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Animal Conservation Internships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wildlife Conservation Society

Veterinarian

New York, NY

$110K - $130K/yr

As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving ... interns. * Assist with administrative functions of the Aquatic Animal Health Center (AAHC ...

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How much do animal conservation internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 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 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.

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 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.
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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 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 $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Provisional Senior Wild Animal Keeper, Central Park Zoo

Wildlife Conservation Society

New York, NY

$54K/yr

Other

Posted 10 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

Title: Provisional Senior Wild Animal Keeper
Reports To: Supervisor of Animals/Animal Dept. Curator
Position Managed: N/A
Department: Animal Programs
Location: Central Park Zoo
Employment Type: Union, Full-Time
Pay Range: $54,473.00 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 authorized activities necessary for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service.
Principal Responsibilities:
  • Supervise and provide leadership in the assigned section of the zoo, taking responsibility for daily animal care activities of keepers, trainees or interns as assigned, and be responsible for the exhibit appearance in the section.
  • Perform and supervise safe, proper, and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under the direction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Prepare and supervise animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Perform and supervise safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Routine maintenance can include, but is not limited to, watering plants, maintenance/replacement of substrates and exhibit furnishings, clearing and cleaning drains/catches, changing lightbulbs, and cleaning exhibit glass.
  • 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.
  • May provide guidance and on-the-job training to other employees.
  • Participate in the modification and enhancement of animal exhibits under the direction of 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 where maintenance staff does not have access.
  • 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.
  • Report any deficiencies and/or required maintenance - whether Animal Department or Maintenance responsibility - to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Make any minor repairs necessary to assure safe, proper, and humane animal management.
  • Observe assigned animals for any changes in activity pattern, social behavior, feeding behavior, and food preference, any abnormal behavior or evidence of injury and illness, any indications of sexual behavior or sexual cycle.
  • Summarize these and any other observations relevant to safe, proper, and humane management in a daily report submitted to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Maintain life history cards and other assigned recordkeeping.
  • Promptly report anything that might require immediate action to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Carry out the curator and veterinarian's instructions for the care of sick and injured animals and summarize required procedures in a daily report submitted to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Submit a daily report to supervisory/curatorial staff that summarizes events/changes in the animal collection and staff activities within assigned work areas, identifies required maintenance, and lists needed supplies and equipment.
  • Participate in CPZ 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. Maintain each animal's current level of behavior criteria through effective observation, listening, and training application.
  • Develop a proactive approach to behavioral husbandry. Anticipate behavioral issues and discuss with the supervisor/curator to avoid potential problems.
  • Implement department programs to condition behaviors and acclimate both naive and experienced animals to exhibits.
  • Provide special attention to the need to make animals more visible to our guests.
  • Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Central Park Zoo, guest services, exhibits, and the animal collection.
  • Enforce the Central Park Zoo's guest rules and regulations.
  • Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.

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