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Internship Zoo Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA

$43K - $56K/yr

Will be responsible for training and supervising interns and volunteers. * Will be responsible for ... aquarium, zoo or related facility utilizing life support systems * Additionally, the ideal ...

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20/hr

Will be responsible for training and supervising interns and volunteers. Will be responsible for ... zoo or related facility utilizing life support systemsAdditionally, the ideal candidate will be ...

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20/hr

Will be responsible for training and supervising interns and volunteers. * Will be responsible for ... aquarium, zoo or related facility utilizing life support systems * Additionally, the ideal ...

Internship Zoo information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do internship zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship zoo in Virginia is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship zoo?

An Internship Zoo job is a temporary position at a zoo where interns gain hands-on experience working with animals, assisting zookeepers, and learning about animal care, conservation, and zoo operations. Responsibilities may include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, observing animal behavior, and educating visitors. These internships provide valuable experience for those pursuing careers in zoology, veterinary medicine, or wildlife conservation.

What does an internship zoo do?

As a Zoo Intern, your typical responsibilities may include assisting with animal feeding, cleaning enclosures, preparing enrichment activities, and helping staff observe animal behavior and health. You may also support educational programs, answer guest questions, and perform basic administrative tasks related to animal care. Interns often rotate through different sections of the zoo to gain a broad understanding of zoo operations and animal management. This hands-on experience not only helps develop critical animal care skills but also offers opportunities to interact closely with experienced professionals, preparing you for future roles in animal care or wildlife management.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an internship zoo?

To thrive as a Zoo Intern, you should have a strong interest in animal care, basic knowledge of biology or zoology, and be pursuing or have completed relevant coursework in animal sciences or related fields. Experience with animal husbandry tools, safety equipment, and familiarity with record-keeping systems or animal management software is often beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, reliability, and a willingness to learn are valuable soft skills for this position. These skills are essential to ensure both the welfare of the animals and effective collaboration with zookeepers and other staff members in a fast-paced environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Internship Zoo jobs in Virginia?

For Internship Zoo jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Zoo jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Zoo jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Internship Zoo jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Internship Zoo job openings:

Infographic showing various Internship Zoo job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 62% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,055 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

$100 - $160/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Associate Veterinarian – Avian & Exotic Focused

Avian and Exotic Pet Clinic of Roanoke
Location: Roanoke, VA (Relocation Required / Assistance Provided)
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview:

Step into a highly rewarding, specialized role with an established bird and exotic animal hospital. The Avian and Exotic Pet Clinic of Roanoke is expanding to fulfill and handle the case load the SW Virginia area provides. We provide advanced medical and surgical care exclusively for companion small mammals, birds, reptiles, and local zoo species. We are seeking an enthusiastic clinician passionate about avian and exotic medicine who thrives on client education and high-quality diagnostics. Applicant must be experienced with soft tissue surgery (orthopedics surgery is a plus). We fully welcome both experienced exotic practitioners and post-graduation internship trained applicants.

Advanced In-House Technology:
  • Exotic Pet Dentistry
  • Full Digital Radiology
  • In-House Laboratory
  • Diagnostic Ultrasound
  • Rigid Endoscopy
  • Radiosurgery
  • Experienced Support Staff
What You Will Do:
  • Avian & Exotic Pet Medicine: Provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and more.
  • Zoo Partnerships: Assist with scheduled and on-call veterinary coverage for our regional zoo partners.
  • Client Education: Deliver high-touch, empathetic communication to passionate bird and exotic pet owners.
  • Shared Emergency Support: Participate in a limited, shared rotational schedule for after-hours inpatient care.
Compensation & Financial Incentives
  • Competitive Base Salary: Commensurate with experience level. (Including Benefit Package)
  • Dual Production Streams: High earning potential via traditional Pro-Sal with the option of after hour emergency coverage providing additional earnings.
  • Capital OR Debt Relief: Sign-On Bonus OR Relocation Assistance package OR Tuition Assistance Program available for full-time associates, in good standing after one year of employment at The Avian and Exotic Pet Clinic of Roanoke.
Premium Benefits Package
  • Financial Security: Simple IRA retirement plan with up to 3% company match.
  • Health & Wellness: Health and Dental insurance coverage plans.
  • Time Away: Paid Time Off (PTO) package.
  • Professional Growth: Dedicated Continuing Education (CE) allowance plus paid days off for conferences.
  • Credentials & Dues: 100% covered Professional Licenses, Liability Insurance, and professional organizational dues.
  • Perks: Personal Pet Veterinary Care Plan and a dedicated annual uniform/scrubs allowance.
Why Move to the Roanoke Valley?

Experience a spectacular quality of life in Southwestern Virginia. Enjoy breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain scenery, endless outdoor recreation (hiking, mountain biking, camping, water sports), vibrant local culture, minimal daily traffic, and an exceptionally low cost of living.

Requirements

Current Virginia Veterinary License, Rabies Vaccination, DEA License

Founded in 2010 by Dr. Paul Stewart, Avian and Exotic Pet Clinic of Roanoke was established to provide the highest standard of veterinary care for unique pets throughout Southwest Virginia and beyond. Dr. Stewart brings over 29 years of veterinary experience, offering comprehensive medical, surgical, therapeutic, and preventative care for a wide variety of species. Our hospital specializes in the care of birds such as cockatiels, parrots, pigeons, and doves; small mammals including ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchill...

Details for Roanok, Virginia, United States are unavailable at this time.

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