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Zoo Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dallas Zoo

Volunteer Management Intern - Fall 2026

Dallas, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Description The Dallas Zoo College Internship Program provides a learning opportunity for currently ... Each placement is designed to help the intern gain experience related to their education. Most ...

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How much do zoo intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are zoo interns?

Zoo interns are students or recent graduates who gain hands-on experience working at a zoo, assisting with animal care, education, and operational tasks. Internships are typically designed to provide practical exposure to careers in animal science, conservation, or zookeeping. Interns may help with preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, observing animals, supporting educational programs, or conducting research. These roles are usually supervised and are meant to enhance learning while contributing to the zoo’s daily operations.

What is the difference between Zoo Intern vs Zoo Volunteer?

AspectZoo InternZoo Volunteer
Required CredentialsSome internships require coursework in biology or related fields; may need specific certificationsNo formal credentials typically required
Work EnvironmentStructured, supervised roles involving hands-on animal care and educational activitiesFlexible, often assisting with visitor services, event support, or general tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by zoos for educational and training programs, often part of academic creditCommonly used by zoos for community engagement and support roles

Zoo Interns usually have specific educational requirements and participate in structured programs, gaining hands-on experience and sometimes academic credit. Zoo Volunteers typically offer flexible support without formal credentials, assisting with various tasks to help zoo operations. Both roles support the zoo's mission but differ in structure and expectations.

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

To thrive as a Zoo Intern, you generally need a background in biology, animal science, or a related field, often supported by coursework or volunteer experience in animal care. Familiarity with animal husbandry tools, record-keeping systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong observational skills, teamwork, and a genuine passion for animal welfare are crucial soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring animal well-being, supporting zoo operations, and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field.

What are some common challenges Zoo Interns face during their internship, and how can they overcome them?

Zoo Interns often encounter challenges such as adapting to early morning shifts, physically demanding tasks like cleaning enclosures, and interacting with a diverse range of animal species. Additionally, learning to follow strict safety protocols and working outdoors in various weather conditions can be demanding. To overcome these challenges, interns should maintain a positive attitude, communicate openly with their supervisors, and be proactive in seeking feedback and guidance. Building strong relationships with team members and staying organized can also help interns succeed and make the most of their experience.
More about Zoo Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo Intern jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs? The most popular types of Zoo jobs are:
What states have the most Zoo Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Intern jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Intern jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Intern jobs are:
Zoo Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Intern job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Internship, 1% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.

Childern's Zoo Intern-Temporary Full-Time

SFZOO

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$19.61/hr

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Children's Zoo Temporary One-Year Full-Time Intern

Period of time for temporary position: (40 hours/week, may include working one weekend day, holidays, and occasional evenings)

The San Francisco Zoological Society ("Society") is a non-profit institution that manages and raises funds for San Francisco Zoo and Gardens ("Zoo"). The Society's mission, supra, is summarized as the 3 c's: to connect our visitors with wildlife so that they care about nature and ultimately conserve it. The Society's leadership team is comprised of a President & Executive Director as well as a professional team of Senior Managers. The Society endeavors to meet or exceed the standards of its industry peers, including those established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums ("AZA"). For over 25 years, the Society has been continuously accredited by the AZA.

The San Francisco Zoo's Intern Program offers a hands-on working experience to individuals with a career interest in a zoological field. The objective of the Zoo's internship program is to provide practical, on-the-job experience; provide exposure to zoo operations and zoo careers; and demonstrate the unique advantages of zoo internships as a supplement to more conventional learning programs. Full-time zoo employees supervise interns. Internships are paid an internship salary of $19.61/hour plus medical, dental, & vision benefits, one-week paid vacation, and sick leave per San Francisco's Sick Leave Ordinance.

The goal of this internship is to learn and successfully perform (under supervision) the duties and responsibilities of a Zoo employee in the Children's Zoo. Experience will include:

Assist with the public education programs

Assist with volunteer programs: recruitment, orientation, and works with scheduling, training, daily supervision.

Assist keeper staff with animal care husbandry, diet and veterinary care of the large and diverse animal collection within the Children's Zoo

Completion of special projects as assigned by Curators as well as one project designed by the intern that advances animal wellness in the Children's Zoo

Assist staff with animal enrichment and training programs

Support facility management and administration

Qualifications: College level coursework in biology, zoology, ecology, or related area; ability to present information to groups; and career interest working with animals. Excellent public speaking skills and be comfortable in front of a large audience, as well as the ability and desire to work with youth volunteers and people of all ages and backgrounds. Must be self-motivated, able to take initiative, and follow directions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Qualifications: All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Education: High school diploma or general education degree (GED).

Physical Demands/Environment: 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to tolerate outside weather conditions including inclement weather and must be able tolerate dust, and animal hair/dander.

Salary: $19.61/hour

The San Francisco Zoo encourages bilingual candidates to apply. EOE

Application: Application: Please apply via our web site at:

https://candidate.offerdox.com/clients/c32a6703-4c9c-4d70-b296-b438a4f2cf91/jobs/

Please include a resume and a cover letter detailing your experience as it relates to this position.

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