Marine Science Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
The deadline to apply to this opportunity is September 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM PST.
Job summary:
The Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) is seeking a qualified candidate to participate in the Monterey Bay Aquarium Internship Program (MBAIP), California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) Husbandry Exhibit Internship program under the guidance of the Husbandry Operations Fish and Invertebrate team.
The primary reporting area will be the Drifters and Schooling Fishes galleries with additional task assignments that may include assisting in the Into the Deep exhibit and holding spaces. This internship is designed to provide students with an in-depth exposure to jelly biology and culture work and involves training in a variety of protocols such as exhibit maintenance, diet preparation, animal handling, data recording, and animal behavioral observations. Mentors will supervise interns in the development of a research project to be conducted during the internship and presented upon completion of the term.
Core Responsibilities

• Daily exhibit maintenance including acrylic care, siphoning, cleaning, and aqua-scaping
• Maintenance of aquatic animal holding systems
• Cleaning and organization of service areas and behind-the-scenes workspaces
• Diet preparation and feeding of both live and frozen seafood items
• Culturing and harvesting of live food items (brine shrimp larvae, rotifers, copepods)
• Maintenance and feeding of jelly culture systems
• Completion of a husbandry-related research project on laboratory culture methods for jellies, comb jellies, and general aquaculture methods for other aquatic animals to be presented at the end of the internship
• Physical task requirements can include: handling chemicals, kneeling, bending, lifting, squatting, climbing ladders, scrubbing, and sweeping

Absolutely Required Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education

• At least 18 years of age
• Must be a current student at an accredited college or university, or graduated during the term immediately preceding the internship
• Must submit a cover letter and resume of relevant coursework and/or experience related to the position applying for
• Must provide a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation from college/university professors or faculty/staff
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Schedule requirements include a minimum commitment of 16 hours per week with total cumulative hours not to exceed 520 for the duration of the internship, which will span the fall and spring semesters
• Proof of current tetanus and COVID-19 vaccination
• Able to lift and carry up to 40lbs
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision
• Tolerant of wet and dirty environments, and able to work in cold water temperatures (~52F) for extended periods at a time
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions
• Able to work comfortably around animals in a frequently-changing environment

Desired Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education

• At least one-weekend workday preferred
• Attention to detail in working with delicate animals
• Strong interest in and awareness of animal husbandry and marine science/ecology
• Usage of tools such as Image J and R
• Interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with colleagues
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Ancillary Responsibilities

• Animal health observations
• Guest interaction/interpretation

This internship is a paid STEM internship opportunity. Pay rate is $18.00 USD per hour.
College credit may also be available. Please refer to your College/University's student services division.
Early submission of applications is encouraged.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.