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Ocean Internship: Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Intern

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Internship Program is a rich learning resource for interns and externs, enabling them to partner with the Aquarium in pursuit of our shared DEI objectives and take our mission to the next level. Targeting underrepresented communities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), the Internship Program will provide eligible college, undergraduate, and graduate students with meaningful work experience under the direction of an aquarium mentor. The Internship Program is outcomes-based, requiring a project report at the conclusion of the program, further documenting the participants’ growth along their developmental pathway.

Core Responsibilities:

Project responsibilities include, but are not limited to, daily care and feeding of ill, injured, and orphaned sea otters, maintenance and cleaning of animal tanks and enclosures, and computer data entry. Interns may also assist with rescues of live-stranded otters, tracking of released otters, administration of medication to sick otters, and managing otters in research projects. Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment as well as independently without direct supervision and must have good communication skills.

The internship start and end dates are tentatively July–December, 2026.

Skills/Knowledge/Ability/Experience/Education

Absolutely Required

  • Animal handling experience in a professional environment (must include experience with mammals)
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Must be a current student at an accredited college or university, or within 1 year post-graduation
  • Must submit a resume of courses and/or experience related to the position being applied for
  • Must provide a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation
  • Must be/have been in good academic standing
  • Six-month commitment of 24 hours each week
  • Proof of current tetanus vaccination
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Project task assignments may include weekends and holidays as assigned
  • A project-based report will be required at the end of the internship

Desired Skills/Knowledge/Ability/Experience/Education

  • Strong Interest in and awareness of animal husbandry and marine science/ecology
  • Experience with wildlife rehabilitation or handling potentially aggressive animals
  • Willingness to get wet and dirty
  • Attention to detail
  • Able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to multitask
  • Research, writing, academic literature, and organizational skills
  • Interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with colleagues
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
  • Proficiency with SharePoint a plus

Salary: $18.00 USD per hour. *College credit may also be available. Please refer to your College/University’s student services division.

Deadline: April 27, 2026

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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