Internship Position Background:
Join our inclusive effort to inspire exploration, respect, and conservation of Southern California marine life.
CMA is hosting paid internships for college students from underrepresented identities. Work alongside our team of experts to provide husbandry and enrichment for our diverse collection of local SoCal marine fish, sharks, and more! Through hands-on training, you will gain experience at our AZA-accredited facility caring for species from our local tidepools, kelp forests, and sandy beaches.
As we strive to have a staff that is representative of the diverse communities of Los Angeles, this internship program is specifically available to applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, people with varying abilities, and/or the LGBTQIA+ communities.
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Facility: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Location: San Pedro, CA
Application Periods: June or December
Internship Dates: July-January or January-June
Stipend: $640 per month. The stipend will be processed following a monthly assignment that you will complete on site (may include practical skills, reading/writing, or animal research assignments).
Sponsor: Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Time Commitment: 8 am - 5 pm, 8 hours per week. CMA is currently seeking Animal Care Interns for THURSDAYS. Over the 6 months, the intern may take up to five days off for personal reasons, vacation or illness. If participation is less than 100%, the stipend will be prorated. More than 5 absences during the 6 month period will result in dismissal from the program.
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Responsibilities
- Exhibit cleaning and maintenance (including life-support operation)
- Food preparation, feeding, and animal conservation demonstrations
- Water quality assessments, animal observations, and record keeping
- Opportunity to assist with quarantine, treatment, and animal welfare procedures
- Opportunity to assist with animal capture and transfer procedures
Qualifications
- Time commitment of 8 hr/week for 6 months
- Must be enrolled in college, or recently graduated
- Self-identify as a member of a community that has been historically excluded from the aquarium field
- Able to lift and carry 50 lbs
- Comfortable working in tight spaces/on ladders
- Communicate effectively with supervisors/staff and the public
- Willingness to work outside in various weather conditions, to get wet, dirty, and handle marine animals!
Other Info
- The internship is only available from 8 am - 5 pm on THURSDAYS
- Over the 6 months, you may take up to five days off for personal reasons, vacation or illness
- If participation is less than 100%, the stipend will be prorated
Interested? Please join our interest list below!
Questions? Please contact our Aquarists: Lindsey.Williamson@LACity.org