Learn what it takes to keep the Aquarium running, gain career field experience and make a meaningful contribution to the Aquarium’s daily operations!
Internships
Great Lakes Aquarium offers internships with several departments and teams. These positions are unpaid internships intended to develop skills and provide hands-on experience in their respective fields, and the Aquarium cannot provide housing. However, internships may be eligible for educational credit.
All interns collaborate directly with Aquarium staff in their professional duties. All internships have been designed to provide benefit to both the intern and to our organization. Some provide more room for customization than others — tell us what you’re interested in!
Animal Care Internship – Aquarist focus
Great Lakes Aquarium Animal Care Internship – Aquarist focus is designed to provide a career learning experience for people interested in a career in the zoo and aquarium field. The internship is a hands-on opportunity to work with various native and tropical fish. Interns will participate in food preparation, exhibit maintenance, water quality and record keeping under the supervision of trained professionals. This internship is mornings, 3 days per week, 4 hour shifts.
Fall 2026 application deadline July 15, 2026
Spring 2027 application deadline November 15, 2026
Questions? Please contact Emma Begalka at 218.740.2045 or ebegalka@glaquarium.org.
Water Quality Internship
Great Lakes Aquarium Water Quality Internship is designed to provide a career learning experience for people interested in lab management and water quality. The internship is a hands-on opportunity to work with lab safety and biosecurity, water quality and coliform testing, and micronutrient analysis for reef systems. This internship is mornings, 3 days per week, 4 hour shifts.
Summer 2026 application deadline April 15, 2026
Fall 2026 application deadline July 15, 2026
Questions? Please contact Tabitha Brower at (218) 740-2045 or tbrower@glaquarium.org.
Summer Camp Internship
Great Lakes Aquarium Summer Camp Internship is designed to provide a career learning experience for people interested in working with youth in a fun, outdoor-based summer camp environment. Support counselors with field trips, games and activities, while gaining experience with kids! This internship has flexible hours and shift length within camp operating hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. -4 p.m.).
Summer 2026 application deadline April 15, 2025
Questions? Contact Community Learning Manager Ahna Neil at (218) 740-2025 or education@glaquarium.org.