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Animal Behavior Internship Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Behavior Internship information

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Utah?

The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Utah are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior Internship jobs in Utah?

For Animal Behavior Internship jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Utah are hiring for Animal Behavior Internship jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Animal Behavior Internship job openings:

Animal Behavior Internship jobs near you

Ambassador Animal Keeper I - Temporary

The Living Planet Aquarium

Draper, UT • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Position: Ambassador Animals Keeper I - Temporary

Reports To: Curator of Ambassador Animal Programs

Salary starting at: $17.00/hr


Why Utah?

Utah is home to five national parks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning deserts, mountains, and lakes, all within easy driving distance. Outdoor adventure is part of everyday life. The Salt Lake Valley consistently ranks high for safety, clean communities, short commute times, and family-friendly amenities. Draper offers a balance of suburban comfort and urban access, with downtown Salt Lake City just 15 minutes away. Enjoy all four seasons without extremes—sunny summers, colorful falls, snowy winters, and mild springs, perfect for both outdoor recreation and city living. Utah’s communities are known for being engaged, supportive, and service-oriented, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.

About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a mission-driven institution dedicated to inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Founded in 1997, the Aquarium provides impactful educational experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.

Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world, including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the opening of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, the Aquarium became the largest in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.

Position Summary:

This position is for an entry level keeper responsible for the care and wellbeing of the Aquarium’s Education and Ambassador animal collections. This consists of a diverse array of species including raptors and other birds, small mammals, herptiles, and invertebrates. Areas of focus include animal care, training animals for guest presentations and shows, directly presenting animals to guests, and teaching Education team members effective animal handling skills.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Cleaning and maintenance of equipment, supplies, animal habitats, and support spaces associated with the Education and Ambassador animal collections.
  • Monitoring and maintaining appropriate environmental parameters for the Education and Ambassador animal collection.
  • Providing high level animal care and nutrition to all animals within the Education and Ambassador animal collection.
  • Monitoring and assisting in responding to signs of illness/injury, stress, or other factors that may impact animal health and wellbeing.
  • Maintaining all necessary records and reviewing those records regularly in support of ensuring excellent animal care.
  • Responsible for supporting institutional and industry best practice standards and procedures.
  • Supporting excellent animal wellbeing through providing enriching environments interactions and behaviors supporting animal health
  • Utilizing training best practices to develop and maintain behaviors within the Education and Ambassador animal collections for situations including presentation to guests, off-site travel, and animal shows with free-flight birds.
  • Working closely with the Education Team to train and maintain best practice animal handling behaviors in support of the Aquarium’s mission to inspire.
  • Participating directly in animal presentations and shows as part of an expanding Ambassador program.

Experience and Qualifications:

  • Two or four-year degree in zoological or biological sciences. Candidates with a suitable combined equivalent of education and hands-on experience will be considered.
  • Minimum 6 months of internship or paid experience in an area of animal care at a zoological facility.
  • Candidates with prior experience working in one of the following fields will be viewed favorably: reptile and amphibian husbandry, animal behavior, ambassador animals, falconry or other raptor experience.


Critical Competencies:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working with birds, herptiles, or small mammals.
  • Good interpersonal verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Maintaining a consistent professional attitude, high motivation, and ability to accept feedback.
  • Interest in developing good time management practices, new skills, and demonstrated desire for growth.
  • Knowledge of ZIMS software is a plus.


Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Valid Utah driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
  • Must possess current, negative TB test results or obtain prior to start date.


Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

  • Outdoor and indoor environments in varying weather conditions including: elevated platforms, aquarium habitats, uneven surfaces, enclosed spaces, underwater environments, noisy workspaces.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, ability to swim, ability to stand for long periods of time, ability to walk up and down ladders, ability to work with various cleaning chemicals, ability to operate power tools or heavy machinery, ability to drive aquarium vehicles.


The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status. The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.