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Animal Science Intern Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Animal Science Intern information

See Ohio salary details

$8

$20

$37

How much do animal science intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal science intern in Ohio is $20.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.84 and $22.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Animal Science Intern do?

An Animal Science Intern assists with research, animal care, and data collection in various settings such as farms, laboratories, or veterinary clinics. Their duties may include feeding and monitoring animals, maintaining records, and helping with experiments or studies related to animal health and behavior. This hands-on experience helps interns apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations and prepares them for careers in animal science or related fields.

What is the difference between Animal Science Intern vs Animal Technician?

AspectAnimal Science InternAnimal Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate of animal science or related degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, farms, or labs; learning-focusedAnimal care facilities, farms, laboratories; hands-on work
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, agricultural companiesVeterinary clinics, farms, animal shelters
Common Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, learning roles in animal sciencePractical animal care and management roles

The main difference is that Animal Science Interns are typically students or recent graduates gaining experience in research or academic settings, while Animal Technicians are more hands-on professionals responsible for daily animal care and management. Interns focus on learning and observation, whereas technicians perform routine animal handling and maintenance tasks.

What Does an Animal Science Intern Do?

An animal science intern can work in a variety of fields, including animal husbandry, zoology, wildlife research, animal nutrition, biological laboratory research, and veterinary medicine. During an internship, your duties vary, depending on the specialization in which you work. But the purpose of the internship is to gain experience by working alongside animal science professionals. If you work with domestic animals or zoo animals, you assist with cleaning enclosures, feeding animals, documenting behavior, and collecting samples. In a laboratory internship, your responsibilities revolve around collecting, analyzing, and documenting specimens. Many animal science internships require working outdoors for at least part of the program.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Science Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Science Intern, you need foundational knowledge in animal biology, husbandry, and laboratory or field research, generally acquired through coursework in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with data collection tools, laboratory equipment, and animal management software is often required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding interns apart. These abilities ensure both animal welfare and accurate data collection, supporting meaningful contributions to research or animal care operations.

What types of projects or research might an Animal Science Intern typically contribute to during their internship?

As an Animal Science Intern, you may be involved in a variety of projects ranging from assisting with animal care protocols and nutrition studies to supporting breeding programs or data collection for ongoing research. Interns often work closely with experienced professionals in laboratory, farm, or field settings, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to the team’s goals. This collaborative environment allows interns to develop practical skills and gain insight into the many career paths within animal science.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Science jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Animal Science jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Science Intern jobs in Ohio? For Animal Science Intern jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Animal Science Intern jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Animal Science Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Science Intern job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Internship, 55% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 82% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,483 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Animal Care Behavioral Observation Internship 2026

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks

Powell, OH • On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Overview
Responsibilities
The goal of this internship is to utilize interns to record observational data of a variety of species within Animal Care Regions throughout the Zoo. Using a Microsoft Excel based worksheets (which will be utilized on the Google Sheets app); interns will observe each animal, as designated by region. This program will allow for observations to be taken on an iPad, which can then be exported for analysis. Through the information that is obtained interns will work with Animal Care Professionals to assess and make appropriate changes to improve Animal Welfare.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, working alongside full-time keeper staff in learning basic animal behaviors and group dynamics, observing animals and reporting any behavioral changes, and performing other duties as assigned. Interns will also be required to complete various quizzes, training, projects and presentation, and a final reflection paper assigned by the departments.
Learning Objectives:
Enrichment and Training, Ethogram development, become familiar with AZA Animal Care and Welfare standards, and developing an understanding of species' natural history and functional behaviors.
Qualifications
  • Student or recent graduate (2 years or less) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine or related program.
  • 3.0 or above accumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred.
  • TB test required.
  • Prior animal care experience preferred.
  • Experience with conducting ethograms on zoological animals is preferred, but not required
  • Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully.
  • Proficient on Microsoft Excel
  • Able to use tablet to input data using Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel programs.
  • Ability to use Zoom for weekly meetings
  • Strong computer skills, ability to work with pivot tables and excel spreadsheets.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be neat in appearance and maintain courteous behavior at all times.
  • Ability to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, cold, rain, snow).
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays (July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day) required.
  • Subject to BMV check.
  • Subject to Criminal Background check.

Hours: Minimum of 20 hours/week for 12 to 16 weeks
The RISE Scholarship, generously funded by Battelle, is now open! Eligible interns can apply for a $5,000 scholarship supporting hands-on, mission-driven internship experiences across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds-applications are open May 1- June 30, 2026.
To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships