Department:             Facility Operations – Life Support & Water Quality

Classification:           Full-time, Non-Exempt

Direct Report:            Manager of Life Support & Water Quality

POSITION SUMMARY

Opened in 2020, Mississippi Aquarium is a nonprofit aquarium located on the gulf coast of Mississippi, between New Orleans and Pensacola, taking pride in both the diversity of the animal collection and the aquarium staff. This role is a newly created position to ensure LSS operations maintain efficiency after six years of growth. This position will be established as either an entry-tier Level 1 employee, or intermediate-tier Level 2 employee, depending on the experience and background of the applicant.

The LSS Operator is expected to perform the duties of the daily scheduled LSS routine, helping to maintain almost one million gallons of water across habitats for mammals, elasmobranchs and teleosts, invertebrates and corals, reptiles and amphibians, and birds. This includes backwashes and system checks, equipment inspections, interpretation of exhibit parameters, as well as troubleshooting and correction of any parameters that are out of range. Aside from daily operations, the LSS Operator is to assist in maintaining and repairing LSS equipment, responding to LSS outages and emergencies, planning repairs and upgrades, and aiding the Mississippi Aquarium Animal Care departments with any habitat issues as they relate to LSS. This position will also provide as-needed coverage for select Water Quality duties, such as sample collection or emergency testing, and collaborate with the Water Quality lab regularly. The position supports Facility Operations, Animal Care and Veterinary Services to provide the highest exhibit quality for the animal collection and Mississippi Aquarium’s guests.

To see some of the conservation projects that the Life Support department has provided support towards, click the following link: Research & Conservation at Mississippi Aquarium

Functions and responsibilities

1.     Follow established objectives, protocols, policies and operating procedures to ensure the most successful and efficient LSS operations at Mississippi Aquarium.

2.     Operate LSS software (RCK Controls, Metasys) to perform daily scheduled habitat maintenance tasks like backwashes and moving water through a reclamation and recycling system.

3.     Maintain high internal operational standards in accordance with AZA, AAMPA, and other regulatory organizations.

4.     Assist the Facility Operations department in tasks pertaining to the water quality laboratory and life support systems.

5.     Work independently as a self-starter and also be a communicative team player during large projects.

6.     Assist Facility Operations and Animal Care teams by using effective communication regarding routine equipment repairs, habitat upgrades, emergency responses, and preventative maintenance.

7.     Assist with saltwater mixing and wastewater recovery, through a multi-stage water reclamation system, via operating heavy machinery such as a crane and forklift.

8.     Under the supervision of the Manager of LSS/WQ, occasionally assist with inventory for PVC storage area and the tool shop used to rebuild LSS equipment.

9.     Assist teammates and LSS/WQ manager in troubleshooting and diagnosing LSS, habitat, and LSS software issues for equipment throughout the aquarium.

10.  Assist in basic WQ lab coverage, including basic spectrophotometry tests as requested.

11.  Assist Facility Operations with scheduled projects as they relate to LSS and aquarium grounds. 

12.  Use a variety of hand and power tools to fix various components of animal habitats and LSS equipment.

13.  Assist LSS/WQ with training and monitoring of interns, students, and volunteers.

14.  Communicate and maintain working relationships with guests, staff, supervisors, other departments, suppliers, professional associations, and colleagues in related industries. The desire to travel and present projects, on behalf of Mississippi Aquarium, at conferences is a plus.

 15.  Participate in staff meetings and provide input for improvements of the water quality lab, animal care teams and life support operations.

 16.  Maintain awareness of aquarium industry-related technology, trends, and husbandry practices as can be applied to LSS and WQ.

 17.   Undertake special projects and all other duties assigned by the Manager of LSS/WQ, including imagery fabrication, exhibit design, and ground-up system construction.

 Skills and experience

·        Candidate must have an associate’s degree in an aquarium-focused college program, or a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, marine biology or related field. Compensatory related field experience for an equivalent number of years is acceptable in lieu of a degree.

