Unpaid Trainee/Intern: Summer Internship – Interpretation/Avian Husbandry (AK)
The Alaska SeaLife Center is searching for an intern to help the interpretation team deliver informal front-of-house education for 20 hours a week and assist avian staff for 20 hours a week. Deadline to apply: open until filled! Internship runs from May 1, 2025 to September 1, 2025.
Agency/Organization: Alaska SeaLife Center
Location: Seward, Alaska
Website: Click here
Job Description: The intern will split time between the interpretation team delivering informal front of house education for 20 hours a week and with the avian staff for 20 hours a week. Interns assist the avian department and acquire the first-hand knowledge needed to interpret these exhibits. The nature of this Internship gives you far more knowledge about avian husbandry and the life history of the ASLC bird species than other interpreters, the goal is to learn and share with others. The intern is required to work a flexible schedule to accommodate variable hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends as needed.
Essential Duties: Under the guidance of Avian Husbandry Staff and Education/Interpretation staff, the Intern will be trained and expected to perform the following duties:
- Interpret all of the Alaska SeaLife Center’s static and live animal exhibits housing marine mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates. Help maintain the physical appearance of manned exhibits and deliver announcements over the public address system.
- Present briefings, lectures, presentations, multi-media shows, structured and impromptu talks, and guided tours on all of the Alaska SeaLife Center’s static and live animal exhibits by learning to employ appropriate interpretive techniques and devices geared to the characteristics and interest of particular audiences.
- Perform general husbandry tasks such as habitat cleaning, food preparation, and care of multiple species of seabirds and waterfowl.
- Record daily observations and note the health and condition of the resident birds – noting changes in behavior and appearance throughout the breeding season.
- Assist in habitat maintenance and breeding season preparations.
- Interacting daily with interpretation, husbandry and research personnel.
- Performs other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Qualifications:
Education / Experience: Previous customer service job preferred. Applicants with a background in biology, animal husbandry, or wildlife rehabilitation preferred.
Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to speak effectively and to be comfortable meeting new people when interfacing with existing and potential new donors. Ability to work independently with excellent organizational and time management skills. Experience with Google Suite and Zims360 preferred.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas. Applicants should be able to work outside in the sun, wind, rain, or a combination of all three. Ability to see and hear; stand and walk; stoop, kneel, and crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; and sit. Ability to lift and move 50 pounds.
Wage: Unpaid internship, but housing provided.
To apply: Click here for more information and to apply. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation. A background check will be conducted on any potential intern.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: May 1, 2025 (runs through September 1, 2025)
Contact: hr@alaskasealife.org
