ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Conservation Internships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SFZOO

Field Conservation Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$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 28, 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 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Wild Animal Keeper, Mammals

Bronx, NY • On-site

Wildlife Conservation Society
1 - 5K employees

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

Good employer

Respectful managers

Good training

Learn more about Wildlife Conservation Societyexternal

$48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description


Title: Wild Animal Keeper
Reports To: Supervisor of Animals/Animal Dept. Curator
Position Managed: N/A
Department: Animal Programs
Location: Bronx Zoo
Employment Type: Union, Full-Time
Pay Range: $48,119.00 per year
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Position Summary:
To perform any activity necessary for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service.
Principal Responsibilities:
  • Perform safe, proper and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and /or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Prepare animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Perform safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Assist curatorial/supervisory staff in developing safe, proper and humane protocols for the management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas.
  • Participate in the modification and enhancement of animal exhibits under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff to include, but not limited to the installation of plant material, perches and exhibit props such as rocks and logs, monitoring water quality, addition of substrates, and cleaning of exhibit glass and graphic panels.
  • Inspect animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas to ensure that they are clean, well lit, properly ventilated, properly heated or cooled, and that all mechanical systems are operating properly.
  • Observe the animals entrusted to his/her care and report promptly on any indication of illness.
  • Carry out the veterinarian's instructions for the care of sick animals and follow all protocols established for the daily care of the animals.
  • Participate in Bronx Zoo animal behavior programs to facilitate animal management and to enhance and enrich the daily lives of the animals in our care.
  • Develop animal conditioning skills and techniques. Implement department programs to condition behaviors and acclimate both naïve and experienced animals to exhibits.
  • Participate in daily enrichment programs.
  • Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Bronx Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection.
  • Enforce the Bronx Zoo's visitor rules and regulations.
  • Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of senior animal keepers and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

Qualification Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree with major in biology or a related field with one year recent, full time paid experience in the handling, feeding and care of animals in a zoo or on a stock farm with experience supervising animal care staff, OR an equivalent combination of education or experience including internships at related animal care facilities.
  • Valid current driver's license.
  • Ability to represent WCS in a professional manner and to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees, colleagues, City and other government agencies, outside contractors, and the general public.

Requested Application Documents (Serious Inquires Only) Please note to be considered, you'll need to provide the following documents with your application:
  • Cover Letter (highlighting a list of diverse taxa)
  • Resume
Physical Requirements:
  • The position requires outdoor work in all weather conditions.
  • Tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools (e.g. drill, wire cutters, computer keyboard) and operate equipment (e.g. food processors, scales, life support systems).
  • Some tasks require climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, evenings and special events as the schedule demands.

Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer:
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person's membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with all Federal, State and NYC laws and WCS's employment policies.

What Wildlife Conservation Society employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply