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Internship Zookeeper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Maymont Foundation

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 ...

Maymont Foundation

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 ...

Maymont Foundation

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 ...

All JobsZookeeper JobsInternship Zookeeper JobsInternship Zookeeper Jobs in Virginia

Internship Zookeeper information

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$5

$14

$23

How much do internship zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship zookeeper in Virginia is $14.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.75 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship zookeeper?

An Internship Zookeeper job is a temporary position designed to provide hands-on experience in animal care and zoo operations. Interns typically assist with feeding, habitat maintenance, enrichment activities, and observing animal behavior under the supervision of experienced zookeepers. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates pursuing careers in zoology, wildlife conservation, or animal sciences. Interns may also engage in public education and conservation programs. It is a valuable opportunity to gain practical skills and industry knowledge while contributing to animal welfare.

What does an internship zookeeper do?

As an Internship Zookeeper, your daily responsibilities typically include preparing food, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal behavior, and assisting with enrichment activities to support animal welfare. You may also help with educational programs, interact with zoo visitors under supervision, and assist professional zookeepers during veterinary procedures or habitat maintenance. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into the daily operations of a zoo and offers opportunities to develop practical animal care skills. The variety of tasks exposes you to multiple species and aspects of animal husbandry, helping you explore potential career paths within zoology.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an internship zookeeper?

To thrive as an Internship Zookeeper, you generally need a passion for animal care, a basic understanding of biology or zoology, and some formal education or enrollment in a relevant program. Familiarity with animal feeding protocols, safety equipment, and record-keeping systems is often required, and a first aid or animal handling certification can be beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn new skills help candidates stand out. These abilities ensure the intern can support daily animal care routines safely, work effectively with staff, and contribute to the zoo's mission.

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

The most popular types of Zookeeper jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Internship Zookeeper jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Internship Zookeeper job openings:

Internship Zookeeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Zookeeper job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 67% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,006 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Associate Veterinarian

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$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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