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Now accepting applications for the 2021 summer season! Application deadline: February 1st, 2021 at 11:00 PM EST.
The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is offering four internships at its Aquarium during the 2021 summer. The MMA aquarium houses roughly 65-75 different marine species each year. Students are immersed in all aspects of operating a high energy and very popular public aquarium and its marine science programs. Students will learn to lead programs for visitors of all ages, care for marine fish and invertebrates, and collect species through snorkeling and seining.
The ideal candidates have interest and experience with marine biology and environmental education. This position offers an absolutely unique work opportunity for students interested in aquariums and marine science education.
Nantucket Island is a resort community that swells to over 60,000 people in the summer. There are 50 miles of beaches and over half the land area is conservation land. The mission of the MMA is to inspire people to experience Nantucket’s land, sea and sky. Programs and facilities focus on environmental education, ecological research, astronomy, and historic preservation. The Aquarium is the most visited of all MMA’s facilities.
Responsibilities and Tasks
- Feed and care for display animals (up to 90 marine species including: fish, mollusks, arthropods, echinoderms, cnidarians, ctenophores, and more).
- Interact with visitors in an engaging manner during beach field trips and aquarium tours.
- Plumbing, troubleshooting and repairing the tanks.
- Co-lead marine ecology field trips and beachcombing field trips several times per week.
- Travel around the island to collect species for the aquarium.
- Sell memberships and items in the gift shop.
- Engage in other MMA activities (astronomy, research, Nantucket history) and special events (Optional).
Key Requirements and Qualifications
- Educational background in marine biology or related field with at least two (2) years of college experience.
- Enthusiasm for teaching science.
- Interest and experience in marine biology and outdoor education.
- Experience working and interacting with the public, both adults and children.
- CPR and First Aid Certified
- Drivers License
Skills
- Comfortable speaking to groups of people, willingness to learn outdoor education skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and with a team.
- Familiarity with New England marine ecosystems.
- Ability to plan ahead, organize and prioritize with an attention to detail.
- Clear communication both verbally and written.
- Teamwork and community leadership.
- Comfortable working in waders and capable of lifting up to 40 pounds.
- Enjoys problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
Compensation
Compensation is paid, 3/4 time position with optional intern housing. This internship is scheduled from May 24 to August 28, 2021, with preference given to candidates who can work through September 6, 2021. There is a required orientation and training from May 24, to June 1, 2021. Paid extension is possible through Sept. 20, 2021. Summer interns are responsible for becoming CPR and First Aid certified but, the MMA will reimburse the cost of the training up to $50.
Application Process
Inquiries may be sent by e-mail to jdubinsky@mariamitchell.org. For questions, call 508- 228-9198.
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The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D.
We especially encourage students from under-represented groups in marine science to apply.