Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Animal Care and Research Internship
Host: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (CMA) in San Pedro, CA, is operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. The Aquarium is set within the Cabrillo Coastal Park which is a community park located at Cabrillo Beach in the Port of Los Angeles. It is the only fee-free and non-profit aquarium that is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in the United States. Since 1935, CMA has provided visitors with both a natural and interactive approach to learning about the marine environment of Southern California. With its spectacular natural setting adjacent to Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park and the Port of Los Angeles, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is uniquely suited to its leadership role in marine science education, conservation research and community recreation.
Location: San Pedro, CA (map)
Format: In-person
Internship Dates: June 3 - August 16, 2024
Stipend: $8,000
Time Commitment: The internship is a full time, 11-week commitment. Hours may include multi-day or long single days in the field (10-12 hours) and may occasionally include weekends. Over the 11 weeks, the intern may take up to five days off for personal reasons, vacation or illness. If participation is less than 100%, the stipend will be prorated.
Position Description and Responsibilities: The CMA Animal Care and Research Internship offers young adults unique experiences and skills development in the field of animal care, public engagement, conservation, and research.
Two (2) internships are available working with CMA staff to care for fish and invertebrates and participate in research projects and conservation programs. The intern will also engage with visitors and students visiting CMA.
A portion of the internship will take place in our Aquatic Nursery, which is the Aquarium’s conservation and research laboratory. One of the Nursery’s principal functions and objectives is to offer a broad audience unique opportunities to explore and interpret research and conservation programs that impact the local systems of southern California. Additionally, the interns will work closely with the Aquarium’s Animal Care team. The Animal Care team is responsible for the day-to-day husbandry and life support of the Aquarium’s collection of southern California marine fish, sharks, eels, octopuses, and other marine invertebrates.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Animal care including
Preparation of frozen and live foods for exhibit animals;
Feeding and handling of organisms in the lab, including venomous animals;
Cleaning and maintenance of tanks, tank equipment, and animal life support equipment;
Assist with aquatic animal quarantine, treatment, and health procedures;
- Participation in research activities that support the CMA Young Scientists Program, White Abalone Captive Breeding Program, and other conservation projects;
- Interacting with CMA guests to educate them about the Nursery and animal care;
- Assist in marine collections via boat, tidepooling, seine net, and plankton tows;
- Conduct independent research under the guidance and direction of a CMA mentor on topics such as aquaculture, water quality, animal diet and enrichments, environmental and ecological assessments, and field survey methods/techniques;
- Engage with Aquarium staff and guests on “re-imagining” some of our non-living exhibits through more accessible exhibitory and improved science communication.
Preferred Experience and Capabilities:
- An interest in marine science and environmental outreach;
- The desire to learn and share knowledge with others;
- Ability to perform daily tasks and lab maintenance as trained;
- Ability to work both independently and with a team;
- Ability to participate in marine collections and field research;
- May be asked to walk long distances and into coastal habitats like slippery, uneven tide pool rocks and sandy beaches;
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 25 pounds on uneven terrain, stairs, or ladders;
- Must be comfortable occasionally working in tight spaces;
- Willingness to work outside in various weather conditions.
Skills Gained: Through this internship, the interns will:
- Become proficient in the day-to-day animal care operations of a public aquarium;
- Increase their knowledge of aquatic animal care, aquaculture and research techniques, and general lab maintenance;
- Learn how to communicate science and research to a diverse public audience;
- Develop a thoughtful and organized research project;
- Gain experience working in a professional environment;
- Develop marine animal and algae culture techniques;
- Collection skills including boat handling and navigation skills, tidepooling, and various net/trapping techniques.
Eligibility/Requirements: The interns must be authorized to work in the United States. The County of Los Angeles has set forth certain requirements for interns that each County Department must adhere to. In compliance with these requirements, the Department of Parks and Recreation requires that each volunteer be registered, complete a background check, record all internship hours, and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Applicants are also subject to general eligibility requirements.
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