1

Aquarium Summer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aquarist Intern

Scottsdale, AZ ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Description As part of OdySea Aquarium's Animal Care: Aquarist Internship program, interns will ... Application deadline: December 1st * Semester runs January through April SUMMER SEMESTER

NC ยท On-site

$17/hr

... aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the ... In this role, the Summer Camp Programmer will provide engaging, developmentally appropriate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Aquarium Summer information

See salary details

$8

$17

$32

How much do aquarium summer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for aquarium summer in the United States is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aquarium summer?

An Aquarium Summer job typically refers to a seasonal position at an aquarium during the summer months. These jobs may include roles such as guest services, education assistants, animal care interns, or camp counselors. Employees help with visitor engagement, educational programs, and daily operations, providing hands-on support to aquarium staff. These roles are ideal for students or individuals interested in marine life, education, or hospitality. Many positions offer valuable experience and networking opportunities in the marine or zoological fields.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges for seasonal staff working in an aquarium during the summer?

Seasonal staff at aquariums during the summer often engage in a mix of customer service, educational programming, and animal care support. Responsibilities may include leading educational tours, assisting with daily animal feedings, maintaining exhibit cleanliness, and providing information to visitors. One common challenge is managing large crowds during peak visitor times while ensuring both guest and animal safety. Teamwork is essential, as staff regularly collaborate with aquarists, educators, and maintenance crews. This role offers valuable experience for those interested in animal care, education, or hospitality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aquarium summer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aquarium Summer Intern, you typically need a background or coursework in biology, marine science, or a related field, often accompanied by enthusiasm for aquatic life. Familiarity with aquarium maintenance tools, water testing kits, and data recording systems is important. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail help interns interact with staff and visitors while ensuring animal welfare. These skills are crucial for supporting daily aquarium operations, educational outreach, and maintaining a safe environment for both animals and guests.

What is the difference between Aquarium Summer vs Aquarium Technician?

AspectAquarium SummerAquarium Technician
CertificationsNone required, seasonal experience preferredCertifications like CCA or equivalent often preferred
Work EnvironmentTemporary, outdoor or indoor aquatic settings during summerYear-round, indoor aquatic facilities or public aquariums
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with summer programs, basic tank maintenanceTank cleaning, water testing, equipment maintenance, animal care

While Aquarium Summer roles focus on seasonal assistance and basic tasks during summer months, Aquarium Technicians have ongoing responsibilities involving detailed tank maintenance and animal care year-round. Both roles require some aquatic knowledge, but Aquarium Technicians typically hold certifications and work in permanent facilities, whereas Aquarium Summer positions are more temporary and seasonal.

More about Aquarium Summer jobs

What cities are hiring for Aquarium Summer jobs?

Cities with the most Aquarium Summer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aquarium jobs?

The most popular types of Aquarium jobs are:

What states have the most Aquarium Summer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aquarium Summer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Aquarium Summer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 26% Full Time, 64% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,434 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

NYA Conservation Camp Counselor

New York Aquarium

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

$20/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Title: New York Aquarium Conservation Camp Counselor

Location: New York Aquarium

Department: EDUCATION

Reports to: Manager of Education Programming

Type: Temporary

Rate: $20.00

Schedule

Bronx Zoo - June 14 - June 25; Sunday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:00pm

June 29 -September 4, 2026; Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Central Park Zoo - June 1 - August 28, 2026; Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm

Queens Zoo - June 8 - September 4, 2026, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-3:30pm

(extended-care shifts available, typically 10:00-5:30pm)

New York Aquarium - June 15 - September 4, 2026; Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm

Prospect Park Zoo - June 15 - September 4, 2026; Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm

POSITION SUMMARY

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is hiring approximately 40 total Conservation Camp Counselors (CCC) to work with its on-site summer camps facilitated out of our 4 zoos and 1 aquarium in New York City. This is a unique opportunity to explore education at an informal science institution. You will work part-time in the WCS Education Department. You will report to work on-site at the New York Aquarium - this is not a remote work opportunity. Together with staff you will teach exciting science content, welcome campers with diverse interests, abilities, and backgrounds, and maintain a lively learning environment. You will have the opportunity to learn about different teaching styles and methods, facilitate fun activities, and utilize restorative practices in group management.

The Candidate

You are creative, energetic, dependable, and enjoy working as part of a team.

You are capable of taking initiative and completing tasks assigned in a timely fashion.

You have experience leading fun activities with children, an enthusiasm for learning and an interest in wildlife and/or conservation science.

You are committed to instilling a love of learning and fostering a supportive environment for children from all walks of life.

WHO WE ARE

WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world's oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission.

WCS Education is a pioneer in zoo-based learning, inspiring over 1.5 million people each year across New York City. Since 1929, we have been at the forefront of science education, fostering the next generation of conservation advocates by creating meaningful connections to wildlife and nature. We provide innovative, high-quality learning experiences that empower individuals to care for and protect the natural world.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Conservation Camp Counselor (CCC) you will:

Work on-site at the New York Aquarium. This position is fully in person and there is no option for remote work.

Follow and reinforce all health and safety protocols and procedures while implementing camp activities.

Lead engaging summer camp programs alongside full-time education staff for children in grades Pre-K-12th.

Spend the camp day outdoors, supervising campers in the zoo/aquarium and surrounding park space if applicable and travelling safely with campers at all times.

Foster an inclusive camp environment for all campers.

Learn and utilize restorative justice practices to create a supportive camp environment and cohesive camp community.

Facilitate science experiments, art projects, games, and explorations inspired by the zoos and aquarium.

Inspire campers from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds with a love of wildlife and science.

Support full-time education staff in re-working camp activities to fit unique learning styles of campers.

Prepare and organize materials for camp programs.

Participate in training before the start of camp and throughout the summer.

Attend regular meetings.

Additional responsibilities as required.
#LI-DNI