ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Conservation Internships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Audubon

Coordinator, Land & Conservation

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$23.77 - $25/hr

Support non-native, invasive, and nuisance plant and animal species removal, using a wide variety ... Coordinate with center and National Audubon staff in Texas in hiring conservation interns and ...

SFZOO

Field Conservation Manager

San Francisco, CA

$71K/yr

... of animal care, operational excellence, and conservation outcomes. ESSENTIAL DUTIES ... Specialists, interns, volunteers, and temporary staff, including recruitment, interviewing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobsinternship JobsScience JobsAnimal Conservation Internships Jobs

Animal Conservation Internships information

See salary details

$9

$21

$27

How much do animal conservation internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal conservation internships in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal conservation internship?

Animal conservation internships are temporary positions designed to provide hands-on experience in wildlife protection, habitat restoration, research, and public education. These internships are typically offered by conservation organizations, wildlife reserves, or research institutions. Interns may assist with animal monitoring, data collection, community outreach, or fieldwork, depending on the program. The goal is to help interns gain practical skills, contribute to conservation efforts, and explore career paths in environmental and wildlife sciences.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect during an animal conservation internship?

Animal conservation interns typically assist with a variety of tasks, such as wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, data collection, and public education initiatives. Depending on the organization, you might spend time in the field observing animals, recording behavioral data, or helping rehabilitate injured wildlife. Interns often work closely with conservation biologists, researchers, and volunteers, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to ongoing conservation projects. The role can be physically demanding and may require flexibility, but it offers a unique opportunity to develop practical skills and make a meaningful impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in animal conservation internships, and why are they important?

To thrive in Animal Conservation Internships, a background in biology, ecology, or environmental science—often with coursework or volunteer experience in conservation—is essential. Familiarity with field research tools, data collection software, and sometimes GIS mapping systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication skills help interns engage with diverse teams and local communities. These abilities are vital for contributing meaningfully to conservation projects and ensuring the success of fieldwork in challenging environments.

What is the difference between Animal Conservation Internships vs Wildlife Research Assistant?

AspectAnimal Conservation InternshipsWildlife Research Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or relevant coursework, sometimes a degree in biology or environmental scienceSimilar; often requires a degree or ongoing studies in biology, ecology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentField sites, conservation projects, NGOs, zoos, or wildlife reservesResearch labs, field sites, conservation organizations, universities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, conservation groups, zoos, government agenciesResearch institutions, universities, conservation agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Conservation Internships and Wildlife Research Assistants both focus on wildlife and habitat preservation. Internships typically offer entry-level experience in conservation projects, while Research Assistants often support scientific studies and data collection. Both roles require relevant education and work in similar environments, making them closely related but distinct in scope and responsibilities.

More about Animal Conservation Internships jobs

What cities are hiring for Animal Conservation Internships jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Conservation Internships job openings:

What states have the most Animal Conservation Internships jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Conservation Internships jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Animal Conservation Internships jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Conservation Internships jobs are:

Animal Conservation Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Conservation Internships job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Animal Care Intern - Fall 2026

Wildlife Conservation Society

New York, NY • On-site

$540 - $1.2K/wk

Internship

Re-posted 6 days ago

Wildlife Conservation Society rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Animal Care Intern - Fall 2026

Location: Central Park Zoo

Department: Animal

Duration & Schedule: Fall 2026 (September- early December) Approx 8-12 weeks; 16-24  hours per week

Stipend: $540-$1200 (depending on duration and schedule) paid as one lump sum upon the completion of the position, less applicable taxes. 

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by August 14, 2026; the position may be filled before the deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

 

Overview: 

The Animal Care Internship at the Central Park Zoo (CPZ) offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience designed for individuals pursuing careers in zoology, biology, veterinary medicine, or conservation. The goal of this internship is to provide hands-on education and training in animal husbandry. CPZ interns will learn many aspects of animal care including exhibit and enclosure maintenance, diet preparation, animal observation, animal handling (based on experience), and enrichment. CPZ interns will be assigned to a specific area: the Tisch Children's Zoo, Tropics and Polar areas. Interns will also be invited to join in professional lectures and training sessions and also have the opportunity to learn about other career opportunities at the zoo.

 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Interns will develop a comprehensive understanding of daily animal husbandry practices, including diet preparation, species identification, and the natural history of collection animals
  • Interns will gain hands-on experience maintaining and evaluating animal habitats to support optimal health and welfare
  • Interns will build skills in behavioral observation, data collection, and record-keeping, contributing to ongoing animal management and welfare assessments
  • Interns will strengthen communication skills by engaging with zoo visitors and effectively interpreting animal care, conservation messaging, and zoo operations for the public
  • Interns will acquire exposure to veterinary care through occasional observation of veterinary rounds (availability dependent), enhancing understanding of animal health management

What Wildlife Conservation Society employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply