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Animal Behavior Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Living Desert

Animal Care Intern

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... behavioral observations and operant conditioning, animal husbandry and care, etc. Specific ... Intern will be in uniform and wear a name tag while on zoo grounds. Appropriate footwear (work ...

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How much do animal behavior intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal behavior intern in the United States is $21.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $27.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal behavior intern do?

An Animal Behavior Intern assists with observing, recording, and analyzing animal behaviors in various settings such as zoos, research centers, or animal shelters. Their duties may include helping with behavioral enrichment programs, collecting data, assisting with research projects, and supporting animal care staff. This internship provides hands-on experience and helps interns learn about animal welfare, training, and research methods under the supervision of experienced professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal behavior intern?

To thrive as an Animal Behavior Intern, you need a background in animal science, psychology, or biology, along with basic understanding of animal behavior principles. Familiarity with data collection tools, behavioral observation software, and sometimes animal handling certifications is often required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and patience are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately assessing animal behaviors and contributing to research or care programs in professional settings.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect as an animal behavior intern?

As an Animal Behavior Intern, you'll typically be involved in observing animal behaviors, assisting in behavioral enrichment programs, and collecting data to support ongoing research or animal care initiatives. These experiences provide valuable exposure to both the scientific and practical aspects of animal behavior in settings like zoos, research facilities, or wildlife sanctuaries. Working closely with experienced animal behaviorists and animal care staff, you'll gain insight into animal welfare practices and develop skills in behavioral observation, data analysis, and teamwork. This hands-on learning is an excellent foundation for future roles in animal care, research, or further academic study.

What is the difference between Animal Behavior Intern vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAnimal Behavior InternAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in animal behavior, biology, or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, zoos, or animal behavior labsAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or pet care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, zoosAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, pet stores
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in animal behavior researchLearning about animal care and handling roles

The Animal Behavior Intern role focuses on studying and understanding animal behavior, often within research or academic settings, requiring relevant coursework or degrees. In contrast, the Animal Care Technician primarily handles daily animal care tasks in shelters or clinics. Both roles are entry-level but serve different industry needs and environments.

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Animal Behavior Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,739 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Animal Care Specialist II (Bird & Mammal)

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

As part of the OdySea Aquarium animal team, this position has the potential to work with a diverse collection of animals including (but not limited to) California sea lions, Asian small-clawed otters, African penguins, reptiles, and small exotic land animals. A central responsibility of this position will be to take initiative in daily operation of their assigned area (i.e. habitat cleaning, maintenance, food preparation, enrichment management, etc.), educational animal presentations and engaging interactions with guests. Individual will demonstrate application of operant conditioning techniques within the training department and throughout the aquarium to enhance animal welfare and visitor experience opportunities. Individual will be integral in educating and interacting with aquarium guests about species survival and conservation through presentations.


MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Responsible for maintaining the highest level of animal welfare including both proactive and reactive identification, communication, and management of areas of opportunity.
  • Responsible for maintaining and progressing behavioral training of animals in assigned area and support animal training for Animal Care Specialist I’s
  • Participate in educational animal presentations, shows, and interactive programs within the Aquarium.
  • Represent OdySea Aquarium off property through educational animal appearances at schools, events (including media), and other public engagements.
  • Representation of OdySea Aquarium through positive guest interactions and experiences daily.
  • Assists with implementation, execution and compliance of all department Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Assist in training, progressing and mentoring of intern and junior team members.
  • Assist in creating and implementing enrichment plans for the department
  • Support development of exhibits, educational planning, research, and conservation activities.
  • Inspect and maintain exhibits and related facilities daily for cleanliness, safety, and structural integrity.
  • Ensure accurate and appropriate record keeping is maintained for assigned area.
  • Communicate effectively with the rest of the Animal Care team and departmental leadership.
  • Be a subject matter expert with different taxon other than assigned area. Work collaboratively in other animal areas within the Animal Care & Education Department, while maintaining assigned area operation
  • Exercise critical thinking skills and solution-based thinking when navigating team relations, animal behavior, guest experience and daily operation
  • Ensure adherence to aquarium standards and procedures and compliance with the requirements of various professional associations and regulatory agencies. Maintain highest level of animal husbandry and training practices.
  • Lead daily operation without direct supervision from the leadership team
  • Build knowledge of industry innovations and progressive animal care through professional meetings and conferences, trade journals, and communication with professional colleagues.
  • Represent the Animal Care Department and OdySea Aquarium to visiting investors, professionals, guests, and media.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned by Director, Curator and/or Manager.
Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Biology, Zoology, Marine Science or related discipline preferred, equivalent alternate experience accepted.
  • 4 years paid experience preferred, training exotic marine and/or terrestrial animals at a zoological facility, utilizing operant conditioning
  • SCUBA certification preferred or to be obtained within one year of onboarding.
  • Excellent dynamic, public speaking skills

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to access animal pools, exhibits, and enclosures.
  • Must be a strong swimmer, with the ability to pass departmental swim test.
  • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, or irregular hours dictated by facility or animal needs.
  • Experience with neonate and juvenile rearing preferred.
  • Life support experience preferred.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk.
  • Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
  • Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
  • Required to frequently talk and hear.
  • No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
  • Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
  • Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
  • Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times.
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


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