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Animation Internship Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Backed by a16z speedrun, Patron, Kevin Hart, Pear VC, and founders of Instacart and Dreamworks Animations, we connect hundreds of thousands of "pals," hosts, and gyms through events, memberships, and ...

Backed by a16z speedrun, Patron, Kevin Hart, Pear VC, and founders of Instacart and Dreamworks Animations, we connect hundreds of thousands of "pals," hosts, and gyms through events, memberships, and ...

Backed by a16z speedrun, Patron, Kevin Hart, Pear VC, and founders of Instacart and Dreamworks Animations, we connect hundreds of thousands of "pals," hosts, and gyms through events, memberships, and ...

Animation Internship information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11

$20

$31

How much do animation internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation internship in Portland, OR is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do animation interns get paid?

Whether animation interns are paid depends on the company and internship program; some offer stipends or hourly wages, while others are unpaid. Paid internships often provide experience with industry-standard tools like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom and may require a set schedule or specific skills. It is important to review the internship details before applying.

How to get a job in animation with no experience?

To get an animation internship with no experience, build a portfolio showcasing your best work, learn relevant software like Adobe Animate or Blender, and complete online courses or tutorials to develop foundational skills. Internships often value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, so networking and applying to entry-level positions can also improve your chances.

Does Disney do animation internships?

Yes, Disney offers animation internships for students and recent graduates interested in animation, character design, and related fields. These internships typically involve hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Maya and Adobe Creative Suite and may require a portfolio or reel for application.

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

To thrive as an Animation Intern, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, proficiency in drawing or digital art, and coursework or a degree in animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, or Autodesk Maya is typically expected. Creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to take feedback are crucial soft skills that help interns grow and contribute to team projects. These skills are important because they enable interns to produce compelling animation, adapt to studio workflows, and evolve their abilities in a competitive industry.

What is an animation internship?

An animation internship is a temporary position where students or recent graduates gain practical experience working alongside professional animators in a studio or production environment. Interns typically assist with tasks such as storyboarding, character design, 2D or 3D animation, and editing. The goal is to provide hands-on training, industry knowledge, and professional networking opportunities. Animation internships can be paid or unpaid and often serve as a stepping stone to a full-time job in the animation industry.

What do animation interns do?

Animation interns assist with creating and refining animated content by drawing, modeling, or animating scenes using software like Adobe Animate or Maya. They often support senior artists, learn industry workflows, and develop skills in storytelling, timing, and technical tools during their internship period.

What is the difference between Animation Internship vs Animation Assistant?

AspectAnimation Internship
Required Credentials
Typically students or recent graduates with basic knowledge of animation software
Work Environment
Entry-level, learning-focused, often in studios or production companies
Employer & Industry Usage
Used as a training position in animation studios, film, gaming, and advertising
Comparison Summary

An Animation Internship is an entry-level, learning-focused position for students or recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in animation. An Animation Assistant, on the other hand, is a more experienced role supporting animation teams with tasks like asset management and scene setup. Internships are often temporary and educational, while assistant roles may be permanent or longer-term positions within animation studios.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on during an Animation Internship?

As an Animation Intern, you’ll typically assist with storyboarding, character design, and creating motion graphics under the guidance of experienced animators. You may contribute to ongoing studio projects by preparing assets, cleaning up animation frames, or helping with revisions based on feedback. Interns often collaborate closely with artists, writers, and directors, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard software and workflows. The variety of tasks provides valuable exposure to the animation pipeline, making it an excellent opportunity to build your portfolio and professional network.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Animation jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Animation Internship jobs in Portland, OR? For Animation Internship jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Animation Internship jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Animation Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Animation Internship job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,605 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Science Illustration Intern

Science Illustration Intern

Xerces Society Inc

Portland, OR • On-site

$24/hr

Part-time, Internship

PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Internship
Description
JOB TITLE: Science Illustration Intern
LOCATION: Remote position within the United States. Candidates must have a personal office location suitable for work purposes, with broadband internet access, and must work from a city/state location approved by Xerces as their assigned work location.
COMPENSATION: $24 per hour
STATUS & SCHEDULE: Part time, approximately 20 hours/week.
DURATION: September - December 2026, flexible based upon student's academic schedule
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 31, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
All applications must be submitted via our application website at: xerces.org/jobs
Xerces provides accommodations for the job application process if needed. If you need an accommodation to complete the job application process, please email reasonable.accomodation@xerces.org with your specific request.
JOIN US!
At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farms and public agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protecting endangered species and their habitat, and engaging the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:
As the Scientific Illustration Intern for the Xerces Society, you will build your portfolio and gain experience in science illustration by creating visual media that advances public understanding of invertebrates and advocacy for their conservation. This is a remote position at 20 hours per week from September through December. The intern will be a member of the communications team and work directly with many Xerces Society staff. The internship is made possible by the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation .
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Produce scientific illustrations, animations, and/or data visualizations of invertebrates and the conservation issues impacting them. Projects will include developing print and digital media to illustrate invertebrate morphology, depict ecological interactions, and promote programs like the Xerces Society habitat kits.
  • Work with the communications team and conservation program staff to identify and produce visual storytelling opportunities for Xerces conservation initiatives.
  • Participate in relevant staff meetings and events.
  • Participate in Xerces Society program experiences, as available.
  • Present and exhibit final illustrations through a Xerces Society platform.

Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED
  • Ability to portray natural subjects in a scientific manner in one or more mediums
  • Experience creating artwork from life and from photo references
  • Ability to meet deadlines and incorporate feedback
  • Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
  • Strong time, project management, and collaboration skills

PREFERRED
  • Ability to communicate scientific concepts through data visualization, and/or
  • Experience creating animated short videos

QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED
  • Current undergraduate or graduate student in the Fall 2026 semester, pursuing a degree or certificate in scientific illustration, fine arts, graphic design, or similar related field of study.

PREFERRED
  • Interest in ecology, conservation, and science communication
  • Passion to develop skills in scientific illustration

BENEFITS: This position includes paid time off (PTO) accrued starting at a rate of 1.73 hours for every 30 hours of pay (15 days per year for a 40 hour/week schedule)
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Include a portfolio of 5-10 illustration samples that demonstrate skill and experience in scientific illustration of wildlife and natural subjects. 3-5 additional samples of data visualization or animation may be included, if applicable. Please upload one pdf of all samples. You may add links and brief narrative context as needed. Include a cover letter describing how you fulfill the qualifications listed above and how you hope the internship will enhance your professional development.
All applications must be submitted via our application website at: xerces.org/jobs
TERMS: The Xerces Society is an at-will employer. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
MUTUAL ARBITRATION: Xerces policies require that employees accept a binding mutual arbitration agreement and process for dispute resolution as an alternative to a jury/trial process. Acceptance of the agreement is a condition of employment, and candidates are offered a position with a minimum of 72 hours to consider.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Xerces Society is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.