·        Applicants should have experience in operating life support system equipment for recirculating systems in a public aquarium or other zoological setting.

·        Familiarity with both small and large filtration concepts for aquatic habitats.

·        Experience caring for, or working husbandry knowledge for aquatic animals, such as teleosts, elasmobranchs, and invertebrates, is essential.

·        Knowledge and proficiency with troubleshooting pumps, foam fractionators, plumbing, and disinfection / sterilization equipment is a must.

·        Experience with utilizing LSS software is a plus.

·        Interest in exhibit design and aesthetics, and how LSS can be integrated.

·        Comprehensive knowledge of water quality parameters (fresh, brackish and marine) and how common life support components impact these parameters, is highly preferred.

·        Familiarity with regulatory guidelines for marine mammals is a plus.

·        Awareness of basic water quality techniques, as they relate to zoos and aquariums, is a plus.

·        AALSO certifications are a definite plus.

 JOB REQUIREMENTS 

·       Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in loud indoor environments and harsh outdoor environments. Exposure to rain, high UV index, chemicals, extreme heat, and extreme cold. Using ladders, steps, and doorways in and around tight spaces, low areas, and areas with hazardous footing. Candidate must be able to operate handheld power tools, operate personal radios for communication, read signage and electronic meters effectively, and navigate independently while in these conditions.

·        Ability to respond and communicate remotely via electronic devices, via phone, text, or other electronic messaging. Knowledge of Microsoft software programs is a plus.

·        Candidate must be able to use ladders and stairs to reach remote back-of-house areas, while carrying tools and equipment.

·        Candidate must be able to carry a minimum of 50lbs into low or cramped spaces.

·        Candidate must have reliable personal transportation and a state-issued driver’s license. Candidate must be able to travel to work during inclement weather. 

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, dyed hair, and piercings are allowed, but must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine if tattoos will need to be covered during your shift. 

·         Sales & Guest Services- Listening to, and understanding the needs of, our guests both internal and external is essential. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience. 

• 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 are vital to our organization. 
• Team Safety - Consistent and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) included, but not limited to, a fitted respirator, eye and ear protection, gloves, hard hat, harness, and steel-toed footwear

·       SALARY AND BENEFITS:

·        ·        Hourly range, commensurate with experience: $17.50 - $23.00 per hour

·        26 PTO days a year, to utilize at employee’s discretion for holidays, illness, etc.

 ·        401k plan offered

 ·        Yearly uniform stipend

 ·        Employer-provided covered parking

 ·       Medical, dental, vision insurance offered with low-cost employee portion

·        Group term life insurance, short term disability & long-term disability policies provided at employer cost

 ·       Low-cost optional supplemental voluntary insurance coverage offered at employee expense

Department: Sales and Marketing 

Classification: Part-Time (Hours per week: 15 – 30, varies seasonally) 

Reports To: Campus Revenue Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Campus Revenue Ambassadors are the first team members to interact with guests. This position will warmly greet and assist guests with purchases, scan tickets and membership cards at Entry Plaza, and help to create lasting photo memories for Mississippi Aquarium guests while providing excellent customer service. Campus Revenue Ambassadors must be energetic, sales-driven individuals who have experience working with high volumes of customers. They serve as a welcoming team member for all guests entering and help maintain crowd control. 

POSITION ATTRIBUTES

• Consistently looking forward, focused, ready to listen. 

• A heart for service, always willing to provide support to fellow team members. 

• Must be able to communicate needs and issues effectively. 

• Have an awareness and interest in the conservation of aquatic environments and their inhabitants. 

• Innovative, creative thinker; not afraid to propose something new and inspire others to do the same.

• Proactive in finding solutions, productive, and efficient. 

• This is a sales position, so you must absolutely be comfortable talking to people in person and on the telephone. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• 1-year customer service experience preferred. 

• Basic math and computer skills along with eagerness to learn is required.  

