Interpretation & Exhibits Internships
As part of its education and outreach role, Reef HQ offers up to two interpretive and exhibits internship positions to suitable applicants. Each internship position carries one research and development project, which will be the core duty of the candidate. We seek responsible individuals with an interest in the following:
Internship 1 Interpretation: an individual with interest and skills in marine interpretation and the research and development of interpretive resource materials and presentations;
Internship 2 Exhibits: an individual with interest and skills in graphic design and or audiovisual design skills.
Interns will assist the interpretive guides and exhibits project officer in day to day implementation of current programs and maintenance of the exhibits.
Each internship, is designed for individuals intending to undertake a career in marine interpretation as a guide and the second internship is designed for individuals with aspirations in graphics and audiovisual design work in public exhibition facilities.
Many of the skills acquired will have application in a range of eco tourism, interpretive and curatorial disciplines and will be an advantage to final year students and or recent graduates seeking industry experience.
 Intern working with coral experiment |
The Reef HQ work environment
Reef HQ, formerly the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, is the principle community education tool of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which is the Australian Commonwealth Statutory Authority, charged with the responsibility of managing the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Reef HQ consists of a 2.5 million litre living coral reef exhibit, the largest in the world, a 750,000 litre predator exhibit, 24 smaller aquaria, an extensive interpretive facility including a 50 seat theatre and a classroom for school groups, a large mechanical workshop, display preparation areas, support aquaria, diverse marine research facilities, laboratory, staff offices, cafe and gift shop.
Internship specifics
Interns will work in the Visitor Services Unit at the Reef HQ, which is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the daily interpretive program and exhibits (graphic and audio visual). Interns will participate in the daily routine tasks, however they will also assist in research of resource materials and the development of a specific exhibit project to be determined in consultation with successful applicants.
Daily duties to be performed include review and regular and reactive maintenance of audio visual displays and equipment, graphics displays, interactive display. Assistance with routine cleaning and upkeep of all front of house exhibits.
Eligibility for Interpretive & Exhibits Internships
A background in university-level science at Bachelor level (3 years) in the field of eco/nature based tourism, aquaculture, marine biology or related fields and previous experience with interpretation of marine eco systems in a tourism setting.
Experience interpreting marine or other natural systems would be an asset. Interns must be able to work 3 consecutive months with a possibility of extending the internship to 6 months (if agreeable to Reef HQ and the candidate). Interns must be in good physical condition and able to commit to 5 full days (generally Monday to Friday 9am-5pm), however, must also work on weekends as required. Interns must provide their own housing and transportation while participating in the program. While the internships are unpaid, the opportunity for skill and knowledge development is unparalleled. Where possible, Reef HQ is willing to cooperate with colleges and universities to obtain course credit for each student.
There is a two-phase application process: a mail-in application and an interview. To apply for either of the two available positions, please provide the following materials:
- Cover letter including:
- Name and contact information (address, email, phone)
- University name and course studied
- Previous experience
- Your specific interests in interpretation and exhibits
- Tentative schedule of availability
- Current resume including one academic or professional reference with contact information
Please note that applications will be evaluated based on academic skills, experience, motivation, and relevance of the applicant’s interests to our focus program.
Candidates successfully reaching phase two will be notified within one month of the application reaching Reef HQ and an interview by telephone will be scheduled.
Applications accepted throughout the year.
