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Animal Behavior Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chimp Haven

Behavior Technician

Keithville, LA

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

A bachelors degree in a related field preferred (psychology, anthropology, biology, animal behavior and management etc.). A combination of education and paid/intern experience may be considered.

SC AQUARIUM

Herpetology Intern (Unpaid)

Charleston, SC · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... behavioral management of the South Carolina Aquarium's native reptile and amphibian collection ... The intern will assist staff with all aspects of daily animal care including husbandry, training ...

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How much do animal behavior intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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 types of hands-on experiences can I expect as an Animal Behavior Intern, and how do these contribute to my professional development?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Behavior Intern, and why are they important?

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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,739 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Animal Care Behavioral Observation Internship 2026

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks

Powell, OH

$13.25 - $18/hr

Internship

Posted 3 days ago

Job description


The goal of this internship is to utilize interns to record observational data of a variety of species within Animal Care Regions throughout the Zoo. Using a Microsoft Excel based worksheets (which will be utilized on the Google Sheets app); interns will observe each animal, as designated by region. This program will allow for observations to be taken on an iPad, which can then be exported for analysis. Through the information that is obtained interns will work with Animal Care Professionals to assess and make appropriate changes to improve Animal Welfare.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, working alongside full-time keeper staff in learning basic animal behaviors and group dynamics, observing animals and reporting any behavioral changes, and performing other duties as assigned. Interns will also be required to complete various quizzes, training, projects and presentation, and a final reflection paper assigned by the departments.

Learning Objectives:

Enrichment and Training, Ethogram development, become familiar with AZA Animal Care and Welfare standards, and developing an understanding of species’ natural history and functional behaviors.


  • Student or recent graduate (2 years or less) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine or related program.
  • 3.0 or above accumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred.
  • TB test required.
  • Prior animal care experience preferred.
  • Experience with conducting ethograms on zoological animals is preferred, but not required
  • Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully.
  • Proficient on Microsoft Excel
  • Able to use tablet to input data using Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel programs.
  • Ability to use Zoom for weekly meetings
  • Strong computer skills, ability to work with pivot tables and excel spreadsheets.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be neat in appearance and maintain courteous behavior at all times.
  • Ability to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, cold, rain, snow).
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays (July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day) required.
  • Subject to BMV check.
  • Subject to Criminal Background check.

Hours:    Minimum of 20 hours/week for 12 to 16 weeks 

The RISE Scholarship, generously funded by Battelle, is now open! Eligible interns can apply for a $5,000 scholarship supporting handson, missiondriven internship experiences across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds—applications are open May 1– June 30, 2026.
To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships

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