Internships allow you to explore your interests and gain practical work experience.

Internships are available throughout the year to interested students over 18 seeking practical experience or college credit. Qualified individuals are assigned to specific projects working along side experienced aquarium staff.

Internships are unpaid, but all necessary training is provided. Prior marine science knowledge is not required but always appreciated.

Interns typically commit to three full-days each week. If you want to get involved but are unable to work for that amount of time, you can still help out by being an aquarium volunteer.

If you have any additional questions please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

Internship Job Descriptions

EDUCATION Interns assist education staff with a variety of programs for the public. In addition to improving presentation skills, these interns assist with program development by completing an activity or presentation for incorporation into the department’s selection of offerings. Other opportunities may include: Exhibit Interpreters for the Touch Tank and Let's Talk Turtle Exhibit, small group tour guides, smart carts and presentations, classroom activities, crafts, off-site festivals and special events. Must be willing and able to relate to the public, including large school and tour groups. Excellent customer service skills are a must.

SUPERVISORS: Curator of Education, Educators, and Volunteer Services Coordinator

AQUARIOLOGY

Aquarist’s interns are instrumental in the general maintenance of filtration systems as well as both freshwater and saltwater exhibits. They assist aquarists with tasks such as diet preparation, feeding animals, cleaning tanks, and monitoring water conditions. Other duties may include performing routine water changes, maintenance of back-up areas, record keeping and data entry. Applicants for this position must be prepared to get wet and dirty. A four-month commitment is required.

SUPERVISORS: Husbandry Curator and Aquarists

ADMINISTRATION

Special Events, Public Relations and Visitor Services provide opportunities for qualified interns to gain valuable experience in the unique aquarium setting. Supervisors with extensive experience in their respective fields oversee each of these departments. Interns in these areas are expected to be meticulous and professional. Creativity is a must. A four-month commitment is required.

SUPERVISIORS : Special Events Coordinator, Public Relations Coordinator, Visitor Services Coordinator.

HORTICULTURE

Interns assist the staff Horticulturist with plant care on aquarium grounds and in the Cape Fear Conservatory exhibit. These opportunities may include; planting, watering, mulching, fertilizing, inspecting, identifying and labeling different species, caring for seedlings, controlling pests, and cleaning exhibits and back-up areas.

Applicants should have a basic knowledge of plants and their care and be willing to read and learn about daily needs of plant specimens. Must be willing to get wet and occasionally dirty. Must be physically able to work and lift some heavy materials.

SUPERVISORS: Horticulturist

How to Apply for an Internship
Applications are accepted from people 18 and above. Please complete the intern application form for the internship position you are interested in. Send an application, along with a cover letter and your resume to:

Volunteer Services Coordinator

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

900 Loggerhead Road

Kure Beach, NC 28449

Youth Advocacy Internships  

The North Carolina Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office funds a variety of summer internships throughout state government, sometimes including internships at the three North Carolina Aquariums. Application deadlines are typically in January. For more information and to check availability of these internships, please visit the YAIO website:

http://www.doa.state.nc.us/yaio/intern.htm