Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center Husbandry Internship

The Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center (STRC) Husbandry Internship offers a well-rounded, educational experience at The Florida Aquarium’s Apollo Beach Campus. Our STRC Interns will learn valuable skills, including providing exceptional care to animals undergoing rehabilitation, gaining husbandry skills, working in commissary, testing water quality, and maintaining life support systems. Interns work next to animal care professionals who will teach technical skills and provide professional development.

Our Sea Turtle Husbandry Internship is a specialized internship and does not follow traditional college terms. Specialized internship terms for this application are as follows:

• Fall/Winter: October 7 – January 26
• Winter/Spring: January 13 – May 4
• Summer: April 21 – August 3

Schedule:
Scheduled shifts are between 7:00am to 5:00pm with a minimum of 30 hours a week commitment. Availability to work weekends, evenings, holidays and up to 40 hours a week, if required pending patient needs. Interns must be able to commit to the entire length of the seasonal term which they are applying to.

Responsibilities
All Interns will be trained utilizing a phased training program. All of the Intern’s primary responsibilities are under the direct or indirect supervision of STRC staff, unless otherwise directed:

•    Perform daily husbandry duties, including but not limited to: 

• Diet preparation & animal feeding
• Water quality testing
• Cleaning and maintaining of turtle holding systems
• Maintaining life support systems
• General facility upkeep

•    Under certain circumstances, interns may also assist with strandings, recoveries, necropsies, intakes, and/or releases.
•    Assist with behavioral observations, as needed.
•    Maintain accurate and detailed records.
•    Answer guest questions, give tours, and presentations as needed at STRC.
•    Other duties as assigned.

Expectations

• College undergraduate student or recent graduate; background or degree in Marine Science/Biology/Ecology or related field preferred.
• Must be able to follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including AZA, OSHA, USFWS and FWC.
• Regular attendance and timeliness are an essential function in order to fulfill the requirements of this intern position.
• All information that is provided to you and any cases in which you are exposed must be kept confidential – no exceptions.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to commute to the Center for Conservation located in Apollo Beach, FL.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to understand and follow detailed instructions.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Positive attitude with a desire to learn.

Physical Requirements 

• Standing/walking during entire shift.
• Standing/walking on uneven and wet surfaces.
• Climbing stairs and ladders.
• Carrying/lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Squatting, scrubbing and kneeling to clean frequently.
• Ability to work in a non-climate controlled facility in Florida heat, humidity, or cold.

Considerations

• Interactions with shellfish – people with allergies should be cautioned.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases – individuals with a weakened immune system should be cautioned.
• Sea turtle handling and internship responsibilities are not a guarantee and are subject to change, pending patient needs and intern performance.
• Please note that this is not a veterinary focused internship.  

The Florida Aquarium is a 501c3 non-profit entity. This internship is unpaid and complies with the Fair Labor Standard Act.