Internships

College Internships

The Center for Aquatic Sciences has a limited number of unpaid internship opportunities that offer hands-on experience to compliment various college degree programs. Interns can gain relevant job experience and establish professional contacts in their field of study. The Center makes every effort to match interns to work that complements their studies, interests, and skills.

Compensation - Internships are unpaid. Interns receive free parking during hours of work and discounts at our cafe and gift shop. Letters of recommendation are also available upon request.

Requirements

Students must be registered at a two- or four-year accredited college or university.
Receive college credit for their work with the Center.
Must be able to work a minimum of 120 hours within the chosen semester.
Go to Internship Opportunities to see the intern positions that are currently available.
Applicants will be asked to send a resume and cover letter to the appropriate department supervisor.
Once a resume is received, it will be reviewed by the department supervisor.
Qualifying applicants will be contacted for an interview within several weeks.
Email volunteer@aquaticsciences.org with questions or for more information.

Currently Available Internships

Communications Intern, Center for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium

Where: Camden, NJ

The Development and Communications Department is seeking applicants for the position of Communications Intern. This is a great opportunity for the right person to contribute to the important work that the Center does, while also gaining valuable career and portfolio skills. The Communications Intern will assist with a communication and marketing campaign centered around a rebranding of the Center. The Center has just completed a year-long assessment of the organization, culminating in the approval of a new 3-year strategic plan, updated marketing analysis and planned name change. This assessment and changes will require significant communication to the Center’s constituents. The Intern will assist in public relations outreach, marketing, and communications including social media.

Working as part of a small Communications team, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in the following communication disciplines: social media/digital, media/PR and brand. We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate individuals with an interest in building a career in non-profit communications and a commitment to making a real contribution to achieving the Center’s mission.
The position is unpaid. Interns are expected to work 8-16 hours a week with some flexibility in schedule.

Duties:
You will assist the Development/Communication Department with a variety of communications, public relations, and events related tasks. These may include but are not limited to:

Assist with media relations and outreach, including working on media lists, cataloguing media mentions, format and post news stories to the website, perform research, and other duties
Support event/mailing logistics, including customer service, mailings, data entry, and other administrative tasks as needed, for Center events & mailings
Research and draft social media content
Assist in writing and editing of bi-monthly newsletter
Assistance with fund-raising activities
Compile press kits as needed
Research and write responses to community questions
Other duties as needed

Requirements:

Interest in aquatic animals and habitats, as well as education.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Poise, confidence, and outstanding organization and time management skills, with an attention to detail
Ability to complete tasks in a productive, proactive manner with minimal day-to-day supervision.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
Familiarity with Salesforce preferred but not required.
Experience with social media is a plus, but not required.

To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter to development@aquaticsciences.org

Development Intern, Center for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium

Where: Camden, NJ

The Development and Communications Department is seeking applicants for the position of Development Intern. This is a great opportunity for the right person to contribute to the important work that the Center does, while also gaining valuable career and portfolio skills. The Development Intern will work with the Development team to help archive and organize individual and grant files, assist with database clean up and management, assist with the creation of and mailing of development materials, provide support for the annual appeal, research and write grants and procure sponsorships for Center’ events and programs.

Working as part of a small Development team, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in the following development disciplines: fundraising, grant writing, and prospect research. We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate individuals with an interest in building a career in a non-profit environment and a commitment to making a real contribution to achieving the Center’s mission.

The internship is unpaid. Interns are expected to work 8-16 hours a week with some flexibility in schedule.

Duties:
Each intern will be encouraged to take a leadership role in setting their own goals within the objectives of the development department, depending on one's experience and hours of availability. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Conducting prospect research on individual, foundation, and corporate donors
Maintaining donor and grant databases and files, including calendaring deadlines, logging donations, generating and sending donor acknowledgements, logging donor appreciation efforts
Supporting creation and dissemination of the Center’s annual appeal
Assist with writing and editing the Center’s Newsletter and Annual Report
Assisting staff with grant application writing and tracking
Assisting staff with researching state and federal regulations regarding donor solicitation (e.g., registration with offices in other states) and general development efforts (e.g., raffles, auctions)
Supporting staff with logistics associated with special events, including assisting with creation of invitation list, all logistics, soliciting sponsors, communicating with venue and vendors
Tracking and evaluating all development efforts
Working with Board of Directors Development Committee to implement development strategies

Requirements:
Applicants should demonstrate the following:

Interest in aquatic animals and habitats, as well as education
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Poise, confidence, and outstanding organization and time management skills, with an attention to detail
Ability to complete tasks in a productive, proactive manner with minimal day-to-day supervision
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Strong internet and research skills
Must be comfortable working in a busy office environment and display strong interpersonal skills

Send resume and cover letter to development@aquaticsciences.org

Center for Aquatic Sciences Education & Animal Care Volunteer

Education and Animal Care Volunteers assist with both virtual and in-person programs that take place at Adventure Aquarium or offsite at other locations. Center programs can include school classroom lessons, library programs, summer camp, on-water kayak programs and waterfront trail activities Volunteers also help to research, development and deliver informal science activities that can include games, crafts, tours, and presentations. Volunteers also assist with the care, enrichment, and record keeping of animals used in Center programs.

Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age
Interest in animal conservation and education
Comfortable interacting with people
Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions, walk in a variety of terrains, and able to stand for at least 4 hours
Comfortable learning how to handle small animals (i.e. aquatic/terrestrial invertebrates, reptiles)
Must have reliable transportation
No history of allergy related to animals or plants which might interfere with ability to volunteer
Knowledge of technology and engineering a plus but not essential
Some proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Center for Aquatic Sciences Summer Camp Teen Volunteer (Ages 16-18)

The Summer Camp Teen Volunteer program is designed to give qualified applicants, ages 16 – 18, hands-on learning experiences and job skills. Volunteers assist staff with daily camp activities including games, crafts, lessons, and field trips. Volunteers work in conjunction with Summer Camp Staff to enhance the experience for our summer campers. (Read the full description here)

Requirements:

Must be at least 16 years of age
Commit to 2 weeks of camp (preferably 2 consecutive weeks), Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Must be energetic but mature, and enthusiastic about working with children
Comfortable interacting with campers and parents
Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions, walk in a variety of terrains, and able to stand for at least 4 hours
Comfortable learning how to handle small animals (i.e. sea stars, sea cucumbers, insects, and turtles)
Must have reliable transportation
No history of allergy related to animals or plants which might interfere with ability to volunteer

Volunteer must also be able to attend mandatory training on a Saturday in June.

Center for Aquatic Sciences RiverQuest Volunteer

Qualified volunteers work in conjunction with Center for Aquatic Sciences staff to assist with safety and enhance the educational experience of our kayak on-water programs that will take place on the Delaware and Cooper Rivers in Camden, NJ. Volunteers help with program setup and breakdown. They also help participants get into and out of the kayaks, and are responsible for safety on the water, which may include towing participant’s kayaks and helping anyone who capsizes get back into the boat.

Requirements:

18 years of age or older
Experience with kayaking and canoeing
Able to carry kayaks from the storage container to the launch (about 50 feet)
Days and times vary
Attend a safety training (date/time TBD) that will include rescue techniques, towing, and an overview of the program and equipment
Be reliable, work independently, show initiative, and recognize the value of a team effort
Experience with a voyager canoe a plus
Knowledge of local Delaware River watershed wildlife a plus