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Zoo Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Zoo Intern information

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$8

$17

$24

How much do zoo intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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 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 zooโ€™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.

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 are popular job titles related to Zoo Intern jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Zoo Intern job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% Internship, 65% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 75% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.

Volunteer or Intern

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

Internship

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description

Volunteering is a wonderful way to help others, build relationships, and give back to the community. Ourย volunteers bring an array of unique talents and beneficial skills to our programs, fundraisers, and administrative offices. Whether reading to preschoolers, playing music with adults or helping us with special events, volunteers at ADAPT are a vital component to our success. If you are patient, compassionate, and ready to make a meaningful commitment, we welcome you to share that special side of yourself with the people that we support.ย 


Program Support Volunteer

Work with our adult recreation program (Evenings & Weekends), adult day programs, adult residential group homes (evenings & weekends) or as an administrative office assistant (Office Hours).

  • Bring your talent to the table! Teach a cooking class
  • Read aloud, play an instrument or sing a song
  • Bring your certified therapy pet in for a visit
  • Grab a bite and a movie with one of our individuals
  • Assist out individuals with skill building such as playing a game
  • Assist in communication and socialization skills with engaging conversation
  • Take a day trip to the zoo; go bowling, to a festival, a feast or a fair
  • Cheer for your favorite team at a sporting event or see a show
  • Help to have our individuals included within the community- volunteer together
  • Feeling artsy? Crafts or a painting class is always a great way to spend a day
  • Assist our staff with administrative skills such as filing and data entry, cleaning, organizing, etc.

Internships

ADAPT Community Network is committed to developing and delivering innovative career readiness programming for students to foster mutually beneficial relationships that address the needs of an ever changing and diverse workforce. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields. The people we support, and our staff can help create a positive internship experience for all.

Internship opportunities are available for college credit in health and human service areas, as well as other related fields.ย 


Requirements

  • Volunteering and Internship opportunities are available in several locations throughout all five boroughs. Volunteers must be 18 or older (or 16 with working papers) in order to take part in ourย Program.ย 
  • Volunteers and Interns who will spend any unsupervised time with the people supported must be fingerprinted.ย 
  • All volunteer's and Intern's references are verified, and their background is checked against the State Central Registry and the Justice Center.
  • Interns or Volunteers with direct contact with people supportedย must have a current completed physical that includes a recent Tuberculosis test (PPD).ย 


For more informationย contact:ย 

Mark Heffner

212-683-6700, x1945

mheffner@adaptcommunitynetwork.org


Note: These volunteer and internship opportunities are unpaid.ย