ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Behavior Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Big Spring

Animal Control Officer

Big Spring, TX · On-site

$40K/yr

... internship or having had a similar position for one year. Possession of a valid Class C Driver ... animal behavior, etc.) Maintains records of impounded animals. Cleans the shelter, equipment and ...

Denver Zoo

Animal Care Specialist-Night

Denver, CO · On-site

$24.50 - $29.64/hr

Monitor physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care. * Implementation of the ... Train fellow keepers, interns, and volunteers in standard section routines. * Cooperate and ...

New

Denver Zoo

Animal Care Specialist-Night

Denver, CO · On-site

$24.50 - $29.64/hr

Monitor physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care. * Implementation of the ... Train fellow keepers, interns, and volunteers in standard section routines. * Cooperate and ...

San Bernardino County

Animal Keeper I

San Bernardino, CA

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Primary duties include feeding exotic animals, observing and documenting animal behavior, answering ... Volunteer, internship, or professional experience is acceptable and must be included in the work ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Behavior 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 Jul 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 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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,166 per year, or $16.4 per hour.
Intern - Animal Training (Pinnipeds) - Fall 2026

Intern - Animal Training (Pinnipeds) - Fall 2026

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Georgia Aquarium rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Position Title: Animal Training (Pinnipeds) Intern - Fall 2026
Department: Sea Lions - Pinnipeds - 3290
Classification: Non-Exempt
Employee Type: INT - Intern
Direct Report: Manager, Animal Training (Pinnipeds)
Position Summary:
The program offers interns hands-on experience in Georgia Aquarium's Animal Training - Pinniped Department. Interns are exposed to animal husbandry and training activities related to California sea lions and harbor seals. Interns work directly with animal trainers to support the daily care of the collection and learn the fundamentals of animal training. This internship will give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields where they are considering pursuing careers.
Responsibilities:
Interns will:
  1. Be paired with Animal Training - Pinniped Department to learn about operant conditioning with California sea lions and harbor seals for public presentations, enrichment, and husbandry programs.
  2. Learn and participate in area responsibilities directly benefiting the animals, which include but not limited to diet preparation and feeding, water sampling, commissary clean-up, exhibit/area maintenance, behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, data recording and data entry and other duties as assigned. Interns may also play support roles in assisting with animal training and husbandry sessions.
  3. Be supervised by approved staff at all times during their program but will greatly benefit from demonstrating the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  4. Partake in departmental intern development curriculum, including but not limited to natural history, theories of animal behavior, fish handling, safety, and a diverse lecture series presented by intern mentors. Each intern must demonstrate proficiency in every module by completing written exams, tests, and quizzes.

Qualifications:
  1. Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
  2. This internship requires a regular schedule of 40 hours per week and may include weekends and holidays.
  3. Must have an interest or major in animal science, biology, zoology, psychology, or related field.
  4. Must have a high school diploma or GED.
  5. This is a paid internship with the goal of gaining work related animal career experience.
  6. Application Requirement: The internship application will require a resume and cover letter. Please submit as a PDF with a file name that indicates your name and the internship you're applying for. Example: John_Smith_Internship_Resume.

Important Dates for Fall 2026 Semester:
Application Deadline: Friday, July 17th. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may close before the official deadline.
Mandatory Fall 2026 Orientation: Thursday, October 1st, 2026.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; kneel; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and work around saltwater. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position requires direct contact with raw seafood.
Commitment:
I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:
Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.
Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.
Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Georgia Aquarium employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply