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Classification: Seasonal, Unpaid, Educational Internship

POSITION SUMMARY

This position requires a highly motivated individual who will take directions from the VP of Veterinary Services and Research, Coral Laboratory Supervisor, and Coral Laboratory Aquarist in assisting with the maintenance and general husbandry of the deep-water and mesophotic coral systems. As an intern, you can expect to get hands-on experience in the daily care of our coral systems, tracking growth rate and research. Throughout the Internship, Interns will learn various tasks required for the daily operation of multiple coral systems; gain valuable knowledge in water chemistry, aquarium life support systems, aquatic biology, and quarantine systems; and develop skills in time management, communication, and teamwork. The position will also be responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards. The goal is to help Interns succeed professionally in any chosen field.

QUALIFICATIONS

18 years of age or older

Enrolled in or recent graduate of a four-year college program in biology, marine biology, or another related field

Ability to work weekends, holidays, and possible late hours

Ability to find and secure housing for the duration of the Internship

Ability to work with and around various fish and crustaceans

Ability to work full-time, at least 2 days per week

Ability to perform physically demanding job duties on a daily basis

A valid driver's license and ability to travel to and from work

Previous animal care experience, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or completing other animal care Internships

Previous coral experience is preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists Coral Laboratory Aquarists in the overall daily care of the mesophotic and deep-water corals

Performs proper animal diet preparation

Keeps support areas clean, organized, and safe

Builds knowledge of water chemistry and aquarium life support systems

Supports educational presentations through formal and informal public speaking opportunities

Ensures guest satisfaction by delivering exceptional customer service

Complies with all standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to daily operations and safety

Daily interaction with fellow team members and the public

Promotes conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks

Undertakes special projects as assigned by manager(s)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Applicants should consider themselves hardworking, dedicated, and reliable.

Excellent observation and communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that sustain a positive and professional environment

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Intern for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

TEAM REQUIREMENTS

Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.

Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest's experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift.

Sales & Guest Services - Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.

Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an Intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the Intern is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The Intern must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the Intern is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g., goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.