Water Quality Intern, Summer 2025

POSITION 

Position Title: Water Quality Intern 

Department: Life Support and Water Quality 

Classification: Seasonal, Unpaid, Educational Internship 

Direct Report: Manager of Life Support Systems & Water Quality, Lead Water Quality and Environmental Technician 

From: May 4th – August 23rd, 2026  

Application Deadline: March 6th, 2026  

Selection Date: April 3rd, 2026 

POSITION SUMMARY 

• Ability to work full-time, at least 2 days per week, for 16 weeks Ability to perform physically demanding job duties daily Daily interaction with fellow team members and the public 

• Excellent observation and communication skills 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that sustain a positive and professional environment 

• A valid driver’s license and ability to travel to and from work 

• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and possible late hours 

• Ability to find and secure housing for the duration of the internship 

• Ability to work with and around various animals such as fish, crustaceans, and mammals 

• Ability to follow laboratory safety protocols  

QUALIFICATIONS 

• 18 years of age or older 

• Enrolled in or recent graduate of a four-year college program in biology, marine biology, or another related field 

• Applicants should consider themselves hardworking, dedicated, and reliable. 

• Previous animal care experience, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or completing other animal care internships preferred 

• Previous laboratory experience preferred 

POSITION ATTRIBUTES 

This position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Manager of Life Support Systems & Water Quality, as well as the Lead Water Quality and Environmental Technician, in assisting with field sampling and lab analysis (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, turbidity, chlorine, alkalinity, nitrogen cycle, microbiology) to ensure water safety, maintain lab cleanliness, prepare samples for analysis, and supports daily quality assurance. As an intern, you can expect to get hands-on experience in monitoring and maintaining the water quality parameters of closed-system aquariums. Throughout the internship, interns will learn various tasks required for the daily operation of multiple fresh and saltwater systems; gain valuable knowledge in water chemistry, aquarium life support systems, aquatic biology, and quarantine systems; and develop skills in time management, communication, and teamwork. The position will also be responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards. The goal is to help interns succeed professionally in any chosen field. 

Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g., goggles, masks, gloves, and gowns.  

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Intern for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Assists water quality staff in the overall daily collection and analysis of the freshwater and saltwater fish, aquatic reptile, invertebrate, and mammal collection 

• Performs proper lab safety protocols 

• Keeps support areas clean, organized, and safe 

• Builds knowledge of water chemistry and aquarium life support systems 

• Supports educational presentations through formal and informal public speaking opportunities 

• Ensures guest satisfaction by delivering exceptional customer service 

• Complies with all standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to daily operations and safety 

• Promotes conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks 

• Undertakes special projects as assigned by manager(s) 

TEAM REQUIREMENTS 

• Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards. 

• Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest’s experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift. 

• Sales & Guest Services - Our forward-thinking business model requires listening to and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience, which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales. 

• Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our organization. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an Intern 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 Intern 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 Intern must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 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 Intern is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.