Education Intern

Education interns assist Conservation Education and Guest Engagement staff in the creation, revision, and instruction of classroom, outreach, and guest engagement programs. The selected candidate has the opportunity to work with an enthusiastic team of educators and a variety of audiences and will learn a number of teaching methods in changing settings.

Essential Functions:

• Instruct formal on-site and outreach programs, including classroom, auditorium, and virtual programs.
• Teach Aquarium guests about the animals in our care and how they can make a difference through interpreting the Aquarium’s exhibits and educational carts
• Support afterschool youth programs such as the Henry Hall Fellowship and Youth Exhibit Guide Program
• Assist with lesson plan development and preparation of educational programs
• Complete special projects and duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Must be interested in education, public speaking, and customer service. Preferred: demonstrated interest in marine science, the environment, or conservation.
• Must be interested in learning about the Aquarium’s animals, exhibits, and mission.
• Must be able to navigate Zoom and other virtual meeting technology, or willing to learn quickly.
• Must occasionally be willing to talk to large audiences (up to 200) in a variety of settings.
• Must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work within the selected term on-site at the Aquarium. Availability 15-20 hours weekly during core business hours is preferred, including some weekends
• Must be enrolled in an accredited college or have graduated in the previous semester, pursuing a degree in education, science, or a related field

Internships at the National Aquarium provide hands-on and minds-on experiences that add value to any college education. Applying classroom knowledge, interns obtain valuable job experience and establish professional contacts.

College internship positions are available year-round in many departments throughout the Aquarium. The Aquarium makes every effort to match interns to work that complements their studies, interests, and skills. Students may apply for up to two internships per term; if more than two applications are submitted, only the first two will be considered.

The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization that’s changing the way humanity cares for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and strive to meet or exceed AZA standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare. A dedicated team of full- and part-time employees and volunteers drives the Aquarium’s mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. More than a million guests visit the Aquarium each year, and millions more participate in its conservation, education and engagement initiatives.

Our Culture

The National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a visitor attraction and has evolved into a conservation organization that operates a world-class aquarium. Our core values—integrity, innovation, service, excellence, and engagement—form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behavior and actions to achieve our mission. Through unparalleled exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives, the Aquarium is at the forefront of efforts to connect people with the natural world and raise awareness of the challenges facing our ocean.

Our Mission and Goals

By connecting people with nature, the Aquarium drives conservation action for the benefit of people, animals and the planet. The Aquarium’s mission—to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

HOW TO APPLY Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website. All questions and requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to intern@aqua.org. A complete application includes the following:

• Answers to application questions, including biographical information, your availability, and a brief explanation of why you would like to participate and how it will assist you in your career.
• Copy of unofficial transcript
• Contact information for 2 references

Internships are unpaid, and there is no reimbursement for transportation or housing.