Coral Farming Internship
Location: Staten Island, NY (On-Site)
Type: Paid Internship
Company: Pieces of the Ocean (POTO)
Join Team POTO
Founded in 2014 by reefing enthusiasts, Pieces of the Ocean (POTO) has grown into one of the most respected names in the saltwater aquarium hobby. We specialize in offering some of the highest-quality aquacultured corals available, and we’re excited to share our passion with the next generation of hobbyists and professionals.
Why Join Us?
💡 Shape the Future
Play an active role in shaping the direction of a leading coral aquaculture company.
🧜 Turn Passion into Career
Work with what you love - reef tanks, corals, and cutting-edge aquarium technology.
🚀 Learn and Grow
Whether you're a beginner or a budding expert, you'll gain hands-on experience, build skills, and grow your network within the industry.
🤝 Industry Access
Connect with top players in the reefing community and gain insider knowledge that hobbyists dream of.
Internship Overview
This is a paid, on-site internship ideal for someone passionate about saltwater aquariums and eager to learn coral farming at scale. You’ll be immersed in day-to-day operations, gain firsthand experience with advanced equipment, and contribute to our growing operation.
Key Responsibilities
Note: We don’t expect you to know all of this on Day 1—your willingness to learn is what matters most.
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Maintain coral health and contribute to daily farm operations
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Learn fragging techniques, pest management, and inventory tracking
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Operate advanced reefing systems (e.g., calcium reactors, Apex controllers, Hydros systems, LED lighting)
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Understand coral diseases and proper treatment protocols
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Assist in shipping live corals to meet our industry-leading DOA rate (<0.01%)
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Stay current with reefing trends, strains, and gear to better serve customers and the community
What We’re Looking For
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A strong interest in saltwater aquariums and reefing
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Eagerness to learn and get hands-on
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Solid organizational skills and the ability to follow instructions
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Comfortable working independently and within a team
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Positive attitude and professionalism in a multicultural work environment
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A collaborative mindset—humility and good vibes are highly valued
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A resourceful, “figure it out” mentality
A college degree is not required—we care more about your curiosity and drive than your resume.
Internship Details
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Location: Staten Island, NY (in-store only)
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Schedule: Flexible; part-time or full-time options available
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Compensation: $11-$20/hr (discussed during interview)
How to Apply
Ready to dive in? Email us your resume and a short note about why you’re excited to join POTO!