Dolphins Plus offers a unique opportunity to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, interested in obtaining practical experience in the marine mammal training field. Interns work both in groups and individually with our professional animal trainers, animal care staff, and research scientists in all aspects of day-to-day facility operations.

 

Internship Requirements:

• Candidates must – 1) be at least 18 years of age, 2) have completed at least 1 semester of college, 3) be available for a minimum of 12 weeks (40-hour/week), and 4) be willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position.

• Dolphins Plus does not provide housing. However, the Internship Coordinators are available to assist interns in identifying affordable housing in close proximity to Dolphins Plus. Interns must be capable of maintaining financial stability throughout the duration of the internship, including the cost of housing (including utilities), transportation, meals, travel, and personal expenses.
• Candidates must have strong swimming skills, must be able to withstand long periods of time outdoors in warm conditions (~ 85°-95°F), and should be physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs.

Internship Duties/Goals:

• Assist staff with daily operations and procedures, including, but not limited to:
  • Diet preparation
  • Overseeing and participating in dolphin/sea lion swim sessions
  • Facility cleaning and maintenance
  • Guest relations
  • Guest education and public speaking
  • Assisting with dolphin/sea lion training sessions
• Participate in a comprehensive lecture series and complete relevant exams to evaluate progress
• Assist with multiple departments as needed, including the Photography and Education Departments
• Collect data to support ongoing Dolphins Plus research projects

It may be possible to acquire academic credit from your hosting university for the Dolphins Plus Internship.  However, these opportunities and conditions vary among colleges and universities, and students are responsible for making these arrangements and clarifying the conditions for the receipt of academic credit PRIOR to arriving on-site. Once accepted to the program, interns will discuss the details for the acquisition of credit(s) with their academic advisor and will furnish the Internship Coordinator with a letter highlighting these requirements.

 

Application – Required Documents: 

1. Completed application ( Care and Training Internship Application)
2. Current college transcripts
3. Resume
4. Recent photograph
5. Two letters of recommendation (must be sent directly from your referees to Dolphins Plus; see application form for additional details)
6. $25 application fee (personal check, money order, credit card, or cashier’s check)

Please mail all application materials at least 3 – 6 months prior to the desired start date to:

Dolphins Plus
Attn: Animal Care and Training Internship Program Coordinator
31 Corrine Place
Key Largo, Florida 33037

Internship dates and deadlines:

• Winter Session: mid-November to mid-February (Application deadline: August 1^st)
• Spring Session: mid-February to mid-May (Application deadline: November 1^st)
• Summer Session: mid-May to mid-August (Application deadline: February 1^st)
• Fall Session: mid-August to mid-November (Application deadline: May 1^st)

*Please note that these are strict deadlines.  Materials received after the deadline will not be considered.

Please mail your completed application packet to:

Dolphins Plus
Attn: Internship Program Coordinator
31 Corrine Place
Key Largo, FL 33037

                For additional information, please download our Frequently Asked Questions file:
Dolphinsplus/Dolphincove Internship FAQ's

You may also e-mail the Animal Care Internship Coordinators at education@dolphinsplus.com.

Animal Care and Training Internship Testimonials:

- “The internship at Dolphins Plus changed my life! The experience of participating in diet preparations, facility maintenance, data entry, and being part of the day to day operations solidified my dreams of becoming a marine mammal trainer one day!”  ~Cassie Snyder, Animal Care and Training Intern (Summer 2010)

-  “The Dolphins Plus Animal Care and Training Internship was a great experience and showed me just how much hard work and dedication goes into marine mammal training. It helped me to achieve my life long dream of becoming a trainer at Dolphins Plus!”  ~Jordan Walker, Animal Care and Training Intern (Winter 2009)

-  “I never expected to land my dream job as soon as I graduated college, but I guess that’s what hard work, perseverance, and an amazing internship does. The Dolphins Plus internship gave me the hands on experience that every person needs to successfully make it in this competitive field. Not only did it open my mind to new possibilities in the animal training world, but it also provided me with a list of incredible contacts and the golden “foot in the door” opportunity, which ultimately got me this job.”   ~Ramiro Barbuzano, Animal Care and Training Intern (Summer 2008)