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Student Internship Detroit Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver, CO · On-site

$82K - $112K/yr

... Zoo's preventative medicine program, mentoring veterinary residents, interns, and students, pathology assistance, and collaborating on research endeavors. Our team is made up of passionate and ...

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver, CO · On-site

$82K - $112K/yr

... Zoo's preventative medicine program, mentoring veterinary residents, interns, and students, pathology assistance, and collaborating on research endeavors. Our team is made up of passionate and ...

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Student Internship Detroit Zoo information

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$10

$18

$34

How much do student internship detroit zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for student internship detroit zoo in the United States is $18.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a student internship at the Detroit Zoo?

Student internships at the Detroit Zoo are structured, supervised learning experiences designed to provide students with hands-on experience in various departments such as animal care, education, conservation, and administration. These internships offer opportunities to gain practical skills, work alongside zoo professionals, and contribute to the zoo's mission of animal welfare and environmental education. Interns may participate in daily operations, special projects, or research, depending on the focus of the internship. Most positions require a commitment of several weeks or months and are often unpaid, though they can provide valuable academic credit or professional development.

What do student interns do at the Detroit Zoo?

Student interns at the Detroit Zoo are often involved in a variety of hands-on projects, including assisting with animal care, conducting educational outreach, participating in conservation initiatives, and supporting research activities. Interns typically work closely with experienced zookeepers, educators, and researchers, gaining valuable insight into daily zoo operations. This role provides an excellent opportunity to collaborate with professionals from different departments, develop practical skills, and contribute to real-world wildlife conservation efforts. The experience is designed to be immersive and educational, preparing interns for future careers in zoology, education, or conservation.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a student intern at the Detroit Zoo?

To thrive as a Student Intern at the Detroit Zoo, you generally need a background in biology, environmental science, or a related field, often as a current student, along with a genuine interest in animal care or conservation. Familiarity with data collection tools, animal monitoring systems, and basic computer applications is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and reliability are important soft skills that help interns interact effectively with staff and visitors. These skills and qualifications are vital for supporting the zoo's educational and conservation mission while ensuring a safe and engaging environment for both animals and guests.

What is the difference between Student Internship Detroit Zoo vs Animal Care Assistant?

AspectStudent Internship Detroit ZooAnimal Care Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college courseworkHigh school diploma; some positions may require certification
Work EnvironmentZoo setting, educational and volunteer-focusedAnimal care facilities, hands-on animal handling
Employer & IndustryDetroit Zoo, nonprofit zoological institutionZoos, animal shelters, or veterinary clinics
Common Search IntentLearning about zoo operations and gaining experienceProviding direct animal care and support

The Student Internship Detroit Zoo is primarily an educational program for students interested in zoology and animal conservation, offering observation and volunteer opportunities. In contrast, an Animal Care Assistant is a more hands-on role involving direct animal handling and daily care. While both roles are within the zoo industry, internships focus on learning and exposure, whereas assistant roles involve active animal management.

Are Detroit Zoo internships paid?

Detroit Zoo internships are typically unpaid, offering valuable experience in animal care, education, and conservation. Some internships may provide stipends or cover expenses, but most are designed as volunteer opportunities for students seeking industry exposure.
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What cities are hiring for Student Internship Detroit Zoo jobs?

Cities with the most Student Internship Detroit Zoo job openings:

What states have the most Student Internship Detroit Zoo jobs?

States with the most job openings for Student Internship Detroit Zoo jobs include:

Infographic showing various Student Internship Detroit Zoo job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,193 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Thank you for your interest in Zoo employment and career opportunities, including AmeriCorps! If you share these Core Values, we want to hear from you. By checking this site often, you can learn more about the Zoo and what we have to offer. Search jobs and careers at the Zoo below!

About Diversity and Inclusion at the Cincinnati Zoo

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden CELEBRATES the diversity of our plants & animals, staff, visitors, and community. We believe the Zoo should be a place where everyone can be themselves. We strive for the Zoo to be a place where differences are recognized, welcomed, and celebrated through our culture, processes, programs, and very presence in the community.

Join the Team

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer and accepts employment applications and/or resumes for current open positions only.

Available Positions Food and Retail Available Positions

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Intern Program provides participants with early career experience in a specific department. Interns gain valuable skills through hands‑on training with staff, attending lectures and continuing education courses presented by staff from various departments, and networking opportunities to develop professional contacts throughout the Zoo community.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal intern candidate will meet the following requirements:

  • Be 18 or over and interested in pursuing a career in the zoological or botanical field;
  • Hard‑working, highly motivated, professional, and committed to following detailed instructions;
  • Positively approach team‑based, collaborative working environments and engaging with visitors;
  • Comfortable working with and/or handling many different species encompassing all taxa of animals; and
  • Full availability to work the entire intern session and days required.
Working Conditions Schedule & Commitment Stipend Applications Sessions Offered

Roles within the zoological/botanical field are often physical in nature and require a lot of outdoors time and certain health conditions to be met:

  • Regular occurrences of standing for long periods of time, walking, climbing, balancing, and grasping tools or objects
  • Exposure to outdoor weather conditions (heat, humidity, rain, snow, cold temperatures)
  • Must be able to lift & move 50 lbs without mechanical assistance
  • Internship is conditional upon passing a pre‑start drug & nicotine screen
  • Must provide a negative TB Test result before beginning internship
  • Applicants must provide proof of current medical insurance & maintain insurance for the duration of the internship
  • If applicable to your department, COVID vaccination may be required.

If an internship listed does not have an “Apply Here” link, the internship is unavailable for the current session, please check back during the next application period.

Thank you for your interest! If you have additional questions, please email [emailprotected].

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Veterinary Experiences at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Veterinary Technician Internship

Need to be a registered veterinary technician or actively enrolled in an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program to be accepted for internship.

Veterinary Shadow Days

This can be a several day experience that may or may not coincide with school requirements. – need to be an enrolled in an AVMA accredited veterinary program – (must be a student in 1st-3rd year of school)

Veterinary Externship

4–8-week externship experience. Must be enrolled in an AMVA accredited veterinary program. These are often scheduled 1-2 years in advance of the externship. Please feel free to inquire if you are in your 2nd or 3rd year of an AVMA accredited veterinary program.

High School Students

We unfortunately do not offer any opportunities currently for high school students. Please reach out once you meet one of the requirements above.

If you meet the above qualifications and are interested in participating in the VETERINARY SHADOW DAYS or VETERINARY EXTERNSHIP, please fill out this form and you will be contacted by our Vet staff to schedule if there is availability.

**If you are interested in the VETERINARY INTERNSHIP – please review the session availability & application process for internships below.

**If the “apply” link is not listed below, the Veterinary Technician internship is filled. Please check back in the next application period for internships.

Veterinary Technician Internship

Objective

Qualifications

Working Conditions & Other Requirements

**Limited housing is available and is located across the street which allows for access to the zoo easily

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