Seek2Sea Animal Training Apprenticeship

The Seek2Sea Animal Training Apprenticeship offers a paid 22-weekwork-based learning experience to train early-career individuals in theskills, knowledge, and expertise needed to enter the marine sciencefield in animal care. The goal of Seek2Sea is to reduce barriers toentry-level animal care employment opportunities in marine science forcommunities of Greater Boston (including Boston, Revere, Somerville,Cambridge, Quincy, Malden, and Chelsea) by establishing a career pathwaythat combines hands-on training, professional development, and marinescience learning opportunities. Apprentices will work closely withexperienced animal care professionals to learn the skills needed to carefor the animals in the New England Aquarium's care. They will learnhusbandry, training, and enrichment techniques used to enhance the careand well-being of our sea lions and seals, and general exhibitmaintenance. This position is intended for applicants with pre-entrylevel skills and experience in an animal care setting those with noprior animal care experience are encouraged to apply. This is afull-time, temporary, on-site position. The position is scheduled to runfrom April 2026 through August 2026, with some flexibility on the startdate. Apprentices will work 5, 8 hour days each week including a weekendday. Hours will be 8a 5p EST for the first 11 weeks of theapprenticeship, and 7a 4p for the final 11 weeks of the apprenticeship.Apprentices will be trained in the following duties andresponsibilities: Developing knowledge in the biology, history, andecology of natural habitats for assigned aquatic species Providing dailycare for animals and facility, including food preparation, feeding,medication distribution, cleaning, and enclosure maintenance Developingknowledge in basic behavior, training, and enrichment concepts to assisttrainers during training sessions and presentations Observing anddocumenting the behaviors for assigned species Recognizing typical andabnormal behaviors and characteristics of assigned species Engagingvisitors, guests, and the public in presentations, behind the scenestours, and Q&A sessions Maintaining written and electronic records andsubmitting entries via NEAQ's specimen database system TRACKS - thismay include both narrative notes and numerical data. Upholding a highstandard of animal welfare, including identifying signs of animaldistress and following NEAq protocols Engaging in ongoing learning andprofessional development sessions, including e-learning modules,bi-weekly apprentice learning sessions, projects, and off-site learningexperiences Apprentices will receive: Pay rate: $17.60 per hour Paidlearning opportunities, including hands-on training, e-learning modules,and additional courses On-site meal allowance Monthly LinkPass (forsubway and bus use; other commuting expenses will not be subsidized)Opportunities for institutional and industry networking Job placementsupport upon completion of the apprentice program Qualifications MinimumRequirements High School Diploma or equivalent experience Must reside inGreater Boston (including Revere, Somerville, Cambridge, Quincy, Malden,and Chelsea) A strong interest in a career in Marine Science, AnimalTraining, or Animal Care Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Motivated witha strong commitment to learning Willing to accept instruction andfeedback Interest in developing strong critical thinking andproblem-solving skills Ability to maintain collaborative workingrelationships with colleagues Effective written and verbal communicationskills Able to work independently as well as collaboratively Able tolift 50 pounds, climb multiple flights of stairs, and use small laddersAble to work in confined spaces of varying temperature, light, and soundlevels Willing to actively participate in daily animal care duties,including food preparation, handling raw fish, exhibit cleaning, ndmaintenance

Created: 2026-03-30