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Animal Science Intern Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Science Intern information

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.
More about Animal Science Intern jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Science jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Animal Science jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Science Intern jobs in Tennessee? For Animal Science Intern jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Science Intern jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Science Intern jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Animal Science Intern jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Animal Science Intern job openings:
Animal Science Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Science Intern job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Unpaid Animal Care Internship - Primate Canyon

Memphis Zoo

Memphis, TN • On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Animal Care Internship - Primate Canyon
Interns work directly with animal care staff to gain firsthand experience of all aspects of animal husbandry including diet prep, enclosure maintenance, training, enrichment, guest interactions and more. The goal of the program is to provide college students (or recent graduates) with pre-professional career experience through hands-on experiential learning opportunities.
Species: Gorilla, orangutan, bonobo, siamang, white-cheeked gibbons, colobus monkeys, spot-nosed guenons, red- and black-and-white-ruffed lemurs, mandrills, Sulawesi crested macaques, and Asian small-clawed otters.
Key Dates:
Unpaid internship programs span 10-12 weeks.
  • Spring Internships: January - May (application deadline November).
  • Summer Internships: May - August (application deadline March).
  • Fall Internships: August - December (application deadline July).

Applications may be accepted until positions are filled. Start and end dates are flexible. Housing may be provided seasonally, but is not guaranteed.
Intern duties will vary upon season and departmental needs, but could include:
  • Assisting Zookeepers and Team leads with the daily husbandry of assigned animals. (No direct contact with class one animals).
  • Actively observing animal's behavior.
  • Assisting with the production of special events, animal celebrations, and awareness days.
  • Facilitating formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.
  • Preparing daily diets and maintains accurate records of assigned animals.
  • Appropriately cleaning and disinfecting assigned animal enclosures/habitats according to written protocols.
  • Maintaining animal areas, work areas, and all resources in a clean, organized manner
  • Completing a special project covering observations, research, enrichment or another area of interest.

Qualifications:
  • Must be a dependable, hard-working college student or recent graduate with an interest in the fields of education, interpretation, environmental science, biology, zoology, or zoo management, or might be considering a change of career.
  • Availability of 24-40 hours per week for 10-12 weeks.

Behaviors:
  • Enthusiasm and good judgement while working with children and zoo guests.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to follow directions.
  • Team Player: Works well as a member of a group.
  • Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well.
  • Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity.
  • Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks.
  • Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization.

Beneficial Skills:
  • Proficiency in Office 365, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the intern will frequently work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Requirements:
  • 18 years or older.
  • Clear background check.
  • Clear TB screening.

EEOC and Inclusion Statement:
The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
All offers of internship are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-internship screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Internships page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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