Natural Science Trainee Internship

For High School Students

The Maria Mitchell Association is seeking high school students to participate in the Natural Science High School Trainee Internship program. This internship offers unique learning and leadership opportunities for high school trainees interested in life and environmental sciences.


Excellent applicants will be hard working, self-motivated, and have an interest in the natural sciences. These placements are highly competitive and space is limited. Applicants who have previously volunteered with us will be given first consideration. Performance in previous summers as a volunteer or intern will be taken into consideration alongside the current application. 


This Natural Science Trainee Internship provides students with the opportunity to explore future career and or educational options in the fields of natural and environmental sciences. High school students are eligible to work a minimum of 2 and maximum of 5 shifts per week over a 12-week program cycle and will be scheduled in 4-hour blocks. 


Residents of Nantucket are highly encouraged to apply!


Contact: jgurley@mariamitchell.org.

  • Responsibilities and Tasks

    Caring for live animals in the Aquarium and/or Natural Science Museum


    Interacting with visitors in a professional and engaging manner during field trips, feeding programs, and aquarium/museum tours


    Maintaining animal tanks and enclosures 


    Learning the ecology of all species in our exhibits


    Working in the field and in the lab to conduct research


    Communicating research findings with the public

  • Key Requirements and Qualifications

    Be at least 16 years old and in grades 9-12 by June 1, 2025.


    Willingness to handle and feed different types of animals, including turtles, fish, snakes, etc. 


    Enthusiasm and curiosity in environmental or life sciences • Interest or experience in working in natural sciences and/or the outdoors 


    Comfortable working as part of a team 


    Good interpersonal skills and communication skills when interfacing with the public 


    Demonstrate maturity, dependability, leadership potential and adaptability 


    Comfortable working in a laboratory or outdoor settings (i.e. in waders), and lifting up to 40 lbs. (full 5- gallon bucket) 


    High School interns under the age of 18 are required to provide the MMA with a Youth Work Permit prior to the first day of the internship.

  • Application Process

    Please click here to download and complete your application form. Applications must be submitted in PDF form to be considred complete. These can be mailed or emailed.


    To check on the status of your application, please contact:


    Jónelle Gurley, Director of Science & Programming 

    4 Vestal Street

    Nantucket, MA 02554

    jgurley@mariamitchell.org


    The Maria Mitchell Association is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.