Summer 2026 Internship - Center for Animal Care and Sustainability (CACS)

Shedd Aquarium • Chicago, IL

7d • $17 - $17 • Onsite

About The Position

Shedd Aquarium's Internship Program aims to provide meaningful career exploration for those seeking professions in non-profits, animal care, conservation, research, and beyond. We hope to inspire and develop future professionals as diverse as the aquatic world we care for. These opportunities are geared toward those that are new to the field and just starting to establish a career. They have the skills and knowledge, but not necessarily the real-world application. We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships.
This career learning opportunity is designed to introduce experiences necessary for those looking to pursue a future career in aquaria, fisheries, hatcheries, and the general animal husbandry industry. The Aquarium Team is responsible for all aspects of animal husbandry and habitat maintenance for a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Interns will assist with animal care, life support, water quality monitoring, and cleaning. Interns may also complete a research or observational project to further their understanding and career goals. This position will work directly with the Center for Care and Sustainability team at our offsite facility. This team routinely works with quarantine and holding systems for a wide variety of animals, including but not limited to: Tropical and Temperate Saltwater/Freshwater fish and invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and live food cultures.
Aquarium Team interns will be working with aquarists behind the scenes of the aquarium habitats. This position may involve working in hot, humid, wet, or cold environments, and exposure to low to moderate noise levels. Interns may need to perform tasks that involve working in and around cold water (~55°F). Interns will be required to spend long periods of time standing, walking, and bending. They may be asked to perform physical tasks such as climbing a ladder or lifting up to 40 lbs. Interns must follow safety procedures for working with hazardous chemicals, working near construction zones, using appropriate PPE, and working with potentially dangerous animals.
Effectively perform husbandry and exhibit maintenance skills including diet preparation, feeding, observations, and cleaning tasks. Demonstrate an understanding of aquarium life support systems, water quality theory, and routine habitat maintenance. Identify and explain procedures around biosecurity of quarantined systems. Assess daily animal health and wellness; be able to recognize any issues or changes in animal behavior. Learn proper quarantine and active treatment procedures for aquatic and reptilian species showing an understanding of how these procedures may differ and why. Understand proper handling of various species of fish, invertebrates, and reptiles.

Requirements

• Fields of Interest: Applicants should be interested in a career in animal husbandry.
• Coursework in the biological sciences or some animal care experience is preferred.
• Skills/Characteristics: Comfortable working closely with a variety of aquatic animals.
• Possesses good time management skills and ability to work independently.
• Attentive with good observational skills.
• Able to take advice and feedback in a professional manner.
• Able to communicate effectively with a team (written and verbal).
• Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
• Have a high school diploma or GED at time of application.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values
• Complete assigned animal care tasks including diet preparation, feeding, and recording health observations.
• Conduct in-depth observations of animal behavior and maintain detailed husbandry records.
• Assist in all aspects of habitat maintenance including cleaning walls/windows and substrate, performing water changes, understanding large and small aquarium life support systems, and monitoring water quality.
• Assist in daily quarantine and treatment procedures while following proper biosecurity.
• Other projects as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED