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Animal Training Internship

Have you always dreamed of being a marine mammal trainer? Are you seeking an opportunity to take your first steps towards a career in animal training? If you have answered yes to these questions, Marineland Dolphin Adventures’ animal training internship may be just what you have been looking for!

 

Located in St. Augustine, Florida, Marineland Dolphin Adventure (MDA) has an 80-year history of inspiring and implementing marine mammal conservation and care.  As an animal training intern, you will work alongside MDA’s training staff to play an integral role in the daily care of our dolphin collection.

 

Caring for any animal takes a lot of hard work and dedication, therefore the physicality of becoming a marine mammal trainer is not to be under estimated.  A day in the life of an animal training intern will involve food preparation, daily cleaning and facility maintenance, and guest interaction and education.  As an intern, you will have the opportunity to observe training sessions utilizing operant conditioning techniques, participate in a trainer lecture series, and practice the skills necessary to pass a swim-test in the dolphin training field.  Interns may also assist in training sessions and on-microphone presentations as you gain experience!

 

In short, MDA is an excellent launching point to begin your career as a marine mammal trainer! Upon completion of the program, you will be well prepared and equipped to move forward in applying for entry level positions at all accredited marine mammal facilities.

Schedule:

  • Must commit to a regular schedule of 40 hours per week for duration of internship semester
  • Must be available on weekends and holidays

 

Spring Session

  • Application Deadline: November 15th
  • Semester Months: Mid-January to Mid-May

 

Summer Session

  • Application Deadline: March 1st
  • Semester months: Mid-May to Mid-August

 

Fall Session

  • Application Deadline: June 1st
  • Semester months: Mid-August to Mid-January

 

*Please note that these are strict deadlines and our programs are highly competitive. Materials received after the deadline will not be considered.

Application Requirements:

  • Major in animal science, psychology, biology, zoology or related field
  • Currently enrolled in college and receiving credit for this experience
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs., work in all weather conditions, standing/walking for long durations, handling raw seafood.

To apply, please submit the following documents by the application deadline:

 

  • Completed internship application
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Official college transcripts (preferred but not required)
  • Email all application materials to trainersintern@marineland.net