association natural science museum internship

The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is offering three intern positions at its Natural Science Museum for the 2026 summer. The Museum exhibits a variety of animals native to Nantucket as well as some non-native species. The museum teaches visitors about the importance of specimen collection and preservation with a room dedicated to highlighting the biodiversity of Nantucket. In the STEM Activity Room, kids of all ages can learn about science and nature through various hands-on activities.

Learn everything that goes into running a natural science museum with this incredibly unique position. This paid internship immerses in all facets of museum operations, which includes animal husbandry, animal collection, exhibit and signage design, educational programming, volunteer management, collections preservation, leading tours, and so much more! The ideal candidate should have an interest in biology, ecology, and/or environmental education. Many former interns are working in the fields of outdoor education, animal husbandry, environmental education, veterinary medicine, K-12 science education, STEM graduate school, environmental technicians, and environmental stewards.

The Natural Science Museum interns work as a team alongside the Natural Science Museum Manager and are responsible for all facets of Natural Science Museum operations, including animal husbandry, leading tours, managing and mentoring volunteers, leading public programs and field trips, designing exhibits, and running the gift shop. Natural Science Museum interns also have the opportunity to learn the art of preserving specimens for the MMA collections and to assist with any fieldwork conducted at the MMA facility. This is a fantastic immersive experience for students interested in ecology, biology, museum science, and/or environmental education.

Nantucket Island is a resort community that swells to over 60,000 people in the summer. There are fifty miles of beaches and over half the land area is conservation land. The mission of the MMA is to inspire people to experience Nantucket’s sky, land, and sea. Programs and facilities focus on environmental education, ecological research, astronomy, and historic preservation.

Key Requirements and Qualifications

• Some degree of biology, geology, environmental science, or a related field experience which may include coursework, study abroad, internship, volunteering, lab work, etc. with at least two years of college experience
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• CPR and First Aid Certified, or willing to be certified by the start of the internship
• Able to pass a safe driving test to be qualified to drive company vehicles to outbound field trips
• Preference will be given to candidates with an ornithology and botany focus/experience

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Curating aquarium and terrarium displays with animals caught on and around Nantucket Island via methods including seining, hand netting, fishing, snake boarding, etc.
• Daily food preparation for animals, which includes handling live and frozen fish, crabs, shrimp, etc.
• Daily maintenance and general care to meet the needs of our animals
• Assistance with medical and animal acclimation procedures
• Providing engaging and educational tours to Natural Science Museum visitors of all ages
• Present educational and outreach programs on and off-site several times per week
• Assist Environmental Educators in teaching marine field programs and support program design and materials preparation
• Aquarium exhibit maintenance and support operation (which can include, but is not limited to: plumbing, troubleshooting and repairing filtration systems, water changes, water quality, and filter cleaning)
• Assist Field Ornithologist and Visiting Scientist with research and program preparation/delivery
• Specimen preparation and preservation (which can include, but is not limited to: jarring and round skin preparation)
• Mentor high school trainee interns and volunteers
• Sell MMA membership, merchandise, and admissions when at the front desk
• Staying curious and enthusiastic about the natural world!

Compensation and Duration

• This is a paid internship at $15 per hour. Returning interns are paid $16 per hour.
• The MMA has dormitory-style housing available for interns to rent for $30 per week to cover cleaning costs. Housing is located within walking distance to the town center and is a short bike ride to beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and other great locations. If you live on campus, you will be expected to attend and participate in all dorm cleaning days as part of your housing agreement. Please note that the dorm rooms are shared. Interns are not required to live in MMA provided housing, however, as Nantucket’s housing availability is notoriously limited and often expensive, we require our interns to provide proof of alternative housing before their internship begins.

This internship runs from May 26, 2026, to approximately August 29, 2026, with the possibility of extended employment through October 31. The end date may be flexible with the possibility to extend until December 13, 2026 .

Natural Science Museum Internship applications are due February 1, 2026, at 11pm EST. 

Completed applications consist of a resume, cover letter, contact information for 3 references, and 2 letters of recommendation (which can be submitted with the application or 

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