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Internships

Interning with WAVE Foundation

WAVE Foundation offers a variety of internships that provide hands-on experience in the zoological, aquarium, and conservation fields. These opportunities are ideal for individuals interested in gaining real-world experience in animal care, public communication, and conservation.

Whether you want to learn what it takes to care for aquatic animals, develop skills in outreach and storytelling, or explore the nonprofit side of conservation, WAVE internships offer valuable training and insight into working in the industry.

Internship Eligibility

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Current College/University students
  • Individuals taking a gap year
  • College/University graduates
  • Individuals seeking career change
  • Along with your completed online application, you are required to upload a cover letter and resume in PDF format

Compensation and Hours

  • All internships are unpaid and part-time
  • Interns must commit to a minimum of 16hrs (maximum of 40hrs) a week for 12 weeks
Apply Here

Animal Care Intern Opportunities

The Animal Care Intern for Aquatics supports the Animal Care Team in providing exceptional daily care for the aquatic animal collection while advancing the missions of WAVE Foundation and Newport Aquarium.

This internship offers participants valuable hands-on, educational learning focused on animal welfare, husbandry practices, and aquatic animal care under the mentorship of experienced Animal Care Biologists. The Animal Care Internship is a volunteer position with WAVE Foundation.

The Animal Care Intern for Penguins works alongside the Animal Care Team to ensure the highest standards of daily care for the penguin colonies (warm and cold weather species) while supporting the missions of WAVE Foundation and Newport Aquarium.

This internship provides participants with hands-on, educational experience centered on animal welfare, husbandry techniques, and the specialized care required for penguins. The Animal Care Internship is a volunteer position with WAVE Foundation.

The Animal Care Intern for Reptiles & Amphibians works alongside the Animal Care Team to provide exceptional care for the animals in Frog Bog, Gator Alley, and other herpetology exhibits while supporting the missions of WAVE Foundation and Newport Aquarium.

This internship gives participants hands-on, educational experience focused on animal welfare, husbandry practices, and the unique care requirements of reptile and amphibian species. The Animal Care Internship is a volunteer position with WAVE Foundation.

Support & Engagement Intern Opportunities

The Communications Intern will assist the WAVE Foundation in promoting WAVE’s mission and programming through a multi-channel approach. This includes social media platforms, webpages, emails, and print media. Work alongside WAVE’s Marketing & Communications Coordinator to inform audiences about education programs, conservation work, and news about WAVE Foundation.

WAVE Foundation Communications Intern is an unpaid, volunteer position with WAVE Foundation.

WAVE Foundation Conservation Education Intern serves as an instructor for WAVE Foundation education programs. This intern is instrumental in executing WAVE Education programs in the community and onsite at the WAVE Education Center and Newport Aquarium. Under the supervision of the Conservation Education Managers and Director, the Intern will serve as an ambassador for WAVE during WAVE on Wheels Programs, Camp WAVE, and other community-driven events.

WAVE Foundation Conservation Education Intern is an unpaid, volunteer position with WAVE Foundation.

Internship Program Schedule

Season

Application Opens

Application Window

Interviews, Offers, & Orientation

Session

Winter/Spring

August 1st

August – November

December – January

Mid-January – Mid-April

Summer

January 1st

January – March

April – May

Mid-May – Mid-August

Fall

April 1st

April – June

July – August

Late-August – Mid-November

NOTE: We receive a high volume of applications and, unfortunately, are unable to respond individually to all applicants. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly. We appreciate your enthusiasm and understanding.

Apply Here