• Strong verbal and interpersonal skills (a people person). 

• Ability to be helpful and friendly even in stressful situations is a must. 

• Ability to work in varied weather conditions (i.e., extreme heat, rain, cold).

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time while working with other team members in a fast-paced, customer service environment. 

• Ability to communicate clearly to a wide variety of customers and overcome language barriers.

• Ability to work flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays.

• Ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug screening. 

• Must be over the age of 18 and have reliable transportation.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Ticketing / Scanning

• Greets all Aquarium Members and guests with a cheerful smile and warm welcome as they arrive and a courteous farewell when they leave to provide a positive experience; addresses members/guests by name whenever possible. 

• Sell daily admission tickets using handheld Point of Sale system, scans tickets, processes credit card transactions, verifies identification, sells experiences, and upsells new memberships and guest encounters daily. Assist guests with checkout at self-serve kiosk as needed.

• Answers questions about the Aquarium, tickets, experiences, memberships, and special events.

• Notifies supervisor of any potential safety or visitor concerns, as necessary. 

• Maintain ticket queuing area – set up the stanchions and signage inside and outside the facility.

• Maintain a friendly, neat, and professional appearance in accordance with MS Aquarium Image. 

• Perform job related duties as assigned. 

Photo Capture/Sales 

• Set up and operate digital photography equipment.  

• Adjust lighting levels and exposures in all types of weather.  

• Stage and pose guests at capture locations.  

• Ensure photo operations run smoothly and effectively.  

• Work with guests of all ages and diverse backgrounds. 

• Deliver effective sales and upsell photo packages 

• Operate and maintain a Photo Point of Sale (POS) system that includes photo editing, printing, sorting, and packaging. 

• Present and describe retail displays on photo kiosks to customers.

Virtual Reality (VR)

• Set up, sanitize, and operate our Virtual Reality pods.

• Sells daily VR attractions using Point of Sale system by processing credit card transactions.

• Assist guests with equipment making sure that safety guidelines are in place to assure guest safety and enjoyment.

• Interact with guests to upsell the VR experience to as many guests as possible and maintain the que-line.

Guest Experience

• Greet and welcome guests to the aquarium with a friendly and welcoming demeanor.  

• Answer guest questions regarding a wide variety of aquarium topics and assist in wayfinding around the aquarium.  

• Direct guests to photo locations. 

• Ensure excellent customer service that exceeds MSAQ’s standards of excellence.  

• Handle guest and staff disputes with professionalism and empathy.  

• Monitor and control guest flow into small spaces around the aquarium.  

• Work in a collaborative team environment, cross-train and support all other Guest Experience areas.  

• Attending all relevant meetings and training courses.  

• Assist in daily operations, including opening and closing.  

• Work weekends, evenings, and holidays when necessary.  

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. 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 they relate 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 whether tattoos will need to be covered during your shift.

• Sales & Guest Services - Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding of the needs of our guests both internal and external.  To that end, we must always focus 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 employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee 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 employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Dates of Internship: Fall, September 2026 - December 2026

Application Deadline: July 14, 2026

Job Description 

MSAQ Terrestrial Animals interns will have the opportunity to take part in all aspects of daily husbandry of our diverse animal species residing in our many habitats. Interns will be under the supervision and guidance of the Curator, Managers, and Animal Care staff of the Bird and Ambassador Team. This internship will help those aspiring to enter the field develop skills in time management, communication, guest presentations, and teamwork. 

The position will be responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety protocols, standard operating procedures, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), US Department of Agriculture(USDA), and International Marine Animal Trainer Association (IMATA) accreditation standards. The goal is to help interns succeed professionally in any chosen field. 

Internship Layout

This unpaid internship is progressive and is 16 weeks in length, requiring a commitment of 2-3 consistent days per week.Due to the nature of a progressive internship, a commitment of 16 weeks is required. This will ensure the best experience and career preparation. 

