ladders and work in close, confined spaces with all appropriate safety equipment.
  • Resume required. After applying online, email resume to: ehall@georgiaaquarium.org

Water Quality
Water Quality interns will work closely with the Water Quality staff in the lab. Interns in this area will also have a special project that they will be responsible for researching and producing quality data.

Application Deadline: July 15 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: September - December
Schedule: Varies
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

Audio/Visual-Multimedia Services
Interns assist with daily building activities including turning on/off, maintenance 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 Final Cut Server.

Application Deadline: July 15 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: September - November
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, Final Cut Server, After Effects and Photoshop
  • Interest in video editing and producing
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills
  • Resume required. After applying online, email resume to: rsheorn@georgiaaquarium.org

Dolphin Show Production
Interns begin by shadowing each area of Dolphin Show Production and learning about all of the elements involved in executing the Dolphin Tales show. Interns then are placed in one area with for the remainder of their internship; learning the ins and outs of that specific department, helping with maintaining the show and possibly learning to run that department’s show cues.

Application Deadline: August 1 for Fall 2012 internship
Internship Dates: September - December
Schedule: Varies
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

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 Community Event 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 Community Event Specialist in day-to-day office tasks.

Application Deadline: July 15 for Fall 2012 Internship
Internship Dates: August - December
Schedule: Varies; evening and weekend work required
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in non-profit management, event management, hospitality or related field preferred
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills as well as superior attention to detail
  • Resume required. After applying online, email resume to: cmihaiu@georgiaaquarium.org

Executive Administration
Interns will gain insight into non-profit administration through daily responsibilities including assistance with board presentations, development of agendas for Senior Level Management meetings, electronic filing of sensitive documents and note taking. Interns will also implement proper meeting protocol following Robert's Rules of Order. The interns will communicate on all levels of the organization and with zoo and aquarium community as well as government agencies.

Application Deadline: May 13 for Summer 2012 internship
Internship Dates: June-August
Schedule: 3 days a week
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in Business Administration or Non-Profit Management preferred, but not required
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Exceptional customer service and professionalism
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills, including PowerPoint
  • Detail-oriented
  • Discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Resume required. After applying online, email resume to: bfairbanks@georgiaaquarium.org
 

Accounting
Accounting interns assist in maintaining cash room standards, fully participating in cash room procedures. This includes the functions necessary for balancing safe and cash reports as well as maintaining appropriate audit trails and documentation.

Application Deadline: May 25 for Summer 2012 internship
Internship Dates: June-August
Schedule: 3-5 days a week
Minimum Required Hours per Week: 20

Additional Application Requirements:

  • Major in Accounting, related field or cash room work experience
  • Must be a college junior, senior or recent graduate
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Strong ability to organize, manage time and set priorities
  • Effective problem analysis and resolution skills
  • Resume and cover letter required. After applying online, email resume to: gdoubrava@georgiaaquarium.org

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