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Animal Behavior Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position will coordinate project activities with USTEs, volunteers, and interns at the ... Observes animal behavior, performs animal care, and reports concerns to the appropriate entities to ...

Observes animal behavior, performs basic animal care, and reports concerns to the appropriate ... Prior farm or agricultural work experience (e.g., general farm labor, agricultural internships, or ...

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Animal Behavior Internship information

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$5

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$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.
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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:

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.

Mammal Department Internship- Fall 2026

Royal Oak, MI • On-site

Detroit Zoological Society
Museums and Historical Sites • 201 - 500 employees

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Mammal Department Internship- Fall 2026

The Life Science internship in the Mammal Department is contingent on the intern being currently enrolled at an accredited four-year college or university and seeking a degree in a science-related area. Students must earn college credit for their time as an intern. Interns will work with the Life Science staff to learn the duties and responsibilities of zookeeping as a profession. Interns will help provide daily care for the animals including feeding, cleaning, behavioral observations, habitat modifications, and participation in special projects all designed to help ensure the best welfare for each animal. Interns will also interact with guests and help ensure outstanding overall guest experiences. Internships are approximately 14 weeks in length with flexible hours and days to be discussed upon hiring. This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change due to the needs of the Detroit Zoological Society and its leadership. This document will be reviewed on a continual basis and will be modified as needed.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Shadowing zookeepers providing daily care, including but not limited to, feeding, cleaning and habitat maintenance
  • Take direction from staff concerning duties, responsibilities, and safety procedures
  • Participate in special projects that benefit the animals
  • Observations of animals and enhancing animal welfare
  • Submit a written 2–3-page paper summarizing your time as an intern. This is due one week before the internship ends.
Qualifications
  • Junior or senior level status currently enrolled in a college or university, proof required.
  • Letter of recommendation from an accredited college professor stating credit will be received for the internship.
  • College course work completed in zoology, biology, animal behavior or related field.
  • Must be self-motivated and have a strong work ethic.
  • All interns must have proof of a negative TB test within the last 12 months on or before start date. The Human Resources department for the Detroit Zoological Society will also perform a background check on all students before they can start their internship.

Working is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions. Frequent exposure to animals with risk of zoonotic disease transmission (Tuberculosis, Salmonella and others). Physical Requirements Interns must be able to perform all principal duties satisfactorily. Able to perform moderate physical effort daily such as walking, bending, stooping, lifting, and standing for an extended period. Able to lift up to 50 pounds. The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.