WAVE Foundation Internship Programs 
Requirements:
- Students who have completed one year of college (must be of sophomore, junior or senior status) and registered for credit at a two or four year college or university,
- Individuals taking a gap year,
- Individuals who have completed college and are looking for life experience in the industry.
- With your completed online application, you are required to upload a cover letter and resume.
Compensation: These are unpaid part-time internships. Interns must complete a minimum of 150 hours in one semester, unless your current school requires more hours to receive credit. Some internships may require more than 150 hours.
Internship Program Schedule
| Season | Application Opens | Application Window | Intern Interviews, Offers, & Orientation | Internship Session |
| Winter/Spring | August 1st | August-November | December/January | Mid-January – Mid-April |
| Summer | January 1st | January-March | April/May | Mid-May – August |
| Fall | April 1st | April-June | July/August | Late-August – 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.
Winter/Spring 2026 (January 19th – April 20th) Animal Care Internship Opportunities – OPEN
WAVE Foundation at Newport Aquarium Fall Animal Care Internship applications are closed. Winter/Spring applications will be accepted August – November 2025.
Animal Care Internship – Aquatics: Animal Care Intern for Aquatics supports the Animal Care Team in providing superior care to our aquatic animal collection while advancing the missions of The WAVE Foundation and Newport Aquarium. WAVE Foundation at Newport Aquarium Internships allow college students and recent college graduates to gain valuable hands-on experience in animal husbandry pertaining to our Aquatics collection under the mentorship of the Animal Care Team. The WAVE Foundation Animal Care Intern for Aquatics is a volunteer position with the WAVE Foundation. There is no monetary compensation for this position. Full Position Description.
Animal Care Internship – Penguins: Animal Care Intern for Penguins supports the Animal Care Team in providing superior care to our avian animal collection while advancing the missions of The WAVE Foundation and Newport Aquarium. WAVE Foundation at Newport Aquarium Internships allow college students and recent college graduates to gain valuable hands-on experience in animal husbandry pertaining to our avian/bird collection under the mentorship of the Animal Care Team. The WAVE Foundation Animal Care Intern for Penguins is a volunteer position with the WAVE Foundation. There is no monetary compensation for this position. Full Position Description.
Animal Care Internship – Reptiles & Amphibians: Animal Care Intern for Reptiles and Amphibians supports the Animal Care Team in providing superior care to our herpetological animal collection while advancing the missions of The WAVE Foundation and Newport Aquarium. WAVE Foundation at Newport Aquarium Internships allow college students and recent college graduates to gain valuable hands-on experience in animal husbandry pertaining to our herpetology collection under the mentorship of the Animal Care Team. The WAVE Foundation Animal Care Intern for Reptiles and Amphibians is a volunteer position with the WAVE Foundation. There is no monetary compensation for this position. Full Position Description.
Winter/Spring 2026 (January 26th – May 1st) Support & Engagement Internship Opportunities – OPEN
WAVE Foundation at Newport Aquarium Winter/Spring Internship applications are open and will close on December 1, 2025.
WAVE Foundation Communication Internship: 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 Development & Communications Manager to inform audiences about education programs, conservation work, and news about WAVE Foundation. Full Position Description.
WAVE Foundation Conservation Education Internship: 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 WAVE at Newport Aquarium. Under the supervision of the Conservation Education Managers and Director, the Intern will serve as an ambassador for WAVE at WAVE on Wheels Programs, Camp WAVE Summer Camp, and other Community driven events. WAVE Foundation Conservation Education Intern is an unpaid, volunteer position with WAVE Foundation. There is no monetary compensation for this position. Full Position Description.
