INTERNSHIPS
Maritime Gloucester offers 3 unpaid internship tracts. Descriptions for our education internships, aquarium internships and high school junior internships are listed below. If you are interested in any of these please fully read the description and then click on the link below to fill out our online application.
Spring & summer internship applications are live! Apply now below!
COLLEGE EDUCATION INTERN
Maritime Gloucester offers unpaid internships for college students and recent college graduates. Interns will assist Maritime Gloucester’s education and aquarium staff with drop-in public education activities, week-long summer and vacation programs, field trips, and community fieldwork experiences. Interns will learn about the local marine species of Gloucester and teach our visitors about the biodiversity of animals and habitats that can be found right in our backyard. Interns will also gain knowledge and experience in our working waterfront through assisting in hands-on maritime activities in and around boats. Interns will also gain experience in developing their own program, activity, or temporary exhibit throughout the summer for visitors to enjoy and participate in. Internships are unpaid. Maritime Gloucester does not provide housing or transportation.
Tasks include:
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Interacting with the public: discussing ocean science, assisting Maritime Gloucester staff with education programs and field trips, talking about local culture and history, and assisting with aquarium visitors
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Developing drop-in programs: featured creature activities, both kids-level and adult-level educational programs, pop-up activities
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Working on an independent project: interactive displays, temporary exhibits, featured species activities, drop-in programs, etc. of your choosing
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Maintaining appearance of classroom and other campus spaces
Desired qualities:
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Major in education, environmental science, or marine science is preferred
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Experience working with children and/or animals is preferred
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Experience working in/around boats is preferred
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Must be at least 18 years of age
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Must be able to work well independently and in groups
Time commitment:
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Minimum of 2 full days (times vary by day), including one weekend day, per week*
*Dates may vary due to individual college’s academic calendar
COLLEGE AQUARIUM INTERN
Maritime Gloucester offers unpaid summer internships for college students and recent college graduates. Interns will assist aquarium staff with tank system maintenance and animal husbandry in our outdoor sea-pocket aquarium and brand new indoor Maritime Science Education Center. Interns will learn about the local marine species of Gloucester and teach our visitors about the biodiversity of animals and habitats that can be found right in our backyard. Interns will also gain experience in developing their own research project, activity, or temporary exhibit throughout the summer for visitors to enjoy and/or participate in. Internships are unpaid. Maritime Gloucester does not provide housing or transportation.
Tasks include:
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Maintaining aquarium tanks and systems: cleaning tanks of algae and debris, monitoring water quality, performing routine tank and systems maintenance, and feeding the animals
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Interacting with the public: discussing ocean science, assisting visitors with proper animal handling techniques, talking about local culture and history, and assisting with educational programs
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Working on an independent project: research, interactive displays, temporary exhibits, featured species activities, etc. of your choosing that relates to Maritime Gloucester’s mission
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Maintaining appearance of aquarium and other campus spaces
Desired qualities:
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Major in biology, environmental science, marine science, or animal science is preferred
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Experience working with animals is preferred, but not required
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Must be able to lift 40 pounds and climb ladders (no more than 6ft.)
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Must be at least 18 years of age
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Must be able to work well independently and in groups
Time commitment:
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Minimum of 2 full days (times vary by day), including one weekend day, per week*
*Dates may vary due to individual college’s academic calendar
COLLEGE MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
Maritime Gloucester offers unpaid internships for college students and recent graduates interested in marketing, communications, media, and storytelling within a science and education setting. The Marketing & Communications Intern supports Maritime Gloucester’s efforts to share its mission, programs, and daily work with the public through creative, engaging content.
Interns will assist with social media, digital marketing, and communications by creating visual and written content that highlights maritime heritage, marine science, aquarium life, and educational programming. A unique aspect of this role is the opportunity to translate scientific and educational content into accessible, engaging material for a wide public audience. Interns will gain hands-on experience working behind the scenes at a nonprofit maritime museum, aquarium, and working waterfront.
This internship is hybrid and flexible, with opportunities to work on-site for photography, video, events, and collaboration, as well as remotely for writing, editing, and design projects. Internships are unpaid and may be eligible for academic credit. Maritime Gloucester does not provide housing or transportation.
Tasks include:
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Creating marketing materials such as flyers, posters, social media graphics, and digital promotions
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Assisting with social media content creation, including short-form video (Reels, TikToks, etc.)
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Writing and supporting email campaigns, website content, and newsletters
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Capturing photos and videos around campus, during programs, and at events
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Helping translate marine science and education topics into clear, public-facing language
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Supporting promotion of programs, camps, exhibits, and special events
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Organizing and maintaining a digital photo and video library
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Collaborating with education, aquarium, and development staff to identify stories and content opportunities
Desired qualities:
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Must be at least 18 years of age
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Interest in marketing, communications, media, journalism, graphic design, or related fields
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Interest in marine biology, environmental science, or science education preferred (but not required)
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Strong writing and communication skills
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Experience with social media platforms; familiarity with Canva or similar tools is a plus
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Comfortable taking photos and videos (or eager to learn)
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Organized, reliable, creative, and able to work independently and as part of a team
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Comfortable working in a public-facing environment
Time commitment:
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Approximately 2–3 days per week for a minimum of 12 weeks
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Schedule is flexible and may include occasional events or programs
*Dates may vary due to individual college’s academic calendar
JUNIOR INTERN PROGRAM - (16+ years old)
Maritime Gloucester offers unpaid intern opportunities for high school students who are going into their junior or senior year, and are 16 years of age or older. Junior interns will assist Maritime Gloucester’s education staff, aquarium staff and college interns with animal husbandry and aquarium system maintenance, drop-in public education activities, week-long summer or vacation programs, and community experiences. Junior interns will learn about the local marine species of Gloucester and teach our visitors about the biodiversity of animals and habitats that can be found right in our backyard. Interns will also gain knowledge and experience in our working waterfront through assisting in hands-on maritime activities in and around boats (summer months only). Junior interns will also gain experience in creating a presentation throughout the summer on a topic of their choosing that relates to Maritime Gloucester’s Mission. Internships are unpaid. Maritime Gloucester does not provide housing or transportation.
Tasks include:
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Interacting with the public: discussing ocean science, assisting Maritime Gloucester staff with education programs and field trips, assisting with aquarium visitors and teaching them proper animal handling
-
Maintaining aquarium tanks and systems: cleaning tanks of algae and debris, monitoring water quality, performing routine tank and systems maintenance
-
Maintaining appearance of classroom, aquarium, and other campus spaces
Desired qualities:
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Interest in education, environmental science, animal science, or marine science is preferred
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Experience working with children is preferred
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Must be at least 16 years of age (no exceptions)
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Must be able to work well independently and in groups
Time commitment:
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Minimum of 1 full day or 2 half-days per week*
*Dates may vary due to individual school’s academic calendar
We also have volunteer opportunities that are available year-round and can allow a more flexible time commitment. Please click here if you are interested in volunteering.