Coral Research Internship
This specialized internship is designed to provide valuable hands-on experience working and collecting data at a world-class, land-based coral nursery producing corals for reef restoration in Florida. This internship is funded through a grant and interns will be paid a monthly stipend.
With the exception of orientation and workshops, this internship position is entirely carried out at our Apollo Beach location.
Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
- Develop knowledge and experience in coral husbandry, biology, life history, and life support technology
- Conduct daily duties to assist primary biologist on live coral aquaria, including but not limited to cleaning, performing water changes, maintaining life support systems, feeding, and managing water quality parameters
- Assist with gathering health assessment data and keeping accurate and detailed daily records
- Utilize dissecting microscope to clean coral settlement tiles
- Assist with medical treatments
- Assist with coral spawning observations, gamete collection, larval creation and settlement
- Assist with collecting coral settlement and survival data
- Complete project involving data collection and interpretation that benefits both The Florida Aquarium and the intern Present findings internally and potentially externally
- Other duties as assigned by internship supervisor
Desired Qualifications:
- Previous experience with reef aquarium husbandry and knowledge of basic coral and marine invertebrate biology
- Experience using dissecting microscopes and ability/desire to work using a microscope for many hours
- Ability to work in hot and humid conditions
- Ability to lift 30 lbs
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently
Time Commitment:
- Four days a week, minimum 8 hours per day, with no more than 1 weekend day per week
- Exact hours will vary during coral spawning, but generally, the intern will work 32 hours per week
Positions Available: Two (2)
Length of Position: Six (6) months
We are not currently accepting applications.
