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Internship Wildlife Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oglebay

Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

... interpreting the collection to visitors. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the ... Supervises and assigns work to zoo volunteers and interns scheduled in keeper's area of ...

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How much do internship wildlife interpreter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship wildlife interpreter in the United States is $25.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an internship wildlife interpreter do?

An Internship Wildlife Interpreter assists in educating the public about local wildlife, conservation efforts, and environmental stewardship. They often work at nature centers, parks, or wildlife reserves, leading guided tours, presenting educational programs, and helping with outreach events. Interns may also help create interpretive materials, support habitat restoration projects, and answer visitor questions. This role is an opportunity to gain practical experience in environmental education while working closely with professional interpreters and biologists.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for an internship wildlife interpreter?

As an Internship Wildlife Interpreter, you’ll typically assist with leading educational tours, developing interpretive materials, and engaging visitors with interactive programs about local wildlife and conservation efforts. Interns often work closely with experienced staff, gaining hands-on experience in environmental education and public speaking. You’ll also have opportunities to participate in field research, contribute to habitat restoration projects, and collaborate with team members to enhance visitor experiences. This role provides a strong foundation for careers in environmental education, wildlife management, and related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship wildlife interpreter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Wildlife Interpreter, you generally need a background in biology, environmental science, or a related field, paired with a passion for wildlife conservation. Familiarity with interpretive tools, educational materials, and sometimes GIS or presentation software is typical for the role. Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills help you engage diverse audiences and foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively educating the public, inspiring conservation action, and representing wildlife organizations professionally.

What is the difference between Internship Wildlife Interpreter vs Wildlife Educator?

AspectInternship Wildlife InterpreterWildlife Educator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college education, relevant certificationsSimilar; often requires related certifications or degrees in environmental science or education
Work EnvironmentWildlife centers, parks, zoos, museumsEducational programs, nature centers, parks, schools
Employer & IndustryWildlife organizations, zoos, parksEnvironmental education organizations, parks, museums
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for entry-level roles in wildlife education

Internship Wildlife Interpreters and Wildlife Educators share similar environments and credentials, focusing on wildlife education. Internships are typically entry-level, providing hands-on experience, while Wildlife Educators often have more experience or formal education. Both roles aim to inform the public about wildlife conservation and are common in parks, zoos, and nature centers.

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Internship Wildlife Interpreter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Wildlife Interpreter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 58% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,349 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Butterfly Exhibit Specialist/Lepidopterist (Temporary)

Dallas Zoo

Dallas, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Dallas Zoo rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

JOB SUMMARY
This is an entry-level position responsible for advancing the Dallas Zoo's mission by facilitating experiential learning opportunities in a temporary butterfly habitat. Lepidopterists will actively engage guests and program participants through educational programming that inspires and empowers audiences to Create a Better World for Animals. Lepidopterists must be comfortable handling butterflies throughout their entire life cycle and interpreting topics relevant to the Zoo and wildlife conservation, as they relate to butterflies, to a wide variety of audiences on the Dallas Zoo campus.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Provide overall daily care of butterflies and exhibits to ensure animal health, safety, and welfare, staff and public safety as set forth by AZA, USDA, and DZM to include:
* Observe and monitor butterflies' general health and behavior, reporting any abnormal behavior to supervisor and/or veterinary staff.
* Prepare and provide food for butterflies, following written instructions, provide water and administer medication as instructed to ensure proper nutrition and health;
* Clean animal exhibits, butterfly food stations and equipment, maintaining a high level of sanitation, conducting pest control activities and reporting any mechanical defects that would endanger the animal, zoo staff, and/or guests;
* Provide care for butterflies throughout their life cycle, including chrysalis handling, butterfly releasing, and clean-up of expired butterflies.
* Maintain accurate butterfly records.
* Proactively engage audiences through mission-driven experiences that inspire and empower audiences to take part in conservation actions on behalf of wildlife:
* Reinforce and encourage interest in wildlife through age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate, positive engagement with guests via programming;
* Actively inspire and empower audiences to develop an interest in and empathy for wildlife through positive and engaging interactions via experiential education programming focused on Dallas Zoo conservation priorities;
* Deliver education programs to groups of all sizes and ages;
* Keep current on conservation issues, interpretive techniques, and conservation psychology/community-based social marketing best practices;
* Maintain positive, professional relationships with Dallas Zoo staff, guests, and volunteers;
* Assist as new hire trainer for volunteers and interns as assigned; Act as a trainer for new hire Conservation Interpreters as assigned;
* Assist in the organization and maintenance of educational materials as needed.
* Collaborate with other Zoo personnel as needed to meet the Dallas Zoo's mission. This can include, but is not limited to, assisting and participating in media events, special tours, and public relations projects;
* Participate in and support Zoo-wide initiatives, committees, and work groups; Understand and support Dallas Zoo's Strategic and Master Plans and departmental goals;
* Follow all safety protocols and understand the position's role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required;
* Assist with the beautification of our park by removing litter and debris whenever you see it;
* Assist with and raise awareness for AZA SAFE programs and Dallas Zoo conservation efforts;
* Assist with other miscellaneous projects assigned by Dallas Zoo's Education leadership team;
* Must be willing to support the Dallas Zoo's Mission and Vision statement.
* Dallas Zoo is open to the public 364 days out of the year, therefore, all positions at the Dallas Zoo may require employees to work weekends, holidays, and evenings.
* Perform other duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Two years of relevant experience in interpretation or a related field.
Excellent presentation and public engagement skills required;
Strong knowledge of best practices in interpretation required; National Association for Interpretation (NAI) certification preferred;
Bilingual speaking and writing skills preferred;
Excellent natural history and wildlife conservation knowledge with attention to scientific accuracy;
Must maintain a high level of enthusiasm, energy, and creativity while performing interpretive programs on a regular basis;
Must be comfortable working with and handling live and expired butterflies;
Must be a flexible, efficient, self-motivated team player, and solution-oriented: finding creative solutions to complex challenges;
Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, interns, volunteers, and zoo guests;
Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, following instructions and documenting information appropriately;
Ability to represent the Dallas Zoo in a professional manner at all times;
Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action;
Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs.;
Must be able to work holidays and weekends, both regular and irregular hours as required;
Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position;
Must be able to actively work outdoors in hot, cold, or inclement weather;
Successful candidates must complete pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test;
Must have a valid driver's license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this job and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties to be assigned.
Employment Type: Full-Time (Temporary)

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