Volunteers assist throughout the Aquarium, at the ACRC and out in the field. Join us and help connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet!
Through full-time and part-time positions, as well as internship and volunteer opportunities, there are plenty of options to get involved at the National Aquarium!
Careers
Thank you for your interest in working at the National Aquarium! From animal care to administration and everything in between, we're always looking for passionate, talented individuals to join our team. You can help us connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Please browse our open positions and be sure to check back often!
Internships
Internships at the National Aquarium provide hands-on experiences that add value to any college education. By applying classroom knowledge, interns obtain valuable job experience and establish professional contacts.
College internship positions are available year-round in many departments throughout the Aquarium. The Aquarium makes every effort to match interns to work that complements their studies, interests and skills. Students may apply for up to two internships per term; if more than two applications are submitted, only the first two will be considered.
Eligibility & Requirements
Interested applicants must be college-enrolled or have graduated in the previous semester. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis; please email intern@aqua.org to request an exemption. Complete applications will include:
- Answers to all application questions, including biographical information, availability and short answer questions
- Copy of unofficial transcript
- Contact information for 2 references
Scholarships for Interns
The National Aquarium is pleased to offer scholarship opportunities for select Baltimore students working with us as interns. Selected students will receive a stipend—equal to $15 an hour and not to exceed $3,000—over the course of their internship. Scholarship recipients must work at least 120 hours over the course of at least six weeks.
Eligibility
To qualify for a scholarship, interns must be enrolled in an accredited college or university, pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree. They must also meet at least one of the following requirements:
- A graduate of Baltimore City Public Schools
- A past participant in at least one National Aquarium youth program, including Aquarium on Wheels (AOW), Henry Hall Fellowship, Henry Hall Summer Scholars, Youth Exhibit Guide and/or YouthWorks
- A Baltimore City resident for at least the past 12 consecutive months
- A current student at one of the following colleges or universities located in Baltimore City: Baltimore City Community College (BCCC), Coppin State University, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola University Maryland, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), Morgan State University, Notre Dame University of Maryland, University of Baltimore, or University of Maryland, Baltimore
Selection
Eligible students should express their interest by checking the applicable box when applying to their internship of choice. Recipients will be asked to provide documentation to verify their eligibility.
Need Help?
Please email intern@aqua.org with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you do not need to receive credit in order to participate in our internship program, with the exception of select positions which will note a credit requirement. However, we will still work with you and your school to fulfill credit requirements if you would like to receive credit for your internship.
Schedules are flexible; your exact hours will vary according to the time of year, your supervisor's schedule and the work that needs to be completed. Your hours will be determined during your interview or upon acceptance. All interns complete a minimum of 120 hours of service, and most positions ask no more than 20 hours a week. Exceptions are noted in the position description.
Yes, parking is covered for all interns while on shift.
No. However, many interns make use of the many short-term housing options available in the area.
High school students cannot participate in the internship program, but they can apply for the youth exhibit guide program.
Recent college graduates may participate if they graduated in the previous semester. Another option is to become a volunteer.
Graduate students are able to participate in the program, although many positions are tailored to undergraduate students. The same application requirements apply to graduate students.
International students are encouraged to apply, but please note that the Aquarium cannot sponsor any visas.
Underclassmen can be accepted, but juniors and seniors are usually more qualified. A junior or senior applicant has had more classes specific to their major that they are able to apply to their work as an intern.
Yes! You can start your experience at the Aquarium as a volunteer and/or stay involved as a volunteer after your internship has been completed.
Volunteer
There are so many opportunities to volunteer with the National Aquarium—for those who want to get involved in the building, are dedicated to conserving our local habitats, and are high school students.
For Animals & Guests
In the Field
Join us as we restore vital habitats throughout our region for people and wildlife, track local biodiversity, drive conservation initiatives and more. Together we can create change!
For Your Future
The National Aquarium's Youth Exhibit Guide Program gives high school students the opportunity to volunteer at the Aquarium over the summer while gaining career skills.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
The National Aquarium is dedicated to creating an environment that is inclusive, equitable and accessible to people from all backgrounds. We cannot successfully change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet without connecting with and appreciating the broad diversity of identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that make our community unique.