Animal Husbandry Intern - Joppa Flats

Location: Newburyport, MA
Sanctuary: Joppa Flats

Spring 2020 Term (Mid-May through late August): This team of 4-5 Animal Husbandry Interns (AHIs)will train to manage the care, feeding and maintenance of various species of marine life that are in-house including marine invertebrates and estuarine invertebrates and live fish. AHIs will be responsible for a 110-gallon tide pool touch tank, 50 gallon nursery tank, 30 gallon freshwater pond tank, and various insect cages. AHIs will be responsible for leading collecting trips on the beaches every 2-3 weeks during the term. In addition, the interns train with the Joppa Flats Biosurvey Naturalist on our plant and insect species inventory project will learn how to further develop our online insect guide and create seasonal training aids and activity sheets for visitors. 

Responsibilities

Maintain our 110- and 50- gallon cold marine aquarium tanks; care for and feed their inhabitants (coastal invertebrates and fish)
Perform necessary weekly and monthly tank maintenance including water chemistry (NH4, NO2, NO3, pH) and partial water changes
Lead collecting trips to the beach and track tank inventory bi-monthly
Manage the daily care and feeding of various insect cages with caterpillars, praying mantis and other temporary visitors
Record weekly statistics in the animal care journal and take regular measurements, photos and videos for the animal collection
Work side by side with our master gardeners and biosurvey naturalist to learn about the care of our butterfly gardens, pollinators, and bird feeders 
Create monthly visual aids for visitors to use to observe seasonal trends in plants and wildlife on the property
Assist Joppa Flats staff with field gear repairs and equipment maintenance as needed. 

Qualifications

At least 18 years of age or 16 years with 1 year of experience at Joppa Flats
Massachusetts driving license preferred
Experience with tank maintenance, animal care, and feeding (salt water preferred)
Local knowledge of New England coastal ecology and rocky shore species a plus but not required
Knowledge of botany or experience gardening a plus
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
Can work independently or as part of a team
Must pass a background records check (CORI, SORI and driver's) 

Compensation and Benefits

This is an unpaid internship.

Additional Comments

Dates of Employment: late May - late August 2020
Commitment 12-15 weeks for a minimum of 20 hours per week
Some evenings and weekends required.