Are you interested in a career at the Tennessee Aquarium but unsure what it takes to achieve that dream? Try out our job shadow program!
This 4-hour adventure gives you a taste of one of the many careers here at the Tennessee Aquarium.
Registration opens Friday, October 2.
During your job shadow, you will meet with an educator to discuss your career goals, receive your temporary uniform, and complete a quick orientation. Then, you will pair up with members of our team who align with your career choice to learn and participate in the daily tasks of their role. At the end, you will regroup with our Education team to learn more about resources that can help you on your career pathway towards working at a zoo or aquarium!
More program details
$50 for non-members, $45 for Aquarium members
- 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on select Wednesdays starting Oct. 21 through Nov. 18, 2026.
- You can choose your preferred date during registration.
- This is a single-day, 4-hour experience.
- Must be 16 years or older.
- Must wear khaki or black pants and close-toed shoes during the program.
- Must complete all forms and questionnaires during registration before the start of your program date.
- Should prepare a minimum of 3 questions to ask the Aquarium Employees about their career. Examples could be:
What degree or career pathway did you take to get a job in this field?
What things do you love about your job and what are some aspects that you find difficult?
Did your college degree help you get a job here, or was it more based on experience?
The Aquarium reserves the right to cancel any scheduled program. If the Aquarium cancels a scheduled program, participants will be notified and offered a full refund or an opportunity to reschedule. If a participant requests a cancellation, we will issue refunds according to the timetable below.
- Cancellations made more than 14 days before the program will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations made between 7-14 days before the program will receive a 50% refund.
- Cancellations made less than 7 days before the program will not receive a refund.
Cancellations can be requested through the registration profile, by email at [email protected], or by phone at 423-785-4093 or 423-356-1276.
Some areas during the program may not be fully accessible due to loud sounds, bright or low lighting, uneven terrain, and/or tight spaces.
Please contact our Youth Development Supervisor at 423-785-4093 (office), 423-356-1276 (cell), or [email protected] for specific information about accessibility accommodations and allergy concerns.
Career Pathway Choice
Husbandry
Select Wednesdays starting Oct. 21 through Nov. 18
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET
A husbandry career in a zoo or aquarium is all about the science and practice of professional animal care to ensure their health and well-being. To start your job shadow, you will meet with an educator for orientation. Then, you will pair up with an aquarist who specializes in freshwater and marine animal care. Next, you will meet with our ambassador animal team to learn more about the care given to our ambassador animals. Your experience concludes with an educator who will share resources to support your career pathway.
Questions?
For additional questions, contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 423-785-4093 or 423-356-1276.