Summary: Do you have a passion for marine biology? Looking to develop your skills as an educator? At Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium, interns build a foundation for a career in environmental education. Interns educate the public about the ecology of Narragansett Bay.
Location: Newport, RI
Time Commitment: Approximately January-May, 130 hours total. Minimum weekly requirement is 1 half-day shift (9:30 am – 1pm or 12:45 – 4:30pm) + 1 full-day shift on a weekend day (9:30am – 4:30pm, Sat/Sun). Additional shifts are welcome. Accepted interns must attend orientation and training events during the week of January 26.
Age: 16+
Application Items: Online application, cover letter, resume
Deadline: Preference will be given to applications received by December 10. Rolling review/acceptance after that date. Final decisions will be made by January 9, 2026.
What you will learn:
- Visitor relations; greeting and welcoming guests at the Aquarium
- Hands-on environmental education programming for guests of all ages
- Marine biology, habitats, and species of Narragansett Bay
What we require:
- Have a strong interest in public aquariums
- Interested in or have basic knowledge of small marine and freshwater animals
- Excellent communication skills – must be comfortable speaking to and engaging with the general public on Save The Bay’s behalf
- Enjoy working with children and have a strong interest in environmental education
- Public speaking skills & strong sense of professionalism
- Creative, reliable, and flexible team member
- Prompt arrival for shifts in uniform provided by Save The Bay
- Undergo a criminal background check
- Able to follow communication procedures and promptly answer inquiries via phone or email
Details: We offer unpaid internship opportunities. We will gladly work with your university if they offer college credit for unpaid internships. Many colleges offer stipends for students doing unpaid internships. Check out our Student Guide to Internship Funding for tips!
Application link: volunteer.savebay.org/internships
We also have an aquarium volunteer program with education, aquarist, and front desk roles! Visit our aquarium volunteer page for details.
