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State Internship Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

June 2 - August 8 About Our Program The Comptroller of the Treasury's Audit Internship Program is a ... This position may require in-state day travel to audit sites. Audit-related travel will be ...

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State Internship information

What is a state internship?

State internships are temporary positions offered by state government agencies to students or recent graduates. These internships provide hands-on experience in various fields such as public administration, law, health, and engineering, allowing participants to gain insight into how state government operates. Interns often work on projects, assist with research, or support day-to-day operations, helping them develop professional skills and build networks for future employment. State internships can be paid or unpaid and may lead to full-time opportunities within government agencies.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a state internship?

As a state intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that support public sector operations, such as assisting with research, organizing data, preparing reports, and participating in community outreach initiatives. Daily tasks often involve collaborating with full-time staff, attending meetings, and contributing to ongoing departmental efforts. The specific responsibilities vary by agency, but interns are typically given meaningful assignments that provide insight into government processes and help build professional skills. This hands-on experience is designed to prepare you for future employment in public service or related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a state intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a State Intern, you generally need a strong academic background, attention to detail, and an interest in public service or government operations. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, government documentation systems, and sometimes specialized databases is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help interns effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and multitask in a professional environment. These skills ensure interns can contribute meaningfully, learn quickly, and support the functions of state government agencies.

What is the difference between State Internship vs State Entry-Level Position?

AspectState InternshipState Entry-Level Position
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates; may require enrollment in a related programUsually requires a relevant degree or certification, but less experience needed
Work EnvironmentTemporary, training-focused, often part-time or seasonalFull-time, permanent role with defined responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in government agencies for training and developmentRegular employment in government or public sector roles
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by students or recent grads exploring entry opportunitiesCompared for career progression or permanent employment options

In summary, a State Internship is a temporary, training-focused position ideal for students or recent graduates seeking experience. A State Entry-Level Position is a permanent role requiring relevant credentials, offering more stability and responsibilities. Both serve different career stages and goals within the public sector.

Is the state department still doing internships?

Many state departments continue to offer internships for students and recent graduates, often during summer or semester breaks. These internships typically involve administrative, policy, or public service tasks and may require application through official state government websites or internship programs. Availability can vary by state and year, so checking the specific department's career page is recommended.

What are the most commonly searched types of State jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of State jobs in Tennessee are:

Unpaid Animal Care Internship - Giraffe (Fall 2026)

Memphis Zoo

Memphis, TN โ€ข On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Animal Care Internship - Giraffe
Interns work directly with animal care staff to gain firsthand experience of all aspects of animal husbandry including diet prep, enclosure maintenance, training, enrichment, guest interactions and more. The goal of the program is to provide college students (or recent graduates) with pre-professional career experience through hands-on experiential learning opportunities.
Species: Reticulated Giraffes, Bongo and Red River Hog with the potential to work with Southern White Rhinos, Grant's Zebra and Scimitar-Horned Oryx.
This internship is unpaid but housing may be available seasonally. The program spans 10-12 weeks and participants will be scheduled up to 40hrs per week. Spring internships begin in January and end in May. Summer internships will begin in May and end in August. Fall internships begin in August and end in December.
Intern duties will vary upon season and departmental needs, but could include:
  • Assisting staff in all aspects of animal care including, but not limited to, diet preparation, exhibit cleaning/disinfection, maintenance, training and enrichment, record keeping, and guest interactions. Contact with class one animals is minimal and directly supervised.
  • Actively observing animal's behavior
  • Facilitates formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.
  • Assisting with the production of special events, animal celebrations, and awareness days
  • Maintaining animal areas, work areas, and all resources in a clean, organized manner
  • Completes a special project covering observations, research, enrichment or another area of interest.

Qualifications:
  • Must be a dependable, hard-working college student or recent graduate with an interest in the fields of education, interpretation, environmental science, biology, zoology, or zoo management or might be considering a change of career.
  • Must be able to work between 24-40 hours per week for 10-12 weeks.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Must demonstrate enthusiasm and good judgement while working with children and zoo guests.
  • Must demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to follow directions.

Beneficial Skills:
  • Proficiency in Office 365, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the intern will frequently work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Requirements:
  • 18 years or older.
  • Clear background check.
  • Clear TB screening.

EEOC and Inclusion Statement:
The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
All offers of internship are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-internship screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Internships page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.