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Zoo Intern Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Dallas Zoo

Senior Zoologist - Primates

Dallas, TX

Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees, and work groups; Understand and ... intern/volunteer goals Assist with the beautification of our park by removing trash and debris ...

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Zoo Intern information

What is a zoo intern?

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 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.

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 most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Intern jobs in Texas?

For Zoo Intern jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Zoo Intern jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo Intern jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Zoo Intern jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Zoo Intern job openings:

Zoo Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Intern job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Internship. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Philanthropy / Event Management Non-Profit Management Internship- Fall 2026

Dallas Zoo

Dallas, TX

Internship

Re-posted 7 days ago

Dallas Zoo rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Interns will focus on development, fundraising, and assisting with all aspects of event management. Interns will gain hands-on experience by helping with fundraising campaigns and special donor member events, including Dallas Zoo's flagship annual fundraiser, Zoo To Do.Additionally, interns may have the opportunity to learn about donor management systems, volunteer management, and membership programs. Interns will assist with galas, special events, and other donor/member activities, as needed. Working closely with program managers, interns will assist with writing solicitation letters and acknowledgment/thank you letters in a timely manner and help maintain program-specific acknowledgment processes. Ability to think critically about correspondence content and notes for program managers when special messaging or general updates may be necessary. During the semester Interns will also assist with donor and member events; and other events for the Dallas Zoo.
An ideal intern will be a team player, and willing to learn how to interact with board members, major donors, and internal stakeholders.
The intern selected will also learn about: cross-departmental planning and collaboration; planning and analyzing cost-effective events; soliciting monetary and in-kind event contributions; tracking and acknowledging event donations; supervising the Events Coordinator(s); managing event volunteers and committees (frequently including major donors and board members); and coordinating and managing event collateral, sponsors, contractors, vendors, employees, and volunteers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES intern may learn:
Assisting with the planning and execution of Dallas Zoo fundraising events; donor, member, and prospect cultivation and stewardship events; and other events, as needed.
Assist the advancement team with all aspects of event production, including food and beverage arrangements, vendor management, and event set up and tear down.
Collaborate with event fundraising chairs, volunteers, committees, staff, and vendors.
Regularly communicate with Dallas Zoo leadership, staff, and others.
Willing to learn and actively use the Zoo's project management software for event planning, collateral review, etc. Commitment to meeting deadlines is crucial.
Serve as an "ambassador" of the Zoo.
The Dallas Zoo College Internship Program provides a learning opportunity for currently enrolled undergraduate students at an accreditedcollege/university in the United States. Interns become actively involved in the Zoo's animal care departments, conservation/research efforts, operations, and administrative positions.
Interns will work 20-40 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Each placement is designed to help the intern gain experience related to their education. Most all internship positions are unpaid, and the Zoo does not provide transportation, housing, or a stipend.
All interns will be expected to participate in at least one service-learning project and attend professional development sessions designed especially for 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 available 20-24 hours per week for up to 12 weeks (dependent on area) including holidays and weekends
  • Flexible, self-motivated, and a team player
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions
  • Work safely and as instructed around animals, tools, and equipment
  • 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
  • Have good observational skills
  • Able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders, carry up to 50lbs, and actively work in inclement weather
  • Have a valid US driver's license with reliable transportation
  • Must be otherwise eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of the internship
  • Pass a background check
  • Provide a current negative TB test prior to the internship start date
  • Have some computer knowledge
  • Bilingual beneficial
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
  • Must be currently enrolled in a college or university student as a junior, senior, master's level student, or recent college graduate
  • Applications accepted within one year after graduation
This is an unpaid internship, and the Zoo does not provide transportation, housing, or stipends.
Application Deadline: 1 August 2026
Fall Internship Start Date: 22 September 2026
Employment Type: Intern

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