Animal Intern Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $1,000.00 Monthly
Location : Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, WA
Job Type: Intern
Department: Zoological and Environmental Education
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: 7/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
* This 12 week internship session will take place September through November of 2026 *
NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARKis dedicated to conservation, education and recreation by displaying, interpreting, and researching native Northwest wildlife and their natural habitats. The 725-acre zoological park was established in 1975 and attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. Northwest Trek is operated by Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington.
OUR MISSION - Awakening a connection to Wild Life with everyone in the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit www.nwtrek.org
Our Animal Care internship is designed to provide instruction in the following areas: habitat maintenance, nutrition and diets, environmental enrichment, public presentation/interpretation, water quality and filtration, species natural history, training, and husbandry. This is a unique opportunity for interns to work alongside zookeepers and gain valuable on the job training.
Essential Duties
Under the guidance of experienced zoo, aquarium and wildlife park staff, interns will have the opportunity to gain experience in many areas of expertise, including, but not limited to:

• Daily Animal Husbandry:Cleaning and general maintenance of exhibits and holding areas
• Animal Observation and Record-keeping:Nutrition and diets. Diet preparation. Appropriate vitamin supplementation. Environmental enrichment. Implementation and analysis
• Animal Training: The schedules of reinforcement, the types of operant conditioning, as well as the benefits of training
• Water Quality and Filtration: Our filtration process, water quality parameters and monitoring
• Public Presentation: Messaging as well as post presentation Q & A. Learning the natural history of the animal species we care for, their behavior, and scientific names
• Project Completion: Interns will be expected to design, budget, build and use a small project

Minimum Qualifications
We are committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcome candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please consider the breadth of your life experience when interpreting our listed duties and qualifications:

• Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification.

• Must have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career towards the care and protection of wild life.

• Paid or volunteer experience working with animals.
  
  • Examples may include, but are not limited to, zoological institutions, wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary clinics, laboratories, or other related facilities.

• This is an in-depth program requiring a 40 hour per week commitment, for a minimum of 12 weeks. Eligible candidates must be able to commit to 40 hours a week for 12 weeks.

• Valid driver's license + acceptable driving record.
  
  • If selected for internship a driving abstract will be requested at program start date

Additional Information
Physical Demands: Interns must be capable of the physical requirements required to work with animals, specifically:

• Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Pushing, climbing, walking, kneeling and crouching to work with and feed animals.

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools.

Hazards:

• Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals.

• Exposure to animal bodily fluids/products.

• Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise.

• Contact with dissatisfied visitors.

Environment:

• Indoor and outdoor environment throughout the year

• Adverse weather conditions.

• Cold water while interacting with animals and cleaning exhibits.

• Confined or dark work areas.

Internships are limited-term programs, interns are not classified as employees of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, the Northwest Trek Foundation or Parks Tacoma.
Stipends, generously provided by the Northwest Trek Foundation, are considered taxable income and should be reported on your tax return.
Interns at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park are provided a $3,000 stipend to assist with general living costs, paid in monthly installments across the 12 week term. Stipends are generously provided by the Northwest Trek Foundation .
Housing: Provided, free on-site. Amenities include utilities paid, full bath, kitchen, washer & dryer, Netflix and Hulu subscription, internet access, bikes to use to travel to and from work area.
Paid internships are designed to provide instruction within an educational environment, including clinical and hands-on experiences that directly support the intern's formal education. The internship's duration is intentionally limited to ensure meaningful learning opportunities. Additionally, the intern's work complements, rather than replaces, the responsibilities of paid employees, providing significant educational benefits throughout the experience.
Participation in a paid internship program does not, in any way, suggest, imply or promise an offer of employment upon program conclusion.
*Stipend funds are considered taxable income that should be reported on your taxes.
Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED AND/OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
01
Please describe the professional setting(s)** in which you gained your experience with animals, as well as the types of animals you cared for, and an estimated length of time for each (e.g., years, months, weeks).**Examples may include: zoological institutions, wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary clinics, laboratories, or other related activities. Experience may be paid or unpaid.
02
What specific elements of this internship program appeal to you, and what differentiates it from other opportunities you've considered?
03
In regard to animal care, please list & describe up to three skills, abilities, or qualities you possess that you think will help you succeed at this internship.
04
Have you experienced any barriers to entering the zoo & aquarium field (personal, financial, educational, systemic, etc.)? If so, please describe.
05
What are your short and long-term career goals, and how might this internship help you achieve them?
06
Please describe any factors or commitments that would prevent you from committing to a 40 hr/week schedule, for the full 12-week (September - December 2026) session.
07
Please select 5 (or more) days that you are able to complete an 8 hour shift, to account for the 40 hr/week schedule commitment: * If you need to provide additional information, please use the next question.

• Sundays
• Mondays
• Tuesdays
• Wednesdays
• Thursdays
• Fridays
• Saturdays

08
If needed, provide additional information about the days you have selected above:
Required Question