Fall 2026 Internship - Animal Engagement

Internship: Animal Engagement
Department: Oceanarium Team
Status: Temporary, non-exempt
Pay Rate: $17.05/hr
Location: Onsite
Season: Fall 2026 (8/31/26-11/20/26 or 9/14/26-12/4/26)
Application Deadline: July 13 at 5pm CST
 
Shedd Internship Program
Shedd Aquarium's Internship Program aims to provide meaningful career exploration for those seeking professions in non-profits, animal care, conservation, research, and beyond.  We hope to inspire and develop future professionals as diverse as the aquatic world we care for.

These opportunities are geared toward those that are new to the field and just starting to establish a career. They have the skills and knowledge, but not necessarily the real-world application.

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships.

Department Overview: 
This career learning experience offers exposure to the different facets of animal husbandry and positive reinforcement training.  Working closely alongside staff, interns support teams that care for our animals. Our animal engagement team cares for a variety of animals including reptiles, birds, and small mammals.  Interns will assist with a range of daily tasks including cleaning, diet preparation, observations, and recordkeeping.  They will learn the principles of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training. There is also the opportunity to work on a focused project to further understanding of the profession. 

Environment:
Interns will be working closely with staff and volunteers in the animal engagement area.  The Animal Engagement spaces can vary in temperature, but typically range in the high 70s. The area can be loud at times with various animal vocalizations and interns will be exposed to wet floors, various chemicals, dust, and various food items.
 
Learning Goals: 

• Demonstrate proficiency in communicating and collaborating across teams 
• Practice animal care skills including diet preparation, observations, and cleaning habitat and support areas 
  • Learn USDA guidelines 
  • Learn AZA accreditation expectations 
• Identify and explain the principles of positive reinforcement training and operant conditioning 

Responsibilities & Projects: 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 
• Partner with staff to maintain high standards of animal care, including 
  • Providing a healthy environment through cleaning and disinfection of habitats, reserve spaces, and kitchen spaces and equipment following USDA guidelines 
  • Preparing diets for animals, which could involve thawing, inspecting, weighing, and cutting various food types and vitamin administration. 
  • Recordkeeping of cleaning, diet consumption, behavioral observations, session notes, and enrichment details 
• Assist in training sessions and encounters, setting up and breaking down equipment for public programs, and managing guests.  
• Complete and present an assigned project focused on animal enrichment, animal behavior, or data analysis. 
• Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: 
Applicants should have a genuine interest in careers related to animal husbandry, positive reinforcement training, and animal behavior. 
 
Skills/Characteristics: 

• Committed to high quality work 
• Strong communication skills and a positive attitude 
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.  
• Willing to ask questions and collaborate towards solutions.   
• Able to lift objects in excess of 40 pounds as well as bend, crouch, squat and carry heavy items as needed. 
• Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
• Have a high school diploma or GED at time of application. 

Schedule: 

• This internship will run from 8/31/26-11/20/26 or 9/14/26-12/4/26.
  • The first day of the internship will be a full day orientation from 9am-5pm. This is required, even if you will not normally be scheduled on Mondays.
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 27 hours per week during this time period, pending business needs and individual performance.
  • Preferred schedule: Will include at least one weekend day.
  • Set schedule based on intern availability and host department needs. 

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at internship@sheddaquarium.org.
 
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.