Job Information
Alaska SeaLife Center Summer Internship - Marine Mammal Husbandry in Seward, Alaska
Marine Mammal Husbandry Internship
Summary:
The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Marine Mammal section of the Husbandry Department is responsible for the daily management, care, and achievement of research goals associated with the mammal collection. This position is 40 hours per week with the Marine Mammal husbandry team. Animals under the departments’s care include: Steller sea lions, spotted seals, harbor seals and ringed seals. Several of these Alaskan species are exclusively housed at a few, select facilities in North America. Successful interns will build a solid foundation of knowledge and experience with animal husbandry and positive reinforcement training. Limited hands-on opportunities may be presented to exceptional candidates.
As the successful candidate for this unpaid internship, you will learn and gain experience at a world-class, AZA accredited facility in basic animal care and husbandry techniques. The individual will assist in the daily care and maintenance of the Center’s marine mammal collection and marine mammal exhibits. Under guidance of marine mammal husbandry professionals, the intern will be trained and expected to perform the essential duties of the area.
Education / Experience:
Pursuing a degree in the biology/psychology/science field. Previous animal care experience preferred, particularly with marine animals.
Essential Duties:
• Preparing daily animal diets and upholding related USDA standards
• Developing and maintaining good communication skills
• Learning proper techniques in maintaining USDA and AZA cleaning standards including food preparation areas and pool cleaning
• Maintaining written and computerized records
• Observing routine veterinary exams
• Learning about seal and sea lion social dynamics, natural histories, medical and husbandry care to support optimal welfare of the mammal collection
• Making daily observations and noting the health and condition of the mammal collection
• Assisting with front-of-house operations including guest engagement and interpretation
• Participating in daily educational talks, tours, and/or encounters
• Assisting the mammal staff during current research projects and data collection
• Assisting in unloading larger deliveries of frozen food and organizing food storage areas
• Learning and applying general animal husbandry techniques and protocols including the application of operant conditioning and principles of animal well-being
• Learn about and participate in a goal-based enrichment program
• Performs other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required.
• Please note: General husbandry and cleaning are a large portion of this internship
Other Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to speak effectively and to be comfortable meeting new people. Ability to work independently with excellent organizational and time management skills. Proficient computer skills including basic Microsoft applications specifically Excel are preferred.
Physical Requirements:
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activity. Ability to swim, see and hear; twist, bend, kneel, stand, and crouch for extended periods of time; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; climb stairs and ladders; and sit for periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and move 50lbs, walk and stand on uneven surfaces, and have a good sense of balance.
• Ability to work around small and large groups of people. Ability to work safely with and around large, wild animals.
• Ability to work weekends. Availability to work holidays as necessary.
• Candidate must be comfortable and have the ability to work in an outdoor area involving uneven, slippery surfaces in potentially extremely cold and wet weather. This is an internship that may involve Alaskan winter conditions.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Internship Dates: May 1st, 2025 - August 15th, 2025 OR May 15th, 2025-September 30th, 2025
Open Until Filled
Unpaid Internship / Housing Provided
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation.
A background check will be conducted on any potential intern.