Animal Care & Rescue Center Husbandry interns assist the ACRC's aquarist and herpetology staff with daily care of invertebrates, fish, and reptiles. Please note that this position is off-site from the main Aquarium building, and does not involve work with the Animal Rescue department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist with habitat maintenance and cleaning.
• Prepare daily diets and perform daily feedings.
• Assist in the maintenance of work areas.
• Assist in the maintenance of live food cultures.
• Assist with quarantine protocols and procedures.
• Mist, clean, and otherwise help tend to the reptiles.
• Change exhibit water and clean filters to maintain stringent water quality standards.
• Conduct precise record keeping.
• Perform special projects, to be determined by staff.
• Observe medical procedures on collection animals.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be pursuing a degree in biology, zoology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field, preferably at a junior or senior level.
• Must be comfortable working with a wide variety of animals.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds, climb up a 6-foot ladder, and be able to maneuver into tight areas.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Availability to attend intern onboarding week Monday - Friday, June 1st - 5th.
• Availability to complete 200 program hours in 10-12 weeks, June - August 2026.

Internships at the National Aquarium provide hands-on and minds-on experiences that add value to any college education. Applying classroom knowledge, interns obtain valuable job experience and establish professional contacts.

College internship positions are available year-round in many departments throughout the Aquarium. The Aquarium makes every effort to match interns to work that complements their studies, interests, and skills. Students may apply for up to two internships per term; if more than two applications are submitted, only the first two will be considered.

The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply.

Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website. All questions and requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to intern@aqua.org. A complete application includes the following:

• Answers to application questions, including biographical information, your availability, and a brief explanation of why you would like to participate and how it will assist you in your career.
• Copy of resume
• Contact information for 2 references

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.