Our internship is divided into 5 tiers, each concentrating on different aspects of care while continuing to build on the intern’s responsibilities: 

• Tier 1: Introduction to Animal Husbandry and our animals 
• Tier 2: Guest Interactions and Presentations 
• Tier 3: Animal Behavior and Enrichment 
• Tier 4: Animal Learning and Training 
• Tier 5: Career Development and Intern Project/ Focus 

Advancement and duration of each tier is based on each individual intern’s motivation and assessment by animal care staff.  

Intern responsibilities encompass the skills needed to provide exceptional care for ambassador animals. These skills include diet preparation, kitchen/facility cleaning that exceeds USDA standards, daily guest interactions, assist with habitat maintenance, implement daily enrichment schedules, create behavioral based enrichment, and assist with animal training projects alongside staff. There is no guarantee of physical animal interaction, and any interaction will be at the discretion of animal care staff. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist team in the overall daily care of our animal habitats and other species under the team’s care 
• Perform proper animal diet preparation 
• Keep support areas clean, organized, and safe 
• Build knowledge of operant conditioning and observe training sessions with animals under our care 
• Design, implement, and evaluate enrichment under guidance of staff 
• Support interactive programs and educational presentations through formal and informal public speaking opportunities 
• Ensure guest satisfaction by delivering exceptional customer service 
• Comply with all standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to daily operations and safety 
• Promote conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks 
• Undertake special projects as assigned by curator and staff 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the candidate for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. 

Qualifications

•  18 years of age or older 
• Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a secondary education program in biology, zoology, animal science, psychology, or another related field 
• Previous animal care experience, such as volunteering at an animal shelter, preferred 
• Applicants should consider themselves hardworking, motivated, and reliable

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work consistent 2-3 days per week minimum, for 16 weeks 
• Ability to accept internship position as an unpaid position 
• Understanding that completion of this internship program does not lead to a permanent position with the Mississippi Aquarium. 
• Ability to perform physically demanding job duties regularly 
• 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 
• Ability to reliably 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 16-week internship 
• Public speaking experience preferred, or the willingness to learn 

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 to 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 and 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. 

Job Summary:

The Event & Marketing Coordinator at the Mississippi Aquarium plays a crucial role in assisting with event coordination and supporting the marketing team. This position requires strong organizational and communication skills, with a passion for creating memorable experiences for guests.

Primary Responsibilities:

Mississippi Aquarium Event Coordination Assistance:

• Assist in development and coordination of various events at the Aquarium.
• Help with logistics, vendor coordination, and on-site event support to ensure smooth operations.
• Provide setup, day of, and breakdown support during the event.

Sales Event, Group, and Birthday Coordination Assistance:

• Assist in coordinating sales events, sales groups and birthdays as needed.
• Promptly respond to inquiries regarding birthday parties and other related events as assigned.
• Provide detailed information and assistance to clients, ensuring their needs are met and expectations are exceeded.

Marketing Support:

• Assist the marketing team with social media efforts, including content creation, scheduling, and community engagement.
• Draft marketing documents to include but not limited to: Press releases and radio scripts as needed for MSAQ Events.
• Perform administrative tasks as assigned, such as updating databases, preparing reports, and organizing marketing materials.
• Coordinate and attend Outreach Events as requested to amplify Mississippi Aquariums presence in the community and support the aquarium’s mission.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Hospitality Management, Communications, or a related field.

• Some experience in event planning, customer service, or marketing is preferred.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Tenacious, collaborative spirit with a strong customer focus.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Must be willing and available to work holidays, weekends and evenings. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms.

