Sea Turtle E.E. Just Fellow, Fall 2026 at SC AQUARIUM

Charleston, South Carolina, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 May, 26

Salary

14.5

Posted On

19 Feb, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Animal Husbandry, Water Quality Management, Life Support Systems, Medical Assistance, Record Keeping, Public Interaction, Teamwork, Detail Oriented, Initiative, Animal Rehabilitation, Species Preservation, Veterinary Care Support

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

What is the E.E. Just Fellowship and Who Should Apply The E.E. Just Fellowship at the South Carolina Aquarium is a workforce development program aimed at increasing diversity in the aquarium and conservation fields. In tribute to African American biologist and Charleston native Ernest Everett Just (1883-1941), the program seeks to increase pathways to science careers for HBCU college students and recent HBCU college graduates with coursework or degrees focused on marine science, biology, natural sciences, or animal science who have a passion for conservation and species preservation. The Sea Turtle Care Center Fellowship is best suited for graduating or recent alumni with an interest in pursuing a career in animal rehabilitation and veterinary care. Application Instructions and Key Dates 1. Internship duration: October 1, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 2. Applications close May 31, 2026 3. Selected applicants will be notified by July 31, 2026 Description Sea Turtle Care Center Fellows have the opportunity to learn about and participate in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native sea turtle species. Fellows will assist staff in all aspects of the daily care of sick and injured sea turtles, occasional medical procedures, and educational programs. The overall goal of our fellowship program is to help fellows learn the ins and outs of sea turtle rehabilitation to help prepare for a career in the field. Learning Objectives Primary Duties * Become familiar with AZA animal care and welfare standards * Develop and perform basic animal husbandry skills * Learn and maintain water quality and life support systems * Obtain basic medical skills while assisting with the medical care of rehab patients * Perform general patient care: feedings, tank maintenance, and water changes * Maintain general cleanliness and inventory of hospital and supplies * Assist with medical procedures * Detailed record keeping * Assist in miscellaneous projects as needed * Perform informal and formal educational programs related to the Sea Turtle Care Center Fall-Spring Season Specifications The Sea Turtle Care Center is the only sea turtle hospital in the state of South Carolina. Winter is our slower season in regard to local strandings. If tank space allows, we assist northern sea turtle rehabilitation facilities by taking several cold stun patients. This allows for the opportunity to learn how to admit a higher number of turtles at one time and to learn valuable hands-on knowledge of a common cause of stranding every winter throughout the country. While local releases remain temperature dependent during this time of year, it is possible that you will get the chance to participate in a release in Florida.  Commitment & Qualifications * Length of fellowship: 22wks * Hours per week: 35-40. Will require flexible hours such as long days, weekend shifts, occasional late night/early morning work, and holiday coverage. * Education level: Recent college graduates with a background in biology, zoology, animal science, or related field. Necessary Additional Skills * Demonstrates interest in environmental conservation, rehabilitation or wildlife biology * Willingness to interact professionally with the public and other staff * Ability to work with a team independently * Must be able to demonstrate initiative and be detail oriented Physical Requirements Often requires walking, standing, and bending. Regularly requires stooping, crouching, climbing ladders/steps, carrying up to 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, pushing/pulling, working with tools and working in tight spaces. Compensation & Benefits * Fellows will be provided with a $14.50 hourly stipend. * Housing stipend available. * Our desired schedule is to work four days with three consecutive days off. * We offer professional development workshops to help you become a more competitive job candidate. * A reciprocity pass to local attractions and aquarium tickets. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel classified. The Aquarium is an "at-will" employer, and as such, employment with the Aquarium is not for a fixed term, or definite period and may be terminated at the will of either party, with or without cause, and without prior notice. The Aquarium is a drug-free and alcohol-free employer. Drug and background screenings are administered for all positions.

Responsibilities

Fellows will participate in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native sea turtle species, assisting staff with daily care, occasional medical procedures, and educational programs. Primary duties include developing basic animal husbandry skills, maintaining life support systems, and performing general patient care like feedings and tank maintenance.