Undergraduate Internships
Undergraduate students studying at the University of South Alabama Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences are guided by a world-renown faculty with expertise ranging from fisheries sciences to marine ecology and ocean physics. Outside of classroom experiences, students have access to a variety of internship opportunities where they can gain hands-on experience prior to graduation.
Internship Opportunities
Internship Dates: August 18th – December 13th, 2025
POSITION SUMMARY
This position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Curator, Managers, and Marine Mammal Staff in assisting with the animal care routine and maintenance for the dolphin and north American river otter areas. As an intern, you can expect to get experience in the daily care of our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and North American river otters and learn what it takes to be a marine mammal trainer. Throughout the internship, interns will learn various tasks required for the daily operation of a marine mammal facility; gain practical training experience by working closely with staff during training and enrichment sessions; and develop skills in time management, communication, public speaking, 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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists marine mammal staff in the overall daily care of the dolphins and otters
Performs proper animal diet preparation
Keeps support areas clean, organized, and safe
Completes educational animal training lecture series
Builds knowledge of operant conditioning and aids staff in behavioral training of
the dolphins and otters
Designs, implements, and evaluates environmental enrichment under guidance of staff
Supports interactive programs and 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)
QUALIFICATIONS
18 years of age or older
Enrolled in or recent graduate of a four-year college program in psychology, biology,
marine biology or another related field
Previous animal care experience, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or completing
other marine mammal internships
Applicants should consider themselves hardworking, dedicated, and reliable
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Ability to work full-time, 4 days per week, for 17 weeks
Ability to perform physically demanding job duties on a daily basis
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 days closed due to inclement weather
Ability to find and secure housing for the duration of the internship
Valid CPR and first aid certification preferred
Strong swimming skills preferred
Public speaking experience preferred
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the volunteer for this position. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
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 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 position include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this position, the intern is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Link to Application page
BOATS is an NSF-RAMP Funded Internship Program.
Program Information:
In an effort to prepare students for graduate school and future careers in science, The National Science Foundation's Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates program at Dauphin Island Sea Lab includes rotating internships with:
- government agencies
- nonprofit organizations and
- academic institutions
Program Includes
- Research with mentors
- Professional development
- On-site housing
- Excursions
- Training
- Certifications
- Stipend
Requirements:
- Complete bachelor's degree between January 2024 and December 2025
- 3.0 GPA in Science, Math, Engineering, or related field
- Must be a United States citizen
- Have never previously accepted an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Applications should include:
- a personal statement
- CV/Resume
- Transcript
- 3 letters of recommendation via NSF/ETAP website
Mobile Baykeeper has AmeriCorps programs and internships that are great opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in a non-profit setting.
Paid Summer Research Programs -- deadlines are fast approaching!
PathwaysToScience.org has a searchable database of 650+ summer research programs in all STEM disciplines. These are all FULLY FUNDED opportunities including programs sponsored by NSF, NASA, NIH, etc. We also have a selection of resources to help you strengthen your applications: For Undergraduate Students
If you are considering graduate school, search FULLY FUNDED graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, and view resources on applying: For Graduate Students
Browse Fully Funded STEM programs.
Browse all Paid Summer Research Programs
If you need help finding a program that’s a good fit, please feel free to email me at ldetrick@ibparticipation.org for assistance. You can also follow us on Facebook for program deadlines and updates.
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