Aquarist Fellowship

Thank you for your interest in an Aquarist fellowship at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee! The Aquarium hopes this experience will help guide and empower conservation-minded students to develop solutions to complex conservation challenges in our communities while gaining valuable hands-on work experience. Our history of giving high-potential students the opportunity to work at our Aquarium has shown that such professional experience opens new career options for students from all walks of life.

Aquarist Section Fellows are exposed to multiple biology-related positions working within the Tennessee Aquarium’s Husbandry Department. This hands-on opportunity offers an understanding of both saltwater and freshwater conservation, animal life support systems, caring for fish and aquatic invertebrates in closed aquatic environments, and keeping exhibits interesting and engaging for our visiting guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs animal husbandry duties which may include cleaning exhibits, preparing food, feeding animals, maintaining exhibits, monitoring animal behavior, and learning appropriate quarantine and disease prevention protocols
• Provides exemplary interpretation and assistance in programs
• Maintains appropriate logs and records
• Interacts with staff, volunteers, and public in a professional and ethical manner

Qualifications

• College student with science or animal related major
• Able to commit to the full internship of 120 hours during the Fall 2026 semester
• Able to climb ladders, lift and carry 65 lbs., handle aquatic animals with or without reasonable accommodations
• Provide a letter of reference from an advisor, faculty member, or previous employer
• Provide a college transcript with a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Preference is given to students seeking internships for college credit or that are affiliated with an active research project

Hourly ($16.00/hour); Weekly hour requirements may vary based on duties, can work up to 120 hours total from date of hire; Fellowships are offered by semester (Fall, September - December)

Candidates are asked to submit an online application, resume, cover letter, CV, and unofficial transcript, at

Submissions due by August 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.