Summary: Do you have a passion for marine biology? Looking to develop your skills in aquarium science? At Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium, interns build a foundation for a career in marine biology by participating in all aspects of running a hands-on aquarium, including animal husbandry, tank maintenance, and animal collection and release.
Location: Newport, RI
Time Commitment: Approximately January-May, 180 hours total. Weekly requirement is 2 full-day shifts (9:30am-4:30pm), but more is welcome. One weekend day may be required.
Age: 16+
Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume
Deadline: Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. Final decisions will be made by January 9, 2026.
What you will learn:
- General marine and freshwater animal care of species local to the Narragansett Bay and surrounding watershed
- Animal husbandry, including preparing diets, cleaning tanks, removing animal waste
- Life support system maintenance
- Water chemistry maintenance
- Organism collection and release in Narragansett Bay
What we require:
- Have a strong interest in maintaining and public aquariums
- Interested in or have basic knowledge of small marine and freshwater animal care techniques
- Must be willing and able to work indoors and outdoors
- Able to lift up to 45lbs regularly, occasionally up to 60lbs
- Creative, reliable, and flexible team member
- Prompt arrival for shifts in uniform provided by Save The Bay
- Undergo a criminal background check
- Able to follow communication procedures and promptly answer inquiries via phone or email
Details: We offer unpaid internship opportunities. We will gladly work with your university if they offer college credit for unpaid internships. Many colleges offer stipends for students doing unpaid internships. Check out our Student Guide to Internship Funding for tips!
Application link: https://forms.gle/o6MTDvQBY29gct4d7
For full details on Save The Bay's internship program, visit our internship page. We also have an aquarium volunteer program with education, aquarist, and front desk roles! Visit our aquarium volunteer page for details.
