Living Collections - Summer Youth Internship Program

Museum of Science, Boston

www.mos.org

Innovation and creativity come from the unique perspectives of a diverse staff. We value your perspective.

Who We Are 

As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good while keeping up with the pace of change.   Among the world’s largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people a year – at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online.

The Museum’s singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us at the junction of some of the world’s most influential academic institutions and industries, local and state government, schools, and the public. Trusted by each sector, we are ideally positioned to convene, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for all. Come join us on our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone and living our vision for a world where science belongs to each of us for the good of all of us.

Summer Youth Internship Program

As a result of taking part in the Summer Youth Internship Program, interns will gain authentic work experience and develop transferable skills while contributing to our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone. Please note you must routinely work Wednesdays. 

Summer Youth Internship Program

As a result of taking part in the Summer Youth Internship Program, interns will gain authentic work experience and develop transferable skills while contributing to our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone. Please note that you must routinely work Wednesdays. Important Program Dates:

• 
  
  
  
  • Onsite orientation: June 25^th
  
  
  • Shifts begin: June 28^th
  
  
  • Shifts end: August 16^th
  
  
  
  

Why We Need You

The Living Collections department oversees the care of all animals and plants within the Museum including over 100 animals of 75 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates across the Live Animal Care Center and Museum floor. As an AZA accredited facility, we aim to provide world class animal care and conservation education with an emphasis on animal well-being.

Student interns in this department will work alongside staff to assist with the care of the living collection, diet preparation, record keeping, enrichment, training, and educational programming. Interns may participate in a project within the subjects of educational programming, behavioral husbandry, or welfare as they progress through the internship.

What You’ll Accomplish

1. Assists staff with a full range of animal care duties, in a professional manner necessary to ensure the health and welfare of a diverse collection of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and invertebrates.


2. Assists with routine cleaning and maintenance related to animal exhibits, public spaces and off exhibit spaces to ensure these are kept in a neat, well organized, and safe manner.


3. Helps enhance animal welfare through supporting keepers with assessments, training, and enrichment.


4. Engages with visitors in life science/conservation subjects through activities and animal interpretations in support of the Museum’s mission and overall guest experience.


5. Complete a project related to animal welfare, behavioral husbandry, or education that will improve animal wellbeing and/or visitor experience.

What We’re Looking For (Competencies)

Commitment to Excellence and Integrity

• Completes tasks with focus and efficiency, ensuring the highest health and safety for each animal.


• Can make detailed observations of small changes in animal condition and behavior.


• Aware of details in animal exhibits and displays to create a positive guest experience.

Resilience and Adaptability: 

• Communicates needs and supports others in shared animal care duties.


• Able to work around the public, with different animal species, and in different animal care sections


• Recognizes their own strengths and opportunities for growth.

Collaboration and Community:

• Should be able to work independently when needed but be an active team player. 


• Can give and receive constructive feedback, take responsibility for actions, and communicate effectively during conversations and team meetings.


• Actively asks for help, support, or feedback when dealing with challenging tasks or situations.

Creativity and Innovation:

• 
  
  
  
  • Open to learning new skills and knowledge regularly while using creative thinking to help solve collective problems. 
  
  
  • Uses experiences and knowledge learned during internship to support department goals through internship project.
  
  
  • Regularly challenges themselves to increase their contributions to the department.
  
  
  
  

Job Specific Requirements

• Interest in wildlife science, conservation, and/or animal care.


• Ability to work around allergens including dust, dander, fur, grass, hay and both tree nuts and peanuts. 


• Able to kneel, squat, and crawl through enclosures when needed for cleaning and servicing, climb up and down a ladder/stool, and work in warm humid environments.


• Comfort working around the public and presenting in front of large groups

How We Work-Our Values

Mission-Focused: We inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone. 

Audience-Driven: Everything we do begins with the people we serve.

Innovative: We are curious, take smart risks, share responsibility, and own outcomes.

Generous: We offer time and energy towards common goals.