Shedd Aquarium promotes the enjoyment, appreciation and effective conservation of aquatic life and its environment through education, research and public display.

Internships
The Aquarium offers its resources to students of all ages, from preschool through college and beyond. In addition to credit and noncredit classes, the Aquarium also offers a variety of internships. These work/study programs offer specific, in-depth experiences to college students interested in aquarium-related careers.
General Information
  • Applicants in Marine Mammals, Fishes and Laboratory must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Preference will be given to students currently enrolled in a degree program.
  • Internship lengths vary with the type of program.
  • Internships are on a volunteer basis.
Intern Opportunities
Internships are available in the following departments:
  • Education
  • Fishes Department
  • Horticulture
  • Interpretive and Guest Services
  • Laboratory
  • Marine Mammals Department
  • Public Relations
  • Visitor Studies and Evaluation
  • Veterinary Services
Education
Winter (deadline December 1), summer (deadline April 1), fall (deadline September 1) Hours/days flexible; minimum of 120 hours overall. Ages 16 and over encouraged to apply.
The Education department seeks students interested in aquatic science and teaching others about these intriguing environments and their inhabitants. A variety of opportunities are available for one to learn and educate others in areas of community, teacher, school, outreach, teen and public programs.

Interpretive and Guest Services
June through early August
3 day per week minimum, must be age 16 by June 1, 2000 to apply
Call 312-692-3309 in April/May to apply.
Help our visitors learn about Shedd's animal collection while working in a fun and fast-paced environment. Work on creative projects for the Interpretation Department in addition to helping our Conservation Department with field work. Career seminars are also offered to help interns learn about professional opportunities within the Aquarium field.

Marine Mammals Department
Winter, spring (deadline November 1), summer (deadline March 15), fall (deadline
July 1)
30-35 hrs/wk
Gain firsthand experience in data collection, food preparation and marine mammal husbandry. Where appropriate, take part in interactions with cetaceans, pinnipeds, otters and penguins.

Laboratory
Dates flexible
20 hrs/wk minimum
Assist in water-quality analysis, microbiological studies and animal healthcare procedures. Emphasis of program will be based on student's background and laboratory needs.
Fishes
Dates flexible
20 hrs/wk, 12 or 16 weeks
Under the direction of an aquarist, receive training in food preparation, cleaning and maintenance associated with one or more husbandry areas in the Aquarium's animal collection.
Click here for more detailed information.
Visitor Services and Evaluation
June-Aug
40 hrs/wk
Assist in design of surveys and studies to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and exhibits. Interview/track audiences, enter data and assist in writing results.
Planning and Design
Dates flexible
20 hrs/wk minimum
Participate in our multifaceted museum design department. Assist in the design and/or production of interpretive exhibits, animal habitats, print graphics, signage and photography.
Public Relations
Dates flexible
20 hrs/wk minimum
Motivated individual with excellent communications/public relations skills needed to assist in the implementation of media-relations efforts in fast-paced communications department.
Horticulture
June-Aug
40 hrs/wk
Assist the staff horticulturists outside with planting and maintaining the Aquarium's gardens.
Veterinary Services
Dates flexible
40 hrs/wk, minimum 4 weeks
Veterinary preceptorships are available to students who have completed their third year of veterinary school. The program offers broad exposure to husbandry and veterinary medical management of the animals housed in the Aquarium. Emphasis is placed on observational rather than hands-on training.
How to apply
Select the internship that best fits your needs.
Send a cover letter and resume to:
Human Resources
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Fax: 312-663-0971

Cover letter should include
  • the internship you are applying for
  • the dates you are available
  • why the internship is of interest to you
  • what qualifications you feel are most relevant
  • your career goals
Resume should include
  • name
  • address
  • telephone number
  • employment history
  • educational background, noting coursework relevant to internship
  • previous volunteer/intern experiences
  • three references


   
Download a volunteer application.

Volunteer application


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