About the role#
The Aquarist Fellowship offers hands-on experience within the Husbandry Department at the Tennessee Aquarium. Fellows gain an understanding of saltwater and freshwater conservation, animal life support systems, and the care of fish and aquatic invertebrates. This role focuses on maintaining exhibits and ensuring they remain engaging for visitors.
What you'll do#
- Perform animal husbandry tasks, including cleaning exhibits, preparing food, and feeding animals.
- Monitor animal behavior and learn protocols for quarantine and disease prevention.
- Maintain accurate logs and records of daily activities.
- Provide assistance and interpretation during public programs.
- Interact with staff, volunteers, and the public in a professional manner.
What you'll need#
- Current college student pursuing a major in Biology, Environmental Engineering, or Chemistry.
- Ability to commit to 120 hours of work during the Fall 2026 semester.
- Physical ability to climb ladders and lift or carry 65 lbs.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5, verified by a college transcript.
- One letter of reference from an advisor, faculty member, or previous employer.
- Preference is given to students seeking college credit or those involved in an active research project.
Location & details#
- Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- Term: Fall 2026 (September through December).
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: $16.00 per hour for a total of 120 hours.
About Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium is a private non-profit organization located in Chattanooga. It opened in 1992 on the banks of the Tennessee River. The institution focuses on the journey of water from Appalachian streams to the Gulf of Mexico. It employs between 51 and 200 people.
How to get in at Tennessee Aquarium
Applying early to the Tennessee Aquarium gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you get your materials in before the pile grows. You should aim to be among the first candidates to submit your resume. Reaching out to the recruiter directly often improves your response rate compared to waiting in a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the specific recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them to ask about the position or a potential referral. This direct approach shows you are serious about the work.
