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Intern Zoo Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ZooTampa

Design & Engineering Internship

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Have you ever wanted to help build the future of a world-class zoo? Join ZooTampa's Design ... Position Summary The Design and Engineering Intern will be responsible for providing on-site, daily ...

The Living Desert

Animal Care Intern

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Some ideas of focus include, but are not limited to: animal nutrition, engineering with a focus on ... General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry, natural history and observational skills * Uphold The ...

Robinson Engineering, LTD

Land Surveyor

South Holland, IL · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

As a Land Surveyor at Robinson, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with engineers on ... Must hold valid Surveyor Intern credentials in the State of Illinois or State of Indiana with the ...

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How much do intern zoo engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for intern zoo engineer in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Intern Zoo Engineer do?

An Intern Zoo Engineer assists the engineering team in designing, maintaining, and improving zoo facilities and animal enclosures. Their responsibilities may include helping with the planning and implementation of projects that enhance animal welfare, support sustainability, and ensure visitor safety. They often work under the supervision of experienced engineers, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as mechanical systems, water filtration, and habitat construction. This role provides valuable exposure to the intersection of animal care and engineering while supporting the daily operations of the zoo.

What types of projects or tasks can an Intern Zoo Engineer expect to work on during their internship?

As an Intern Zoo Engineer, you will typically assist with a variety of projects that support the design, maintenance, and improvement of animal habitats and related infrastructure. This may include helping with CAD drawings, conducting site assessments, supporting sustainability initiatives, and collaborating with animal care staff to ensure enclosures meet both safety and welfare standards. You’ll also work alongside experienced engineers and zoo personnel, gaining hands-on experience in project management and interdisciplinary teamwork. This exposure provides a valuable foundation for pursuing a career in engineering within zoological or conservation settings.

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

To excel as an Intern Zoo Engineer, you generally need a background in engineering or a related field, along with knowledge of animal habitats and facility design. Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools, and basic construction or maintenance systems is often required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help interns collaborate with zookeepers, architects, and contractors. These skills ensure safe, functional, and enriching environments for animals while supporting the zoo’s operational goals.

What is the difference between Intern Zoo Engineer vs Zoo Technician?

AspectIntern Zoo EngineerZoo Technician
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of zoology, biology, or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical training
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, supervised, often in educational or research settingsHands-on animal care, maintenance, and habitat management
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, wildlife parks, research institutionsZoos, aquariums, wildlife centers

Intern Zoo Engineers are typically students or recent graduates gaining experience in zoology or related fields, focusing on learning and observation. Zoo Technicians are more experienced staff responsible for daily animal care, habitat maintenance, and supporting zoo operations. While both roles work in zoo environments, Intern Zoo Engineers are in a developmental stage, whereas Zoo Technicians are operational staff.

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Intern Zoo Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Intern Zoo Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, 56% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Design & Engineering Internship

Tampa, FL

ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Traveler Accommodation • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about ZooTampa at Lowry Parkexternal

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Internship

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Have you ever wanted to help build the future of a world-class zoo?

Join ZooTampa's Design amp; Engineering team and gain hands-on experience supporting real construction, infrastructure, and engineering projects that enhance animal care, conservation, and unforgettable guest experiences.

You may be a great fit if:

  • You are studying Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical field and want practical, real-world experience.
  • You enjoy working both in the field and behind the scenes, coordinating projects, solving problems, and keeping details organized.
  • You're ready to learn from experienced professionals while contributing to projects that make a visible impact every day.

Position Summary

The Design and Engineering Intern will be responsible for providing on-site, daily assistance, for a variety of active and upcoming projects at ZooTampa. This position reports to and will primarily assist the Sr. Director of Planning, Design and Engineering.
Please Note: This is a paid internship.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Essential Functions
  • Assist with daily collaboration and communication between the department and key members of each project team including Project Owners, Owners Representative(s), General Contractors, Architects, and other vendors.
  • Assist with all aspects of each project including but not limited to Bidding, Contracting, Change Requests/Change Orders, Requests for Information (RFI) and Submittal’s for all active capital projects, as assigned.
  • Document the progress of multiple construction projects throughout the course of the day via reporting and photo documentation.
  • Work with internal teams to coordinate required work and communicate potential impacts to daily operations.
  • Assist with managing the contractor badging process for all Design and Engineering projects at ZooTampa.
  • Routinely organize and maintain, keeping in good condition, the ZooTampa digital and physical blueprint and document collection.
  • Partner with the Procurement and Finance departments to ensure all purchase orders, contracts and invoices are made and processed in accordance with zoo policy in a timely fashion.
  • Assist with ordering equipment, materials, and coordinating deliveries for all projects
What are we looking for?
Required Availability:
  • Commitment to a minimum of 28 hours a week.
  • Flexible weekday/weekend hours between 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 3–5 days per week.
  • Occasional evenings and weekends for ongoing projects.
Qualifications and Experience
  • Junior or Senior actively enrolled in a degree program in pursuit of a Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related technical field.
  • Beginner to intermediate understanding of mechanical systems, power systems, wastewater treatment, plumbing, electrical, building systems, life-support and safety systems and basic construction techniques is preferred.
  • Possess basic knowledge of trades and skills to effectively communicate with contractors, sub-contractors and other 3rd party vendors while on project sites.
  • Experience with Adobe Suite, Bluebeam Revu, and Microsoft Project are preferred.
  • Possess a basic knowledge of all phases of a project, from design through construction.
  • Prior internship experience preferred but not required.
Other Requirements
  • Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, building codes, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
  • Ability to work varying shifts with minimal advance notice, as required.
  • Demonstrated exceptional time management practices, attention to detail and excellent communications skills required.
  • Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
  • Possess visual, hearing and other sensory and cognitive capacity appropriate for facility and construction management and general safety practices.
  • Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking.
  • Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough terrain on foot and by vehicle.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and ability to adapt well to other computer programs.
Additional Requirements:
If an internship offer is made, it is contingent upon:
  • Successful completion of a criminal background screening and execution of a required hold harmless/liability release agreement
  • Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury (the Zoo’s workers’ compensation program does not cover interns or volunteers).
Benefits
  • Internship is designed to meet academic requirements and provide valuable real-world experience.
  • Potential academic credit available, subject to program eligibility requirements.
  • Networking opportunities with nonprofit professionals and community leaders.
  • Skill-building in planning, design, engineering, and nonprofit operations.
  • Letters of recommendation upon successful completion, when applicable.
Take the next step and apply today to help build what's next at ZooTampa.

Apply