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Animal Behavior Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Specialist I

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Complete appropriate records pertaining to the health and behavior of animals are kept, including ... Coordinate activities of daily volunteers and interns.Execute educational strategies that will lead ...

Animal Care Specialist I

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Complete appropriate records pertaining to the health and behavior of animals are kept, including ... Coordinate activities of daily volunteers and interns.Execute educational strategies that will lead ...

Animal Care Specialist I

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Complete appropriate records pertaining to the health and behavior of animals are kept, including ... Coordinate activities of daily volunteers and interns.Execute educational strategies that will lead ...

... and understanding animal behavior This is an entry level position for those looking to gain ... All interns will be present for New Hire Orientation, Animal Care Orientation, Education ...

... and understanding animal behavior This is an entry level position for those looking to gain ... All interns will be present for New Hire Orientation, Animal Care Orientation, Education ...

... and understanding animal behavior This is an entry level position for those looking to gain ... All interns will be present for New Hire Orientation, Animal Care Orientation, Education ...

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 ...

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Animal Behavior Internship information

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$5

$16

$23

How much do animal behavior internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 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.

More about Animal Behavior Internship jobs
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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:

Internship

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Overview
The goal of this internship is to provide a basic understanding of general husbandry of the animals located in the Pinniped Depart-ments of Wild Encounters. Students will gain hands-on experience in the field while learning the day-to-day responsibilities of a full-time keeper.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include but are not limited to assisting full-time keepers in preparing animal diets, cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits, observing animals and reporting any behavioral changes, designing and delivering educational in-terpretation to the general public regarding animal behavior, habitat and conservation issues, maintaining area grounds and build-ings and performing other duties as assigned. Interns will also be required to complete various quizzes, trainings, projects, and a final reflection paper assigned by the department.
Duties may include:
• Observes training sessions to gain a basic understanding of training fundamentals.
• Assists with Pinniped enrichment program as needed - cleaning, placement, removal of enrichment items.
• Adheres to all safety protocols within the Pinniped department and the Columbus Zoo.
Qualifications
• Student or recent graduate (2 years or less) in biology, zoology, psychology, or any similar related major.
• 3.0 or above accumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Columbus Zoo Family of Parks team members and contacts.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage time.
• Ability to maintain courteous and helpful behavior.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification preferred
• Strong computer skills. Experience with MS Office preferred.
• Must be neat in appearance and maintain courteous behavior at all times.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions (i.e. heat, cold, rain, snow).
• Ability to hold a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays (July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day) required.
• Subject to Drug Free Workplace Policy.
• Subject to BMV check and Criminal Background check.
Hours: Minimum of 20 hours/week for 12 to 16 weeks
The RISE Scholarship, generously funded by Battelle, is now open! Eligible interns can apply for a $5,000 scholarship supporting hands-on, mission-driven 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