Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center (managed by the Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc.)At â Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center (managed by the Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc.)
The Roundhouse partners with California State University, Long Beach through its Student Field Placement Program to provide meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities for undergraduate students. Each term, we host student placements in three key areas: Animal Husbandry Assistants, Program Educator Assistants, and Marketing and Communications Assistants.
Students serving as Animal Husbandry Assistants support the daily care of our marine exhibits, gaining practical experience in animal care, habitat maintenance, and environmental stewardship. Program Educator Assistants work alongside our instructors to deliver engaging, standards-aligned STEM programming to Kâ12 students, building skills in science communication and youth engagement. Marketing and Communications Assistants contribute to outreach efforts by developing content, supporting community engagement, and helping amplify our mission.
Through these placements, students gain real-world experience, develop professional skills, and deepen their understanding of informal science education while contributing meaningfully to our programs and community impact.
By the end of this opportunity, students will have learned to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings through hands-on experience in marine science, informal STEM education, and nonprofit operations. They will develop practical skills in animal care, science communication, and youth engagement, as well as gain experience supporting educational programming for diverse Kâ12 audiences.
Students will also strengthen transferable professional skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication. Through mentorship and guided practice, they will build confidence in managing group dynamics, contributing to collaborative projects, and responding to the needs of both learners and the organization.
Additionally, participants will gain a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and the role of community-based organizations in expanding equitable access to science education, helping to prepare them for future academic and career pathways in STEM, education, and related fields.
Yes, All students will receive onsite training and onboarding. They will also be given opportunities to shadow onsite staff to learn specifics of their assignments and tasks. The training consists of up 12 hours of multiple training sessions.
The Roundhouse Aquarium sits at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier and above the Pacific Ocean. While there are occasional weather considerations, the location is safe and no hazards exist.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 40 | hours per placement |