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Internship Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

John Ball Zoo

Senior Zookeeper - Area 2

Grand Rapids, MI

$20.62 - $24.03/hr

SENIOR ZOOKEEPER The Area 2 Senior Zookeeper performs general daily animal care functions including ... and interns in the development of job skills related to daily animal care, and, under manager ...

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How much do internship zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship zookeeper in the United States is $15.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.06 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Internship Zookeeper job?

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 kinds of tasks and responsibilities can I expect as an Internship Zookeeper?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Internship Zookeeper position, and why are they important?

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.

More about Internship Zookeeper jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Zookeeper jobs? Cities with the most Internship Zookeeper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zookeeper jobs? The most popular types of Zookeeper jobs are:
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Internship Zookeeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Zookeeper job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Internship, 57% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,881 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Conservation Education Internship - Fall 2026

Conservation Education Internship - Fall 2026

Dallas Zoo

Dallas, TX

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Dallas Zoo rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Conservation Education Internship - Fall 2026
Dallas Zoo's Education Department is focused on providing high-quality educational programming from seasonal camps, family, early childhood and school programsto in-park interpretation and community conservation engagement initiatives.

Working alongside education staff, interns in the education department have the opportunity to receive training and experience in effective instructional techniques for interpretation, conservation and science-oriented program development, outcomes-based program evaluation, working with volunteers and key community partners to develop community conservation engagement events and customer service in a team-based professional environment.

There are many different roles in the education department; at the beginning of the internship, interns will have the opportunity to choose a specificpositionto shadow based on personal interest. Interns will also be responsible for completing a demonstration project on one of the topics outlined above.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivatedindividual looking to expand their knowledge of interpretation and conservation education programming.

The Dallas Zoo College Internship Program provides a learning opportunity for currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited college/university in the United States. Interns become actively involved in the Zoo's animal care departments, conservation/research efforts, operations, and/or administrative positions.

Interns work 20-24 hours per week for a maximum of 12 weeks. Each placement is designed to help the intern gain experience related to their education. Most internship positions are unpaid. The Zoo does not provide transportation, housing, or a stipend.

All interns will be required to complete an educational project, participate in at least oneservice-learningproject, and attend professional development sessions designed especially for Dallas Zoo interns.

The Dallas Zoo Volunteer Services Department will work with students/schools to document internship experience needed to gain university/college credit.

Qualifications:

  • Must be able to perform physical challenges involved in the daily duties of the department including talking for long periods, walking throughout the park, lifting/carrying equipment weighing approximately 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching above the head, pulling, bending, and climbing stairs and ladders.
  • The candidate must be able and willing to perform all duties outdoors and in all weather conditions.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions
  • Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
  • Establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, and zoo guests

Internship requirements:

  • Current college or university student or applications submitted within one year after graduation
  • Ability to work 20 - 24 hours per week for 12 weeks
  • Must be otherwise eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of the internship
  • Candidates selected for internship must pass a background check and TB test.
Application Deadline: 1 August 2026
Fall Internship Start Date: 22 September 2026
Employment Type: Intern

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