Seek2Sea Animal Care Apprenticeship

The Seek2Sea Animal Care Apprenticeship offers a paid 22-week work-basedlearning experience to train early-career individuals in the skills,knowledge, and expertise needed to enter the marine science field inanimal care. The goal of Seek2Sea is to reduce barriers to entry-levelanimal care employment opportunities in marine science for communitiesof Greater Boston (including Boston, Revere, Somerville, Cambridge,Quincy, Malden, and Chelsea) by establishing a career pathway thatcombines hands-on training, professional development, and marine sciencelearning opportunities. Apprentices will work closely with experiencedanimal care professionals to learn the skills needed to care for theanimals in the New England Aquarium's care. They will learn husbandryand enrichment techniques used to enhance the care and well-being of ouranimals, how to maintain the intricate life support systems that keepour animals healthy, and general exhibit maintenance. Apprentices maywork with fish, invertebrates, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Thisposition is intended for applicants with pre-entry level skills andexperience in an animal care setting those with no prior animal careexperience are encouraged to apply. This is a full-time, temporary,on-site position. The position is scheduled to run from April 2026through August 2026, with some flexibility on the start date. Theschedule will consist of five eight-hour days each week (either Sunday -Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday, depending on team placement). Apprenticeswill be trained in the following duties and responsibilities: Developingknowledge in the biology, history, and ecology of natural habitats forassigned aquatic species Developing knowledge in nutrition and carryingout food preparation for assigned aquatic species Performing a varietyof feeding techniques, reading, and adhering to feeding charts andrecipes Observing and documenting the feeding behavior of assignedspecies Performing essential enclosure maintenance, including changingfilter bags, cleaning protein skimmers, and siphoning waste Identifyingcomponents and functions of life support systems and reportingdeviations from optimal system conditions Recognizing typical andabnormal behaviors and characteristics of species in assigned systemsMaintaining written and electronic records and submitting entries viaNEAQ's specimen database system TRACKS - this may include bothnarrative notes and numerical data. Upholding a high standard of animalwelfare, including identifying signs of animal distress and followingNEAq protocols Engaging in ongoing learning and professional developmentsessions, including e-learning modules, one-on-one meetings, projects,and off-site learning experiences Apprentices will receive: Pay rate:$17.60 per hour Paid learning opportunities, including hands-ontraining, e-learning modules, certifications, and additional coursesOn-site meal allowance Monthly LinkPass (for subway and bus use; othercommuting expenses will not be subsidized) Opportunities forinstitutional and industry networking Job placement support uponcompletion of the apprentice program Qualifications Minimum RequirementsHigh School Diploma or Equivalent Experience Must reside in GreaterBoston (including Revere, Somerville, Cambridge, Quincy, Malden, andChelsea) A strong interest in a career in Biology, Marine Science, orAnimal Care Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Motivated with a strongcommitment to learning Willing to accept instruction and feedbackInterest in developing strong critical thinking and problem-solvingskills Ability to maintain collaborative working relationships withcolleagues Effective written and verbal communication skills Able towork independently as well as collaboratively Able to lift 50 pounds,climb multiple flights of stairs, and use small ladders Able to work inconfined spaces of varying temperature, light, and sound lev ls

Created: 2026-03-30