Aquaculture Intern

Company: The Conservation Fund
Location: Shepherdstown
Posted on: March 26, 2026

Job Description:

TITLE : Aquaculture Intern LINE OF BUSINESS/DIVISION : Conservation Services/Freshwater Institute FLSA STATUS : Non-Exempt/Full-Time (37.5 hours/week) REPORTS TO: Fish Culture Technician NUMBER OF POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: None LOCATION : Shepherdstown, WV DURATION: 10 - 12 weeks THE CONSERVATION FUND’S FRESHWATER INSTITUTE The Freshwater Institute works every day to make land-based recirculating aquaculture more sustainable and economically feasible. Our dedicated group of scientists, biologists, and engineers continues to refine RAS technologies, develop and test novel solutions, and publish findings as open-access articles for the benefit of the growing RAS industry. To learn about the Freshwater Institute, visit https://www.conservationfund.org/our-programs/freshwater-institute/ . JOB HIGHLIGHTS The Aquaculture Intern performs tasks essential for operating fish culture systems and ensuring the welfare of research animals. The intern works closely with the Fish Production Team, the Water and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, the Operations Team, and researchers to gain a wide range of experience in sustainable aquaculture systems research. WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. · Work as part of the Fish Production Team to perform daily tasks in recirculating aquaculture systems, including but not limited to fish feeding and husbandry, system cleaning, and fish health monitoring. · Conduct small fish sampling events alone and larger events as a part of a team. · Assist the Operations Team with preventative maintenance tasks to maintain fish culture systems and equipment in good working order. · Record, extract, and analyze data using basic descriptive statistics and graphing tools in Microsoft Excel, including but not limited to fish feeding, growth, mortality, and water quality. · Assist Water and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory staff with testing water samples, including, but not limited to, solids, nitrogen, total phosphorus, alkalinity, and pH analyses. · Operate laboratory instruments and equipment such as pH and dissolved oxygen meters, spectrophotometers, and autoclaves. · Work with the Research Team to gain additional experience and understanding of recirculating aquaculture systems. WHAT WE NEED YOU TO HAVE · Currently pursuing a diploma or Bachelor’s degree in biology, aquaculture, environmental science, or a related field. · Previous laboratory experience, such as in college-level science courses. · Ability to work independently while maintaining high standards of quality required for research and manuscript publication in peer-reviewed journals. · Interest in fisheries and aquaculture. · Sensitivity to animal welfare issues. · Proficiency in Office 365 applications. WHAT WE’D LIKE YOU TO HAVE · Basic understanding of fish culture. · Basic knowledge of laboratory safety and procedures. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT · This position requires standing for long periods of time and the ability to consistently lift 50 pounds. · 80% of work is performed around water or in wet, hot, and/or humid conditions. · Estimated travel – 0%. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The pay rate is $20/hour. This position does not include benefits. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice. Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, The Conservation Fund encourages you to apply. The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression. The Fund prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination. Compensation details: 20-20 Hourly Wage PI247b8ba979d4-25448-40098842

Keywords: The Conservation Fund, Leesburg , Aquaculture Intern, Science, Research & Development , Shepherdstown, Virginia