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Animal Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sea Lions Intern

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$15/hr

Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Intern Coordinator and animal area supervisors. DESCRIPTION : Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a Sea Lion ...

Browse Intern

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$15/hr

Browse Intern FLSA Status: Non-exempt Classification: Seasonal Hours: Up to 24 hours per week for ... Together these areas work to make sure that every animal at the Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park is ...

Special Event Internship

Pittsburgh, PA

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Animal Friends is looking for a Development Intern to help cultivate community engagement and manage our annual giving, tribute and memorial gifts. The Development Intern will work closely with the ...

Nutrition Intern

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$15/hr

Nutrition Intern FLSA Status: Non-exempt Classification: Seasonal Hours: Up to 24 hours per week ... Together these areas work to make sure that every animal at the Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park is ...

Jungle Intern

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$15/hr

Jungle Intern FLSA Status: Non-exempt Classification: Seasonal Hours: Up to 24 hours per week for ... The animal collection includes new and old-world primates, tapirs, otters, pygmy hippos, birds ...

Provide basic animal care, including feeding, bathing, and exercising * Clean and maintain animal ... Intern position. We look forward to hearing from you!

The focus of the Interactive Animal Programs department is to promote awareness and stewardship of ... As an intern in the Interactive Animal Programs Department, you will be expected to be proficient ...

Expedition Madagascar Intern FLSA Status: Non-exempt Classification: Seasonal Hours: Up to 24 hours ... Animal enrichment. * Monitoring behavior and changes in animal health. * Diet preparation and ...

Expedition Madagascar Intern FLSA Status: Non-exempt Classification: Seasonal Hours: Up to 24 hours ... Animal enrichment. * Monitoring behavior and changes in animal health. * Diet preparation and ...

Human Resources Intern

Austin, TX

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Human Resources Intern APA! BACKGROUND: Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is one of Austin's most dynamic ... In 2020, American Pets Alive! began the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) - an innovative ...

Communications Intern

New York, NY ยท On-site

$32.05/hr

About Us The New York City Council's Animal Welfare Caucus is dedicated to protecting and ... The intern will assist the Executive Director with general administrative and operational tasks as ...

Freshwater Aquarist Intern (Unpaid)

Charleston, SC ยท On-site

$14 - $18/hr

The Animal Care Intern - Freshwater Aquarist (Unpaid) will gain valuable experience by learning proper husbandry techniques for a diverse collection animals through one-on-one training and hands on ...

Special Event Internship

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Animal Friends is looking for a Development Intern to help cultivate community engagement and manage our annual giving, tribute and memorial gifts. The Development Intern will work closely with the ...

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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.
More about Animal Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Intern jobs? Cities with the most Animal Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs? The most popular types of Animal jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Intern jobs include:

Sea Lions Intern

OMAHA ZOO GROUP

Omaha, NE โ€ข On-site

$15/hr

Temporary

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Sea Lions Intern
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Seasonal
Hours: Up to 24 hours per week for 12 weeks
Pay Rate: $15.00/hour
This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date.
SCHEDULE: The fall session runs September 22nd - December 14th, 2026. All interns must be available during this time.
  • Orientation: First day of each semester from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. All interns must be available to attend orientation in-person.
  • Weekly Schedule: Must be available to workup to 24 hours per week and attend one weekly afternoon professional development session starting the second week of their internship. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Intern Coordinator and animal area supervisors.

DESCRIPTION: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a Sea Lion Intern under the direction of the Sea Lion and Large Mammal Manager. Interns will assist the Keeper staff in all aspects of the day-to-day husbandry, training, enrichment, and welfare requirements for the animals in the Sea Lion Shores collection. Interns may also participate in training and enrichment programs with the Zoo animals as well as potentially give public presentations. There is no diving permitted during this internship.
The Focus of the Sea Lion department is to promote awareness and stewardship of the animal kingdom through enrichment and operant conditioning. The program consists of a collection of Sea Lions and Harbor Seals, each having specific outlined objectives or teaching points that support the mission of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium to Inspire, Educate, and Engage people to serve as life-long stewards for animals, their habitats, and their conservation.
This internship is designed to provide an opportunity to form a knowledge base as it pertains to animal behavior and the causes that impact behavior in an AZA accredited facility in the following areas: general knowledge, animal welfare assessments, daily husbandry, nutrition, data collection and record keeping, environmental enrichment, operant conditioning, conservation issues, and guest interactions.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of conservation science staff in the Sea Lion department.
  • Attend weekly professional development sessions.
  • Participate in and complete a mid-point and final evaluation.
  • Assist in and complete tasks as assigned, including but not limited to:
    • Collecting behavioral data
    • Analyzing behavioral data and presenting to animal care teams as needed to improve enrichment, training, and welfare programs
    • Preparing, offering, logging, approved Enrichment in accordance to the animals' life strategy plan.
    • Assisting in developing and implementing operant conditioning techniques for the collection animals.
    • Assisting with and potentially individually providing animal demonstrations and encounters.
    • Assist the Supervisor and animal area staff in animal welfare assessments as needed
    • Other duties may be assigned.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must follow safety guidelines and always demonstrate safe working practices.
  • Must have effective time management skills for working in a fast-paced and flexible work environment.
  • Must possess strong communication skills; Communicate frequently and in a professional manner with supervisor and animal team members.
  • Must work well with others and have the ability to work independently.
  • Must be team-oriented and willing to work with other interns, volunteers, and staff members to further not only the goals of the Department but also of the Zoo's mission statement.
  • Must attend shifts on time and as scheduled.
  • Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions.

Offered candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
EXPERIENCE: Experience is not necessary, but consideration will be given to an individual's past direct experience with exotic animals in other zoological, aqua cultural, ecological and biological areas such as in schools, aquariums, nature centers, agricultural operations, animal merchandizing or conservation centers.
EDUCATION: Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university. A minimum of one year of coursework in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc.) is preferred. Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to enrichment and operant conditioning.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position at times involves considerable physical exertion, such as regularly working around water, walking on slick rocks, routinely lifting heavy objects (up to or more than 50 pounds) and/or assuming awkward positions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, and moisture. The position may involve physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns.
PUBLIC CONTACT: Interns may interact with the public frequently throughout their internship and are expected to always exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public. As an intern in the Sea Lion Department, you will be expected to be proficient and comfortable interacting with the public and Keepers.
DISCLAIMER
We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part-time job requirements.
Please note this position does not provide any medical coverage.
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.