Animal Training (Pinnipeds) Intern

About the role#

This internship provides hands-on experience within the Animal Training – Pinniped Department at the Georgia Aquarium. Interns work directly with animal trainers to support the daily care of California sea lions and harbor seals, learning the fundamentals of animal training and husbandry. This program is designed to provide applied experience for students pursuing careers in professional animal fields.

What you'll do#

• Learn about operant conditioning for public presentations, enrichment, and husbandry programs.
• Participate in daily animal care tasks, including diet preparation, feeding, water sampling, and exhibit maintenance.
• Assist animal trainers with training and husbandry sessions under staff supervision.
• Complete a departmental development curriculum covering natural history, animal behavior theories, fish handling, and safety.
• Demonstrate proficiency in educational modules by completing written assessments, tests, and quizzes.

What you'll need#

• High school diploma or GED.
• Interest in or current enrollment in a major related to animal science, biology, zoology, psychology, or a related field.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to commit to a 40-hour work week, which may include weekends and holidays.
• A resume and cover letter for the application process.

Location & details#

• Location: Atlanta, Georgia.
• Term: Fall 2026.
• Modality: On-site.
• This is a paid, full-time internship.