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College Internships

Thank you for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific's Internship opportunities. Due to the effects of the recent pandemic the Aquarium of the Pacific is suspending all internship offerings until further notice. Please check back for updates on this program.

Internship opportunities for college students.

Our internships are typically offered in the fall, spring and summer and we accept applications year round. All applicants should be organized, self-motivated, and have excellent people skills. All internship positions are on a voluntary basis only; we do not offer paid intern positions. Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the candidate.

Spring TermDates
Application Deadline: November 13
Proposed Intern period: January-April
Summer Term Dates
Application Deadline: March 11. Please see individual position description for additional information.
Proposed Intern period: May-August
Fall term Dates
Application Deadline: July 15
Proposed Intern period: September-December

If you are in college you are also eligible to apply to our Adult volunteering opportunities.

Please note that applicants can only apply for one internship opportunity each session.

College Internships

Staff member cleans an exhibit containing various tropical fish

Aquarist Internship

The Aquarium of the Pacific has Aquarist Internship opportunities for the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. These interns will be trained to provide daily husbandry for a diverse collection of marine fishes and invertebrates.

Balloonfish front view

Audio Visual Internship

The A/V Intern is responsible for audio and visual needs of the Aquarium. In addition to the required experience, the successful candidate will have outstanding interpersonal skills, and be able to function successfully when given independent assignments, and collaboratively in a team environment.

Sideview of large fish

Development Internship

Provide administrative support for the Aquarium’s development department to maximize effective cultivation, stewardship, and revenue generating activities.

Divers in water giving thumbs up

Dive Safety Internship

The Aquarium of the Pacific has Dive Safety internship opportunities year round. These interns will be trained to provide daily support to the staff and volunteer divers above and below the water.

Educator interacting with children's class

Education Internship

The purpose of the Education intern position is to give students practical experience in an informal education environment. Education interns will learn the methods of engaging guests of all ages and backgrounds using interpretation tools like live animals, artifacts, and interactions with other departments.

Lagoon jelly on blue background

Green Sustainability Internship

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Special Projects team is offering an internship undergraduate or graduate student interested in gaining practical experience in analyzing an organization’s environmental footprint and then creating plans to reduce impacts, including public outreach. This internship will present students with the opportunity to work on sustainability plans, participating in a variety of activities that support both the organization and their own individual development in the sustainability profession.

College intern holds a large lizard

Husbandry Keeper Internship

In this program, selected candidates will learn about the daily care of our terrestrial and marine birds and our animal ambassadors.

Large sea lions rests his head on smiling intern

Mammalogist Internship

The purpose of the Mammalogist intern position is to give students practical experience in the care and maintenance of marine mammals and their environments. Mammalogist interns will learn the importance of proper husbandry techniques and the responsibilities associated with keeping marine mammals in captive environments. They will utilize basic aquarium principles.

Person with camera pointed out whale tail popping out of the ocean

Marine Mammal Photo ID Internship

The purpose of the photo ID intern position is to give candidates experience in the process of collecting sighting photos and data in the field and preparing that material for later research.

Woman takes photo of an exhibit with her mobile phone

Membership Marketing Internship

We are seeking an undergraduate or graduate student interested in gaining experience in marketing and communications.

Otter standing on ice

Veterinary Assistant Internship

Veterinary assistant interns provide assistance with maintaining the veterinary working facilities, record keeping, and observing animal treatment and procedures.

Lorikeet glancing

Veterinary Externship - Preceptorship Program

The Aquarium of the Pacific is offering 4 externship/preceptorship programs in the veterinary services department for 3rd and 4th year veterinary students.