Animal Caretaker Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bring your curiosity. Bring your drive. We'll bring the experience. Join the OKC Zoo for our Summer 2026 Internship Program and get hands-on opportunities to learn, lead, and leave your mark while making a meaningful impact.

Employment Status: Part-Time 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Duration: 12 weeks - Beginning on Saturday September 5th, 2026

Schedule: 20 Hours per Week 

Compensation: $14.00/hr

Department: Animal Management - Carnivore 

Direct Supervisor: Assistant Curator of Carnivores and/or Curator of Carnivores 

Primary Work Location: Zoo setting both indoors and outdoors 

Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver's license pass drivers history test. Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI training in the first two weeks of employment 

Other: This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing. This position works around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases, thus is subject to annual tuberculosis testing. 

Internship Summary: This internship is designed to be an entry point for someone who is seeking a career working with animals. Interns will receive hands-on training to aid in the development of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required of entry-level Animal Caretakers in zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) by working alongside Carnivore Team staff to support the wellbeing and care of the Zoo's carnivore collection and their environments through habitat maintenance, enrichment, operant conditioning training and wellbeing monitoring.  This position will interact with the public to support operations and guest experiences and to perform a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff and the public.

Development Outcomes 

An intern in this position will complete assigned tasks resulting in the following learning outcomes

• Intern will develop an understanding of Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden Policies and Carnivore Area Policies and Procedures.
• Intern will be familiar with commonly accessed areas within the carnivore area.
• Intern will develop an understanding of internship objectives and expectations.
• Intern will work in a manner that supports and protects the health of the assigned collection including wearing assigned PPE and limiting exposure to known contagions.
• Intern will participate in the preparation of taxa specific diets.
• Intern will develop an understanding of the natural behaviors and life histories of assigned taxa by researching species, completing observations and discussing behavior(s) with carnivore staff.
• Intern will develop an understanding of the responsibilities of an Animal Caretaker-Carnivore staff member 
• Intern will develop an understanding of the essential role that zoos and aquariums play in conservation 
• Intern will learn the basics of guest interaction in a zoo or aquarium setting including how to convey educational information and effectively communicate conservation efforts 
• Intern will learn how to prepare and maintain animal records and reports through commonly used computer programs.
• Intern will safely and effectively operate motor vehicles. 
• Intern will actively participate in daily animal husbandry techniques and assessments related to: animal care, animal wellbeing, behavior observations and operant conditioning training.
• Intern will learn basic construction, building and grounds maintenance tasks and repair work common in the carnivore area. 
• Intern will operate hand tools, power tools and yard work equipment to maintain animal habitats.
• Intern will connect people with our world's vanishing wildlife and wild places to inspire conservation action.
• Intern will support daily purposeful enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage and evaluate natural and guest engaging behaviors.
• Intern will observe veterinary medical behaviors and procedures.
• Intern will learn to work effectively in a team environment, including with volunteers, to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, professional colleagues and the public.
• Intern will handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Intern will work in an environment subject to constant interruptions and quickly changing priorities. 
• Intern will collaborate with other Zoo departments.
• Intern will participate in and respond to safety-related issues and drills.
• Intern will develop an understanding of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Taxon Advisory Groups, Species Survival Programs and AZA Breeding and Transfer Plans.
• Intern will develop an understanding of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and AZA Accreditation Standards.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Commitment of 20 hours weekly, for the duration of the internship, by working a flexible schedule that may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays and during emergency situations such as dictated by weather.
• Current college or graduate student pursuing an applicable degree, recent graduate of an applicable degree, or relevant education with interest in transitioning into an applicable career
• Interest in pursuing career in animal care
• Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment
• Provide own housing and transportation