About the role#
This internship provides training in animal care and training at the New York Aquarium. You will work alongside staff to support the husbandry of marine mammals, including sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters, as well as penguins. This role is designed as an entry point for those pursuing a career in animal care.
What you'll do#
- Assist animal care staff with daily husbandry and care routines.
- Learn to schedule and administer enrichment for collection animals.
- Study the basics of operant conditioning and applied behavior analysis.
- Participate in classes on animal training and create an animal training shaping plan.
- Learn to communicate conservation efforts and share educational information with guests.
- Potentially perform educational narrations.
- Complete a final project during your term.
What you'll need#
- You must be at least 18 years old and a current college or graduate student.
- Ability to commit to one of these schedules: 3 days per week for 20 weeks, 4 days per week for 15 weeks, or 5 days per week for 12 weeks.
- Interest in a career in animal care.
- Physical ability to lift 50 lbs and perform demanding tasks in all weather conditions.
- Ability to work in a busy environment.
- Eligibility to work in the United States.
- You must provide your own housing and transportation.
- Submission of both a resume and cover letter.
Location & details#
- Location: Brooklyn, New York.
- Term: Spring 2027.
- Compensation: $2,000 total stipend, paid as a lump sum upon successful completion of the position.
- Work Modality: On-site.
About Wildlife Conservation Society
The Wildlife Conservation Society works to protect wildlife and natural habitats across more than 50 countries. Founded in 1895, the organization maintains a presence in New York City and various international locations. It manages zoos and an aquarium while conducting scientific research to inform conservation policy. The group employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people to support its global operations.
How to get in at Wildlife Conservation Society
Applying early to the Wildlife Conservation Society gives you a better chance of being seen before the applicant pool grows. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you stay ahead of the crowd. You can use this timing to submit your materials while the recruiter is still reviewing the initial batch of candidates. Finding the right person to contact at the Wildlife Conservation Society often beats waiting in a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral. This approach materially improves your response rates compared to a standard online application.
