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Animal Intern Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

OdySea Aquarium

Aquarist Intern

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

As part of OdySea Aquarium's Animal Care: Aquarist Internship program, interns will rotate ... Ability to intern a minimum of 3-5 days per week during the designated semester * Ability to work ...

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

Aquarist Intern

Scottsdale, AZ

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Description As part of OdySea Aquarium's Animal Care: Aquarist Internship program, interns will ... Ability to intern a minimum of 3-5 days per week during the designated semester * Ability to work ...

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

Aquarist Intern

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

As part of OdySea Aquarium's Animal Care: Aquarist Internship program, interns will rotate ... Ability to intern a minimum of 3-5 days per week during the designated semester * Ability to work ...

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Animal Intern information

What is the difference between Animal Intern vs Animal Technician?

AspectAnimal InternAnimal Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some may have related courseworkAssociate's degree or certification in animal care or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, shelters, research labs, zoosVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research organizations, zoosVeterinary practices, animal care facilities, research labs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in animal careLearning about professional animal care careers

Animal Interns typically gain hands-on experience in animal care environments as part of their educational or training programs. Animal Technicians are more experienced professionals with specialized training or certifications, performing routine animal care and assisting veterinarians. While both roles involve working with animals, Interns are usually in learning phases, whereas Technicians are more established in their careers.

What is an animal intern?

An Animal Intern is typically a student or recent graduate who works temporarily at an animal care facility, such as a zoo, veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or wildlife center, to gain hands-on experience with animals. Interns assist with daily animal care tasks, learn about animal behavior and health, and may help with educational programs or research. These internships provide valuable practical training for those interested in careers in animal science, veterinary medicine, or wildlife conservation.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect as an animal intern, and how do these contribute to my professional development?

As an Animal Intern, you'll typically participate in a variety of hands-on experiences such as assisting with animal care routines, preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, observing medical procedures, and sometimes aiding in enrichment activities. These tasks provide foundational knowledge in animal husbandry, welfare, and basic veterinary practices. This exposure is invaluable for building practical skills, expanding your understanding of animal behavior, and networking with professionals in the field, all of which can open doors to advanced roles in animal care, research, or veterinary medicine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Intern, you generally need a background in animal science, biology, or a related field, along with practical experience handling and caring for animals. Familiarity with animal care tools, data entry systems, and sometimes certifications in animal handling or first aid are often required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for animal welfare help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure the safety, health, and proper care of animals while supporting smooth operations in veterinary or research environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Intern jobs in Arizona?

For Animal Intern jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Intern jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Intern jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Animal Intern jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Animal Intern job openings:

Animal Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Intern job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, 34% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Animal Care Specialist II (Bird & Mammal)

OdySea Aquarium

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
As part of the OdySea Aquarium animal team, this position has the potential to work with a diverse collection of animals including (but not limited to) California sea lions, Asian small-clawed otters, African penguins, reptiles, and small exotic land animals. A central responsibility of this position will be to take initiative in daily operation of their assigned area (i.e. habitat cleaning, maintenance, food preparation, enrichment management, etc.), educational animal presentations and engaging interactions with guests. Individual will demonstrate application of operant conditioning techniques within the training department and throughout the aquarium to enhance animal welfare and visitor experience opportunities. Individual will be integral in educating and interacting with aquarium guests about species survival and conservation through presentations.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Responsible for maintaining the highest level of animal welfare including both proactive and reactive identification, communication, and management of areas of opportunity.
  • Responsible for maintaining and progressing behavioral training of animals in assigned area and support animal training for Animal Care Specialist I's
  • Participate in educational animal presentations, shows, and interactive programs within the Aquarium.
  • Represent OdySea Aquarium off property through educational animal appearances at schools, events (including media), and other public engagements.
  • Representation of OdySea Aquarium through positive guest interactions and experiences daily.
  • Assists with implementation, execution and compliance of all department Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Assist in training, progressing and mentoring of intern and junior team members.
  • Assist in creating and implementing enrichment plans for the department
  • Support development of exhibits, educational planning, research, and conservation activities.
  • Inspect and maintain exhibits and related facilities daily for cleanliness, safety, and structural integrity.
  • Ensure accurate and appropriate record keeping is maintained for assigned area.
  • Communicate effectively with the rest of the Animal Care team and departmental leadership.
  • Be a subject matter expert with different taxon other than assigned area. Work collaboratively in other animal areas within the Animal Care & Education Department, while maintaining assigned area operation
  • Exercise critical thinking skills and solution-based thinking when navigating team relations, animal behavior, guest experience and daily operation
  • Ensure adherence to aquarium standards and procedures and compliance with the requirements of various professional associations and regulatory agencies. Maintain highest level of animal husbandry and training practices.
  • Lead daily operation without direct supervision from the leadership team
  • Build knowledge of industry innovations and progressive animal care through professional meetings and conferences, trade journals, and communication with professional colleagues.
  • Represent the Animal Care Department and OdySea Aquarium to visiting investors, professionals, guests, and media.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned by Director, Curator and/or Manager.

Requirements
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Biology, Zoology, Marine Science or related discipline preferred, equivalent alternate experience accepted.
  • 4 years paid experience preferred, training exotic marine and/or terrestrial animals at a zoological facility, utilizing operant conditioning
  • SCUBA certification preferred or to be obtained within one year of onboarding.
  • Excellent dynamic, public speaking skills

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to access animal pools, exhibits, and enclosures.
  • Must be a strong swimmer, with the ability to pass departmental swim test.
  • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, or irregular hours dictated by facility or animal needs.
  • Experience with neonate and juvenile rearing preferred.
  • Life support experience preferred.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk.
  • Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
  • Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
  • Required to frequently talk and hear.
  • No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
  • Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
  • Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
  • Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times.
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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