POSITION
- Position Title: Coral Intern
- Classification: Seasonal, Unpaid, Educational Internship
- Direct Report: Senior Aquarist
- From: Flexible but, should be at least 8 weeks
POSITION SUMMARY
- Ability to work at least two, 8 hours shifts per week
- Ability to perform physically demanding job duties daily
- Daily interaction with fellow team members
- Excellent observation and communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that sustain a positive and professional environment
- A valid driver’s license and ability to travel to and from work
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and possible late hours
- Ability to find and secure housing for the duration of the Internship
- Ability to work with and around various aquatic life
QUALIFICATIONS
- 18 years of age or older
- Enrolled in or recent graduate of a four-year college program in biology, marine biology, or another related field
- Experience caring for fish or invertebrates
- Previous coral experience is preferred
- Applicants should consider themselves hardworking, dedicated, and reliable.
POSITION ATTRIBUTES
- This position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Senior Aquarist and Vice President of Veterinary Services and Research in assisting with the maintenance and general husbandry of the deep-water coral systems. As an intern, you can expect to get hands-on experience in the daily care of our coral systems, tracking growth rate, keeping records, and performing other tasks as required. Interns will learn various tasks required for the daily operation of multiple coral systems; gain valuable knowledge in water chemistry, aquarium life support systems, aquatic biology, and quarantine systems; and develop skills in time management, communication, and teamwork. The position will also be responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards.
Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g., goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the Intern for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist animal care staff in the overall daily care coral systems
- Performs diet preparation
- Feed coral, maintain clean systems, keep detailed records
- Uses computer program to measure coral growth and inputs numbers into Excel sheet
- Keeps support areas clean, organized, and safe
- Builds knowledge of water chemistry and aquarium life support systems
- Complies with all standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to daily operations and safety
- Undertakes special projects as assigned by supervisor
TEAM REQUIREMENTS
- Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
- Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest’s experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift.
- Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our organization.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the intern is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The Intern must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the intern is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
