Jobs & Internships – Seymour Marine Discovery Center

We are looking for dynamic college students and college graduates with some basic knowledge of marine science, biology, or environmental studies to work with our education staff.

Jobs

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Career Staff Jobs

Open until filled: Aquarium Curator

The initial review date (IRD) for this job is: 11-03-2025

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center at UC Santa Cruz is seeking an Aquarium Curator. The Aquarium Curator oversees the thriving heart of our exhibits — from the health and well-being of our marine animals to the wonder they inspire in every visitor.

The Curator leads a passionate team of aquarists, collaborates with scientists and educators, and helps shape unforgettable experiences that connect people to ocean life and conservation.

Apply before November 3. Head to jobs.ucsc.edu and search for Aquarium Curator to apply.

Apply today

UC Santa Cruz Student Jobs

Open until filled: Venue Coordinator Handshake job #6682346

Our Facility Rentals department is looking for UC Santa Cruz students to join our events team! This is a paid position. Learn the inner workings of events and venue rental coordination while working at one of the most beautiful locations in Santa Cruz. The Seymour Center is host to many weddings, meetings, and celebrations—help make it all happen while gaining valuable experience in coordination and marketing. Work-study status is required. Visit Handshake to apply.

Internships

Gain valuable experience by interning with Seymour Center.

School Programs Teaching & Project Interns

College students and college graduates can join our outstanding team of volunteer School Programs Instructors who lead engaging, hands-on marine science activities to visiting school groups in our seawater and teaching labs. Inspire young scientists and boost your public speaking skills by leading indoor and outdoor tours. Gain valuable knowledge and experience as a science educator through teaching a wide range of marine science concepts to students ranging in age from kindergarten to community college.

Requirements

Teaching & Project Interns must commit to being available at least one regularly scheduled morning per week (Tuesday-Friday) for two or more quarters. In addition to teaching and preparation time at home, interns are expected to schedule at least two additional hours per week to assist with administrative work, projects, and other public programming needs.

School Programs Volunteer training is required.

The number of Teaching & Project Intern opportunities is limited due to scheduling constraints. Preference will be given to interns who commit to three quarters.

Workload

The number of hours required depends on whether you choose to intern for class credit or solely for the experience. Interning for experience offers more flexibility and no requirement for additional written work or a faculty sponsor. The minimum commitment is typically one 3-hour shift each week during the school year.

After volunteering at least one quarter in good standing, UCSC students can earn class credit via the Environmental Studies Internship Program. If interested in obtaining credit, interns must work a specific number of hours and complete additional written work that is evaluated by a faculty sponsor.

2 units of credit: 60 hours/quarter completed over 2-3 consecutive quarters
5 units of credit: 120 hours completed over 2-3 consecutive quarters

Students attending colleges other than UCSC should inquire with their school’s career center or academic department for guidance on how to obtain credit for Seymour Center internships.

Apply

Complete an online intern application

Visitor Experience Interns

Are you a college student or recent college graduate? Do you want to share your love for marine science and ocean conservation with the community? Become a Visitor Experience intern – gain valuable experience in science communication and interpretation, and work on an independent project alongside marine scientists and educators at the Seymour Center.

Requirements

Requirements for becoming a Visitor Experience intern include:

Enthusiasm for marine science, science communication, and interpretation
Excellent customer service skills
Being responsible and reliable
Strong communication skills (in-person and email/telephone)
Must be at least 15 years of age by the start of the internship quarter for which applying

Workload

Interns work a minimum of 60 hours per quarter (approx. 6 hours per week, over 10 weeks). Roughly half of this time will be spent serving as an “Exhibit Guide”. The other half will be spent on an independent project. See details about these roles below.

A half-day training and orientation are also required.

EXHIBIT GUIDING

Interns complete a weekly shift as an Exhibit Guide: being a friendly and welcoming face in the Seymour Center’s exhibit hall, helping visitors safely touch the life animals, and facilitating fun and educational conversations about various marine science/ocean conservation topics.

INDEPENDENT INTERN PROJECT

In addition to serving as an exhibit guide, interns work on an assigned independent project with support from a staff member. These projects cover a wide range of topics/skills (applicants will receive a list of current and past projects during the application process).

Apply

Complete an online intern application