Department: Animal Care

Classification: Permanent, Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Direct Report: Curator of Marine Mammals

POSITION SUMMARY

The position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Curators, Area Supervisors and/or Sr. Vice President of Property Operations in carrying out the animal care routine and maintenance for an assigned set of habitats. The position will also be responsible for maintaining organized written records pertaining to health, feeding, water quality, animal welfare and behavioral observations. This position is responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety, protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) accreditation standards.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in the daily care and behavioral conditioning of bottlenose dolphins, North American river otters, and other taxa as needed
• Maintains a superior level of professionalism while performing primary/key roles in daily guest presentation and interaction programs
• Interacts with guests and crew members in a positive and professional manner

·         Assists Senior Animal Care Specialists with the development and implementation of dynamic animal training projects and programs that serve to enhance animal care, animal management, guest experience, and Aquarium public relations

·         Actively participates in the progression of animal training goals and standards for MSAQ under the direction/supervision of Senior Marine Mammal Trainers and management, including training new behaviors

• Possess great knowledge of cetacean and mustelid natural history, individual animal histories and husbandry
• Able to identify all animals in assigned animal areas and observe any possible abnormalities

·         Assist with the developmental goals of Marine Mammal Trainers 1, Assistant Marine Mammal Trainers, and Seasonal Marine Mammal Trainers 

• Understand all area safety guidelines
• Attend all seminars and all tests required
• Play a key role in maintaining the highest standards in the areas of husbandry/cleanliness, diet preparation, record keeping, 24-hour animal observations, and facility maintenance

·         To perform other duties as workload necessitates, regardless of time, day, or location  

·         Lead training sessions and may be asked to take on the responsibilities of a Senior Marine Mammal Trainer in their absence

·         Perform the execution of all poolside interactive programs and presentations

·          

 QUALIFICATIONs:

• A four-year degree in aquatic sciences, zoology, biology, psychology preferred

·         Two or more years of full-time animal care experience from an accredited AMMPA or AZA institution, or equivalent, required

• Certified SCUBA diver
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, SCUBA dive physical, and area swim test
• Record-keeping experience, preferably with the TRACKS system
• Detailed understanding of the biology, behavior, and natural history of marine mammals, with an emphasis on cetaceans, mustelids and other taxa as needed
• Detailed knowledge of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement animal behavioral conditioning techniques
• Excellent observation and communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that generate and sustain a positive team atmosphere and professional environment
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel if necessary
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, days closed due to inclement weather
• Experience in preparing and conducting public educational programs
• Able to lift a minimum of sixty (60) pounds
• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal

 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 employee 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 employee 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 employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note:  Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs.  Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g., goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.  

POSITION SUMMARY

This position requires a highly motivated individual who will take directions from the VP of Veterinary Services and Research, Coral Laboratory Supervisor, and Coral Laboratory Aquarist in assisting with the maintenance and general husbandry of the deep-water and mesophotic coral systems. As an intern, you can expect to get hands-on experience in the daily care of our coral systems, tracking growth rate and research. Throughout the Internship, Interns will learn various tasks required for the daily operation of multiple coral systems; gain valuable knowledge in water chemistry, aquarium life support systems, aquatic biology, and quarantine systems; and develop skills in time management, communication, 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

· 18 years of age or older

· Enrolled in or recent graduate of a four-year college program in biology, marine biology, or another related field

· Ability to work weekends, holidays, and possible late hours

· Ability to find and secure housing for the duration of the Internship

· Ability to work with and around various fish and crustaceans

· Ability to work full-time, at least 2 days per week

· Ability to perform physically demanding job duties on a daily basis

· A valid driver’s license and ability to travel to and from work

· Previous animal care experience, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or completing other animal care Internships

· Previous coral experience is preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Assists Coral Laboratory Aquarists in the overall daily care of the mesophotic and deep-water corals

· Performs proper animal diet preparation

· Keeps support areas clean, organized, and safe

· Builds knowledge of water chemistry and aquarium life support systems

· Supports 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

· Daily interaction with fellow team members and the public

· Promotes conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks

· Undertakes special projects as assigned by manager(s)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

· Applicants should consider themselves hardworking, dedicated, and reliable.

· Excellent observation and communication skills

· Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that sustain a positive and professional environment

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Intern for this job. 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 job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the Intern is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g., goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.