Intern - Dolphin Coast - Fall 2026

Position Title: Animal Training (Dolphin Coast) Intern – Fall 2026 Department: Animal Training: Dolphin Coast - 3400 Division: Zoological Operations Classification: Non-Exempt Direct Report: Intern Coordinator – Jack Finnerty Position Summary Georgia Aquarium’s Animal Training (Dolphin Coast) internship is designed for college students and recent graduates to gain valuable experience with common bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, and scarlet ibis. This internship provides hands‑on experience in marine mammal training. Interns work directly with the animal training staff and are exposed to all aspects of daily care and training of the dolphins, spoonbills, and scarlet ibis, giving students applied experience and professional connections. Responsibilities Interact with and learn from the Animal Training staff about animal conditioning of dolphins for both presentation and guest interaction programs. Assist with responsibilities that directly benefit the animals, including animal diet preparation, water sampling, exhibit/area maintenance, behavioral observations and discussions, environmental enrichment, guest presentations and interactions, data recording, animal care area clean‑up, disinfection, and assistance with animal training and handling. Play support roles in assisting with animal training and husbandry sessions. Show support as needed. Interact with guests, staff, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner. Identify all animals in the dolphin and bird exhibit areas. Understand safety procedures. Attend all seminars and take all quizzes required. Perform other duties as workload necessitates. Qualifications Must have a high school diploma or GED. College experience preferred, especially in animal sciences, biology, zoology, psychology, or related majors. Strong desire to gain valuable experience working with marine mammals. Independent worker and team player. Hardworking, dependable, and time‑efficient. Comfortable swimming and working in and around saltwater. Legally able to work in the United States without restriction. Ability to repeatedly lift 50 lbs, comfortably climb ladders and stairs, handle raw fish, and kneel, squat, and stand for extended periods of time. Maintain a level of physical fitness to meet qualifications throughout the internship. Schedule availability to include in‑person 5‑day work weeks, totaling 40 hours, including weekends, holidays, and variable shifts. Previous animal care experience preferred. This is an experience‑based, paid internship. Physical Demands & Work Environment The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Tasks include standing, walking, sitting, using hands to handle, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, taste, and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may be exposed to weather conditions at the time. Noise level is usually moderate. An intern must also have the ability to travel by car and maintain daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals. Additional Information Interns are always supervised or overseen by approved Aquarium staff. Shift times will vary based on the department’s needs. There are limited opportunities for hands‑on contact with dolphins and birds. No jewelry will be allowed in animal areas; an athletic watch may be worn. #J-18808-Ljbffr Georgia Aquarium Careers