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Aza Zoo Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX · On-site

... Zoo Supervisors. * Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff. * Demonstrates a clear understanding of the roles AZA zoos play in conservation and saving ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper III, Hoofstock

Houston, TX · On-site

... AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approve by the Zoo Supervisor or Curator; provides ... Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff.

houstonzoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX · On-site

... Zoo Supervisors. * Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff. * Demonstrates a clear understanding of the roles AZA zoos play in conservation and saving ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX · On-site

... Zoo Supervisors. * Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff. * Demonstrates a clear understanding of the roles AZA zoos play in conservation and saving ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper III, Hoofstock

Houston, TX · On-site

... the Zoo Supervisor. * Assists with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other ... Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff.

Great Plains Zoo

Zookeeper (Ungulate)

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$18/hr

Join us at the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium as a member of our Ungulate team! Job Summary ... Innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards. * Preparation and ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper III, Hoofstock

Houston, TX · On-site

... the Zoo Supervisor. * Assists with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other ... Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff.

Great Plains Zoo

Zookeeper (Ungulate)

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

Join us at the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium as a member of our Ungulate team! Job Summary ... Innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards. * Preparation and ...

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How much do aza zoo internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for aza zoo internship in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an AZA Zoo intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an AZA Zoo Intern, you typically need a background in biology, animal science, or a related field, along with a strong interest in animal care and conservation. Familiarity with animal husbandry protocols, safety procedures, and data collection tools is important, and some positions may require certifications like First Aid/CPR. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail help interns interact effectively with staff and the public while ensuring animal welfare. These skills and qualities are essential for supporting zoo operations, contributing to conservation efforts, and gaining valuable experience in the zoological field.

What types of hands-on experiences can interns expect during an AZA Zoo internship?

During an AZA Zoo Internship, interns typically gain hands-on experience by assisting with animal care routines, participating in enrichment activities, and supporting daily husbandry tasks such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring animal behaviors. Interns may also have the opportunity to work alongside zookeepers, veterinarians, and educators, contributing to conservation projects and public education programs. This immersive environment allows interns to develop practical skills while learning about animal welfare, safety protocols, and the collaborative nature of zoo operations.

What is the difference between Aza Zoo Internship vs Aza Zoo Volunteer?

AspectAza Zoo InternshipAza Zoo Volunteer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require related courseworkNo formal credentials needed
Work EnvironmentStructured, supervised environment with specific learning objectivesFlexible, often unpaid, with varied tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for gaining professional experience in zoology and animal carePrimarily for community service and supporting zoo operations

In summary, Aza Zoo Internships are structured programs aimed at providing hands-on experience and skill development in zoology, often requiring some educational background. Aza Zoo Volunteers support zoo activities without formal credentials, offering flexible assistance. Both roles serve different purposes but contribute to the zoo's operations and animal care.

What is an AZA Zoo internship?

An AZA Zoo Internship is a hands-on training program offered by zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Interns gain practical experience working with animals, assisting with daily care, education, conservation projects, and learning about zoo operations. These internships are valuable for students or recent graduates interested in animal care, wildlife conservation, or zoo management. Internships may be paid or unpaid and typically last from a few weeks to several months. Participants often work closely with zookeepers, educators, and other professionals to develop skills and knowledge relevant to the field.
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Aza Zoo Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aza Zoo Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 63% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston Zoo

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Houston Zoo rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal enclosures within a specified Houston Zoo animal program. This position will coordinate all program objectives in addition to day-to-day husbandry and enclosure maintenance. Members of the Aquarium and Sea Lion/Penguin team will need to be active members on the dive team to do routine maintenance and cleaning of the aquatic environments, following all dive protocols.
Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
  • Maintains clean and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas and equipment.
  • Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.
  • Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
  • Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the Zoo Supervisor.
  • Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research, or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with TRACKS and Microsoft Office software applications.
  • Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under his/her care.
  • Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under his/her care.
  • Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
  • As appropriate, maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species.
  • As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
  • In conjunction with the Zoo's pest control officer, may assist in pest control using exclusion or traps.
  • Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Zoo Supervisor.
  • Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor.
  • May assist with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approve by the Zoo Supervisor or Curator; provides support for the Zoo projects.
  • Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
  • May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in all duties and all assigned work areas within a specified timeframe.
  • Serves as a point of contact for area staff, veterinarians, Facilities staff, and/or other departments in the absence of a Zoo Supervisor.
  • Assists with training, mentoring, and may oversee and direct activities of interns, volunteers, and other area Keepers.
  • Assists Zoo Supervisors in the oversight of team projects.
  • Assists in the development and implementation of area standard operating guidelines.
  • Assumes select supervisory duties in the absence of Zoo Supervisors.
  • Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff.
  • Demonstrates a clear understanding of the roles AZA zoos play in conservation and saving animals in the wild.
  • Actively pursues feedback and other resources to improve leadership skills and helps to improve such skills in other team members.
  • Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from four-year college or university in zoology, biology, animal husbandry or a related field.
  • Experience and education may be considered equivalent at the rate of six months of experience per 15 hours of college level credit, up to 60 hours.
  • A certificate of completion from an acceptable animal care program may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree.
  • Six years of experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment or internships.
  • Experience with basic carpentry and mechanical skills.
  • Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license.

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO
The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.
  • Medical and Prescription Drug
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
  • Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Supplemental Life
  • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
  • 401k, with employer match

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.
  • Free Zoo Membership
  • Free Guest Passes
  • Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
  • Free parking

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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