Shores Region Internship
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
This job at a glance
- Who can apply
- New grads and up to 2 years
- Must know
- WindowsSpring
- Work
- On-site in Powell · internship
- Pay
- Not stated by the employer.
- Skill demand
- Windows5%of 99 similar entry-level jobs posted in the US this week
- Listed
- Nov 11, 2026 · still open
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Shores is divided into three areas: Aquarium, Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, and Corals & Marine Aquaculture.
Aquarium & Corals & Marine Aquaculture Internship
Majors Desired
- Zoology
- Marine Biology
- Biology or related field
Description
The goal of this internship is to provide the student with an introduction to the aquatic zoo keeping field. Husbandry for marine bony fishes, sharks & stingrays, marine macro-invertebrates, and coral colonies will be emphasized.
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting aquarium staff with preparing animal diets
- Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits
- Observing animals and reporting any behavioral changes
- Daily monitoring of filtration systems
- Water quality testing
- Upkeep of algae and cope-pod cultures
- Delivering educational interpretation to guests
- Performing other duties as assigned
Requirements
- College student (2nd year or higher) or recent graduate (2 years or less)
- Interest in corals and aquatic systems preferred
- Previous fish keeping and aquarium experience preferred
Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Center Internship
Majors Desired
- Zoology
- Marine Biology
- Biology or related field
Description
The goal of this internship is to provide the student with an introduction to the aquatic zookeeping field and marine mammal rehabilitation. Husbandry for Florida manatees, marine bony fishes, stingrays, and waterfowl will be emphasized.
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting zookeeper staff with preparing animal diets
- Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures, exhibits, and area grounds
- Observing animals and reporting any behavioral changes
- Delivering educational interpretation to the general public
- Daily monitoring of filtration systems
- Water quality testing
- Manatee enrichment
- Performing other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Previous animal caretaking background preferred
- SCUBA certification required
- Ability to pass swim test and dive skills test required
- Physician authorization for diving required
General Requirements (All Areas)
- Must be within 24 months of graduation date.
- 3.0 or above accumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Pre-employment TB test required.
- Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be neat in appearance and maintain courteous behavior at all times.
- Ability to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, cold, rain, snow).
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays required.
- Subject to Drug Free Workplace Policy.
- Subject to BMV check.
- Subject to Criminal Background check.
Internship Details
- Hours: Minimum of 20 hours per week for 12-16 weeks.
- This is an unpaid internship offered for educational purposes.
RISE Scholarship Opportunity
Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000.
- Applicants must be Ohio residents or attend an Ohio college or university and meet all other program eligibility requirements.
Scholarship application windows
- Winter: October 1 - November 30
- Spring: December 1 - January 31
- Summer: February 1 - March 31
- Fall: May 1 - June 30
To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit https//www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships.