A part-time Aquarist is part of the LA Zoo’s Life Support Systems (LSS) Team.

Our Sea Turtle Life Support and Water Quality Internship offers college students and recent graduates a unique, hands-on opportunity to gain experience in water quality management and in maintaining life support systems for aquatic animal care. Interns work under the guidance of KBSTRRC’s Life Support Systems Coordinator, contributing directly to the daily operations of our sea turtle hospital and the care of our patients.

Free Housing! Free, shared housing with utilities included is provided. Our intern guest house is conveniently located next door to our sea turtle hospital. Housing is co-ed, and interns will have their own room but should expect to share a bathroom with one other intern of the same gender. No pets are allowed. Living on-site is optional during the non-summer semesters.

Stipend Available! Full-time or part-time hours available. Full-time interns (40-50 hours per week, 12-week minimum) who meet all internship expectations, complete all internship responsibilities, and work the entire 12 weeks will receive a $1,800 stipend at the end of their internship to help defray the costs of participating. Additional weeks earn a $150/week added stipend. Part-time interns (20-30 hours per week, 12-week minimum) who meet all internship expectations, complete all internship responsibilities, and work the entire 12 weeks will receive a $900 stipend at the end of their internship to help defray the costs of participating. Additional weeks earn a $75/week added stipend.

Other Expenses: All other expenses are the responsibility of the intern. Interns should expect to pay for food, travel to and from the internship, entertainment and recreation, and any other personal expenses which are not part of the internship. If interns choose to live off-site, they are responsible for housing costs.

School Credit: School credit may be available from your institution. The intern is responsible for completing all paperwork and paying all fees required by their institution to receive credit for their internship.

Duration: The Life Support and Water Quality Internship runs for 12-18 weeks. The start date is flexible within October or November. Interns should expect an irregular work schedule consisting of weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Some workdays may exceed eight hours.

Additional: Interns should be prepared for physically demanding work. Additionally, because of the nature of working with sick and injured turtles, the work may be emotionally challenging at times.​

​If you have questions, please email Megan, our Internship Coordinator, at internship@seaturtlehospital.org.

Senior Life Support Systems Technician is responsible for the daily monitoring of the Audubon Zoo Sea lion LSS system, and ensuring all LSS systems, water quality operations and equipment, laboratory equipment and exhibit remain operational within legal compliance and industry best practices. This position requires an advanced knowledge of the mechanical and chemical components of marine mammal LSS/WQ care in all areas of the Sea Lion exhibit. Reporting to the Curator of Carnivores and Hoofstock, the Senior LSS Technician will make continuous improvements to the Sea Lion LSS and WQ protocols and procedures. They will coordinate the instruction of these processes, protocols, and procedures to area Sea Lion Keepers to ensure there is adequate coverage of systems and testing. The Senior LSS Specialist must be able to communicate effectively with members of Animal management, the veterinary staff, to ensure continued compliance with all USDA/APHIS regulations and AZA requirements for marine mammal life support systems and water quality.

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all backgrounds into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Priority deadline for applications is September 1, 2026. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than September 1, 2026.

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, responsible for operation, quality control, troubleshooting, repairs, and basic maintenance relating to the Aquarium’s 25 million gallon per day seawater system, the associated mechanical plant, the building HVAC system, and the associated equipment and infrastructure in support of maintaining animal life support and environmental systems; monitor a computer-based control system for life support and HVAC systems and assist in operational engineering decisions based on analysis of the data; perform other duties as required.

The Life Support Operator & Water Quality Technician – Level 1 is responsible for the routine operation and basic maintenance of aquatic life support systems and the collection and testing of water samples at Reid Park Zoo. This is an entry-level position with robust on-the-job training and support to learn the role. This entry-level position supports the Life Support & Water Quality team in ensuring all aquatic environments meet or exceed standards for animal health, safety, and welfare as defined by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). The position works under close supervision, gaining experience in mechanical systems, water treatment processes, and preventative maintenance. This is not a hands-on animal care position

Reports To: Facilities Manager

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is Alaska’s premier marine research, education, and wildlife response institution. Located on the shores of Resurrection Bay in Seward, Alaska, ASLC combines world-class scientific research, marine wildlife rehabilitation, public education, and conservation to advance understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems.

Founded in 1998 following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the Center serves as Alaska’s only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility while welcoming approximately 170,000 visitors annually. With more than 280 employees and annual revenues exceeding $12 million, ASLC is recognized nationally for its leadership in marine science, conservation, education, and public engagement.

About the Opportunity
The Alaska SeaLife Center is seeking an experienced Executive Vice President to serve as the organization’s senior operational leader and strategic partner to President & CEO Dr. Wei Ying Wong. This is an exceptional opportunity to help lead one of the nation’s most distinctive conservation organizations as it advances an ambitious strategic vision focused on innovation, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.

The EVP will oversee critical operational functions including facilities, life support systems, information technology, business development, guest experience, safety, and risk management while helping translate organizational strategy into measurable results across the institution.

Position Description
The Executive Vice President (EVP) serves as the senior operational leader of the Alaska SeaLife Center and a key strategic partner to the President and CEO. Working across a complex and multifaceted organization, the EVP is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administration and operational performance of the Center, ensuring the people, systems, facilities, and resources are aligned to support ASLC’s mission and long-term success. The EVP provides leadership for critical organizational functions, including facilities and life support operations, information technology, business development, guest experience, safety, risk management, and other areas as assigned. As the second-in-command, this individual serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO, helps translate strategic priorities into measurable outcomes, and acts on behalf of the CEO when appropriate.

Beyond operational oversight, the EVP plays a vital role in strengthening organizational culture, developing leadership capacity across the institution, and fostering collaboration among diverse teams. This leader will work closely with the Board of Directors, community partners, government stakeholders, donors, and staff to advance the Center’s strategic objectives while ensuring operational excellence and financial sustainability. Success in this role requires a highly visible, relationship-oriented leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, navigate complexity with confidence, make thoughtful decisions in a dynamic environment, and inspire others through a shared commitment to research, conservation, education, and marine health.