ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Behavior Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AEG

Safari Animal Educator

Jackson, NJ · On-site

Write a behavior approximation plan for an assigned animal and behavior and train said behavior ... OR have completed 1 or 2 seasons/years of the Education Internship. * Understand the basic ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsInternship JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Training JobsDog Trainer JobsAnimal Behavior Internship Jobs

Animal Behavior Internship information

See salary details

$5

$16

$23

How much do animal behavior internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal behavior internship in the United States is $16.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal behavior internship?

An Animal Behavior Internship is a temporary, supervised work experience where interns learn about animal behavior through hands-on activities, research, and observation. Interns may work with a variety of animals in settings such as zoos, research labs, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or animal shelters. The goal is to gain practical skills and knowledge about animal behavior, data collection, animal care, and sometimes assisting in behavioral studies. These internships are valuable for students or recent graduates interested in careers in animal science, zoology, or veterinary medicine.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect during an animal behavior internship?

As an Animal Behavior Intern, you'll typically gain hands-on experience by observing animal interactions, assisting with behavioral research projects, and helping to implement enrichment activities designed to promote animal welfare. You may also participate in data collection, record-keeping, and even assist in training or socialization sessions under supervision. These responsibilities allow interns to develop practical skills in animal handling, data analysis, and teamwork while working closely with experienced animal behaviorists and other professionals.

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 typically need a background in animal science, biology, or psychology, along with a keen observational ability and basic research skills. Familiarity with data collection tools, behavioral analysis software, and sometimes animal handling certifications is often required. Strong communication, patience, and attention to detail help interns effectively record observations and work within research teams. These skills are vital for accurately studying animal behavior, ensuring safety, and contributing meaningful data to the field.

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

AspectAnimal Behavior InternshipAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsOften students or recent graduates, some certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, animal behavior facilitiesAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, animal behavior programsAnimal care facilities, veterinary practices, zoos
Common Search & ComparisonYes, often compared for entry-level animal rolesYes, common alternative for animal-related careers

In summary, Animal Behavior Internships focus on research and studying animal behavior, often requiring academic background and providing experience in labs or research settings. Animal Care Technicians primarily handle daily animal care in shelters or zoos, with less emphasis on research. Both roles are entry-level but serve different career paths within the animal industry.

What jobs can I get with an animal behavior internship?

An animal behavior internship can lead to jobs such as animal trainer, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, research assistant, or conservation technician. These roles often require knowledge of animal training, observation skills, and sometimes certifications in animal care or safety. Internships provide practical experience that can help qualify for entry-level positions in animal care and research settings.
More about Animal Behavior Internship jobs

What cities are hiring for Animal Behavior Internship jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Behavior Internship job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs?

The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs are:

What states have the most Animal Behavior Internship jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Behavior Internship jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior Internship jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior Internship jobs are:

Animal Behavior Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior Internship job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,166 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Animal Enrichment Internship 2026

Powell, OH

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks
See more jobs at Columbus Zoo Family of Parksexternal

$13.25 - $18/hr

Internship

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

The goal of our animal enrichment internships is to conceptualize and build animal enrichment devices that will stimulate our animals mentally and physically in order to promote species appropriate behaviors.  Through interactions with keeper staff and observations of multiple species both before and after enrichment is given, students will gain an understanding of species specific behaviors, what is needed to stimulate or deter specific behaviors and the process used to approve and evaluate enrichment items.


Responsibilities will include but are not limited to conceptualizing new enrichment items, utilizing the current system for approval, construction of items to meet all safety standards, observation and documentation of the use of these items, and modifications to items as needed.  In addition, the interns will assist the keeper staff in the maintenance of our current monthly enrichment calendars and enrichment tracking sheets.  Interns may also be responsible for delivering educational interpretation to the general public regarding animal enrichment.  Interns will also be required to complete various quizzes, trainings, projects, and a final reflection paper assigned by the department.


  • Second Year College Student or recent graduate (2 years or less).
  • 3.0 or above accumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred.
  • TB test required upon starting.
  • General interest in animal behavior and a willingness to work around exotics.
  • Demonstrated ability in the use of power tools and basic construction
  • Basic computer knowledge preferred (Word, Excel, Internet explorer)
  • Ability to perform strenuous physical work required (see Physical Demands section on next page)
  • Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be neat in appearance and maintain courteous behavior at all times.
  • Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business required.
  • Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
  • Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the Make It G.R.E.A.T. guest services standards.
  • 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.
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

Apply