Internship: Cetacean Team
Season: Summer 2025 (Approx June-August)
Location: Onsite
Application Deadline: March 17 at 4pm CST
 
Shedd Internship Program
Shedd Aquarium's Internship Program aims to provide meaningful career exploration for those seeking professions in non-profits, animal care, conservation, research, and beyond.  We hope to inspire and develop future professionals as diverse as the aquatic world we care for.

These opportunities are geared toward those that are new to the field and just starting to establish a career. They have the skills and knowledge, but not necessarily the real-world application.

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships.

Department Overview: 
This career learning experience offers exposure to the different facets of animal husbandry and positive reinforcement training. Working closely alongside staff, interns support our cetacean team as they care for Pacific white-sided dolphins and beluga whales. Interns will assist with a range of daily tasks including cleaning, diet preparation, observations, and record-keeping. They will learn the basic principles of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training. There is also the opportunity to work on a focused project to further understanding of the profession.
 
Learning Objectives: 

• Demonstrate proficiency in communicating and collaborating across teams  
• Identify and explain the principals of positive reinforcement training and operant conditioning  
• Practice animal care skills including diet preparation, observations, and cleaning habitat and support areas  
  • Learn USDA guidelines  
  • Learn AZA accreditation expectations  

Responsibilities & Projects: 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 
• Partner with staff to maintain high standards of animal care, including   
  • Providing a healthy environment through cleaning and disinfection of habitats, reserve spaces, and kitchen spaces and equipment following USDA guidelines  
  • Preparing diets for all animals, which involves thawing, inspecting, weighing, and cutting various food types and vitamin administration.   
  • Record-keeping of tasks accomplished and animal observations  
• Assist in training sessions and presentations, including operating manual and hydraulic habitat doors, setting up and breaking down equipment for public presentations, and basic guest interaction skills.  
• Complete and present an assigned project focused on animal enrichment, animal behavior, or data analysis.  
• Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: Applicants should have a genuine interest in careers related to animal husbandry, positive reinforcement training, and animal behavior.
 
Skills/Characteristics: 

• Committed to high quality work in a fast-paced environment  
• Strong communication skills and a positive attitude.   
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.  
• Willing to ask questions and collaborate towards solutions.   
• Able to lift objects in excess of 40 pounds as well as bend, crouch, squat and carry heavy buckets as needed.  
• Able to withstand exposure to cold temperatures and salt water on a regular basis.  
• Comfortable around and in water.   
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED. 

On-boarding
All interns attend one full day orientation. These are held in person on select Mondays from 9am-5pm. This is required, even if you will not normally be scheduled on Mondays.

Time & Compensation: 

• This is a non-exempt, temporary position that pays $17 per hour
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 30 hours per week for 12 weeks, pending business needs and individual performance.
• Preferred schedule: 3 days per week, 10 hours per day.  Ability to work at least one weekend day.
• Set schedule based on intern availability. 

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at internship@sheddaquarium.org.
 
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.