Life Support Systems Intern - Spring 2027

Position Title:         Life Support Systems  Intern – Spring 2027

Department:           Life Support Systems – 3330

Classification:         Non-Exempt  

Employee Type:      INT - Intern 

Direct Report:         LSS Manager of Training, ACF

Position Summary:

The LSS Intern will learn about and assist with the daily operation and maintenance of all aquatic animal Life Support Systems (LSS) and the Water Quality Lab that support Georgia Aquarium’s aquatic animal habitats at the Animal Care Facility. This position will work closely with more senior LSS staff to perform the functions listed above and to provide daily updates on processes, equipment status and needed repairs to the Director of LSS, Manager of LSS, and LSS Manager of Training at the ACF.  This position requires a passion for learning, flexibility, adaptability, and sound judgement.

Georgia Aquarium’s Quarantine facility is an offsite warehouse located west of the Georgia Aquarium. Interns will need to provide own reliable transportation for this internship.

Responsibilities:

1. Maintain accurate, reliable and usable chains of communication within the LSS department for the ability to conduct operations successfully.
2. Works within the ACF Water Quality Lab to carry out routine water quality analyses using a diversity of methods including spectrophotometry, titrations, and various electrode methods, adhering to Georgia Aquarium standards of laboratory practice.
3. Monitor LSS - WQ lab equipment and processes for normal operation, make changes as needed.
4. Must be able to use the LSS computerized controls system to monitor, record and modify system operations.
5. Prepare samples for Ion chromatography, Total Coliforms testing by the GAI lab as needed.
6. Maintain and troubleshoot lab instrumentation and LSS equipment as well as perform necessary repairs with guidance from more senior LSS personnel.
7. Understand and interpret water chemistry reports and results, recommend and carry out corrections as recommended by others.
8. Manages, analyses, and clearly communicates accurate data from proper testing procedures. Sends out daily reports to the team as needed.
9. Handles and accurately dispenses chemical additives, adhering to OSHA safety requirements.
10. Maintain LSS and LSS-WQ system logs, records as needed.
11. Will be required to spot potential problems and solicit assistance from more senior LSS personnel as appropriate.
12. Interface effectively with other departments within Georgia Aquarium as well as other institutions while maintaining the highest quality standards.
13. Follow and maintain all safety policies and procedures while maintaining the highest standard of work area cleanliness at all times.
14. To perform other duties as workload necessitates, including at the main aquarium.

Qualifications:

1. A 4-year degree in an earth or life science, progress towards one, or equivalent experience at an aquatic animal facility working within a similar field is preferred.
2. Must have some working knowledge of freshwater & seawater chemistry and how it pertains to aquatic animals.
3. Laboratory experience and familiarity with basic concepts such as laboratory safety, workflow, data management and quality control.
4. Experience using hand & power tools and shop equipment.
5. Ability to gather, analyze and manage various types of data; excellent organizational skills.
6. Must have above average computer skills.
7. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products is required.
8. Must possess strong problem-solving skills for diagnosing equipment malfunctions and improper results from water quality testing.
9. Ability to work independently or as part of a coordinated team.
10. Demonstrated professionalism, including politeness, good judgment, effective time management and punctuality, and an appreciation for diversity.
11. Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements.
12. Ability to detect potential emergencies and effectively escalate to management.
13. This is an experience-based, paid internship.
14. Application Requirement: The internship application will require a resume and cover letter. Please submit as a PDF with a file name that indicates your name and the internship you’re applying for. Example: John_Smith_Internship_Resume.

Important Dates for Spring 2027 Semester:

Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 25th. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may close before the official deadline.

Mandatory Spring 2027 Orientation: Thursday, February 4th, 2027.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee 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 employee 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 employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 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 employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Commitment:

I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:

Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.

Vision:  To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.

Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion