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Animal Behavior Internship Jobs in Virginia (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 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.

Does Peta have internships?

PETA offers internships in areas such as animal advocacy, communications, and research. These internships typically require applicants to be at least 18 years old, and they may involve remote or in-office work depending on the program. The Animal Behavior Internship is not specifically associated with PETA, but related roles may be available through their programs.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior Internship jobs in Virginia? For Animal Behavior Internship jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior Internship jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior Internship jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Animal Behavior Internship jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Animal Behavior Internship job openings:
Animal Behavior Internship jobs near you

Individual Placement - Refuge Wildlife Specialist

Career Site

Charles City, VA • On-site

$920/wk

Temporary

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery is a 444-acre facility of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service located in the quiet rural setting of Virginia's historic tidewater plantation country. Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery now plays a key role in the Service's efforts to protect and restore imperiled populations of freshwater mussels and restore migratory fish in Atlantic coastal rivers and their headwaters. This position will support restoration efforts for freshwater mussels and fish by actively participating in the full production cycle, including spawning, juvenile collection, culturing, rearing, tagging, and release, as well as providing animal husbandry in a hatchery setting.


Location

Charles City,VA


Schedule

August 10, 2026 - October 9, 2026


Key Duties and Responsibilities


Daily work will be supervised by a project leader and biologist and performed 5 days per week in both lab and field settings; collect freshwater mussels and fish; support the full production cycle including spawning, juvenile collection, culturing, rearing, tagging, and release; provide daily animal husbandry for fish and mussels in a hatchery setting; clean, maintain, and build culture systems; count, measure, and tag mussels; monitor organism health and behavior for signs of illness, stress, or disease; assess environmental conditions such as water temperature, ammonia levels, density, and feeding rates and make real-time adjustments; identify and respond to bacterial or system-related issues; treat fish for disease using approved methods and chemicals; maintain detailed records on care, mortality, size, weight, age, and feeding; monitor and manage water levels and conditions in tanks, systems, and ponds; follow established procedures, safety protocols, and use required protective equipment at all times.


Marginal Duties

Additional opportunities for heavy equipment, fish and mussel collection, boat operation, and vehicle operation may also be available.

Required Qualifications

Valid Driver's License. Willingness to drive government vehicles. Comfort in operating machinery. Previous experience in maintenance work and handling of mechanical tools. Some experience with carpentry and trail maintenance.


Preferred Qualifications

A background in biology or animal caretaking. The ideal candidate will have a background in both biology and maintenance work and have worked with mechanical tools and equipment at a previous job or internship.

Hours

40 per week


Schedule

M-F, 8am-4:30pm with a possibility of weekend work. Possible long days traveling to and from work sites.

Living Accommodations

No housing provided.

Compensation

Weekly living allowance: $920 / week (pre-tax);One-time travel allowance;*

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.


Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Driving Training

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

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