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Zookeeper Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elephant Intern

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$15/hr

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern in the Elephant Department. Under the direction of the Elephant Care Staff, along with the Elephant Supervisor and the Large Mammal Curator ...

Birds Intern

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$15/hr

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern for the Birds department to assist with daily feeding, cleaning, and general care of birds throughout the Zoo. This position reports ...

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern in the Expedition Madagascar Department.The Madagascar area consists of fourteen indoor and four outdoor exhibits spanning nearly 20,000 ...

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern in the Expedition Madagascar Department.The Madagascar area consists of fourteen indoor and four outdoor exhibits spanning nearly 20,000 ...

Aquarium Fish Intern

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$15/hr

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern for the Aquarium to assist with daily feeding, cleaning, and general care of fish and invertebrates. The Aquarium collection is comprised of ...

Childcare Intern

Akron, OH ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Childcare Intern (Unpaid) Job Type: Part-Time, Unpaid Internship Schedule: Up to 20 hours/week ... Supervise field trips to local points of interest (zoo, state parks, sporting events, etc.) * Teach ...

Childcare Intern

Akron, OH ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Childcare Intern (Unpaid) Job Type: Part-Time, Unpaid Internship Schedule: Up to 20 hours/week ... Supervise field trips to local points of interest (zoo, state parks, sporting events, etc.) * Teach ...

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Zookeeper Intern information

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How much do zookeeper intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for zookeeper 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 Zookeeper Interns?

Zookeeper interns are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who support professional zookeepers in caring for animals at zoos or wildlife facilities. Their duties typically include preparing animal diets, cleaning enclosures, observing animal behavior, and assisting with enrichment activities. Internships provide valuable hands-on experience for those interested in pursuing a career in animal care, wildlife conservation, or veterinary sciences. Zookeeper interns also gain insight into the daily operations of a zoo and learn about species management and public education.

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

To thrive as a Zookeeper Intern, you generally need a background in animal science, biology, or a related field, along with a strong interest in animal care. Familiarity with animal husbandry tools, safety protocols, and record-keeping systems is typically required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help interns succeed in this hands-on role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, maintaining safety, and supporting the daily operations of the zoo.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a Zookeeper Intern, and how do they support the animal care team?

As a Zookeeper Intern, your daily tasks often include preparing animal diets, cleaning enclosures, assisting with enrichment activities, and observing animal behavior. You'll work closely with experienced keepers, learning how to monitor animal health and maintain detailed records. This role is highly collaborative, as you'll coordinate with veterinarians, educators, and other staff to ensure the animals' well-being. The hands-on experience you gain is invaluable, helping you build foundational skills for a career in animal care or wildlife management.
More about Zookeeper Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Zookeeper Intern jobs? Cities with the most Zookeeper Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zookeeper jobs? The most popular types of Zookeeper jobs are:
What states have the most Zookeeper Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Zookeeper Intern jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Zookeeper Intern jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zookeeper Intern jobs are:
Infographic showing various Zookeeper Intern job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 14% Full Time, 43% Temporary, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.

Elephant Intern

OMAHA ZOO GROUP

Omaha, NE โ€ข On-site

$15/hr

Temporary

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist animal care staff with daily husbandry tasks for elephants, including diet preparation, cleaning exhibit spaces, and organizing tools.

  • Collect browse, prepare and distribute enrichment items, and assist with resource management.

  • Conduct behavioral observations and maintain data collection and record keeping as directed by the Elephant Care Staff.


Job description

Job Title: Elephant Intern
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Seasonal
Hours: Up to 24 hours per week for 12 weeks
Pay Rate: $15.00/hour
This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date.
SCHEDULE: The fall session runs September 22nd - December 14th, 2026. All interns must be available during this time.
  • Orientation: First day of each semester from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. All interns must be available to attend orientation in-person.
  • Weekly Schedule: Must be available to workup to 24 hours per week and attend one weekly afternoon professional development session starting the second week of their internship. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Intern Coordinator and animal area supervisors.

DESCRIPTION: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern in the Elephant Department. Under the direction of the Elephant Care Staff, along with the Elephant Supervisor and the Large Mammal Curator, elephant interns assist animal care staff in most aspects of the daily husbandry requirements for the elephants. This internship is designed to provide an opportunity to form a knowledge base as it pertains to managing elephants in an AZA accredited facility in the following areas: general knowledge, daily husbandry, nutrition, data collection and record keeping, environmental enrichment and animal wellness, behavioral observations, operant conditioning, conservation Issues, and guest interactions.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of animal care staff in the Elephant Department.
  • Attend weekly professional development sessions.
  • Complete learning goals on internship checklist.
  • Participate in and complete a mid-point and final evaluation.
  • Assist in and complete tasks as assigned, including but not limited to:
    • Assist in diet preparation and kitchen clean-up.
    • Clean exhibit spaces and holding areas, including 3.5 acres of outdoor habitats and a 25,000 sq ft barn.
    • Identification and collection of browse.
    • Assist with resource management.
    • Preparation and distribution enrichment items.
    • Behavioral observations.
    • Daily cleaning and organization of tools and enrichment items.
    • Read through department protocols and sign upon completion, acknowledging that the information contained within (safety guidelines, daily operations, elephant profiles, etc.) is understood.
    • Interns will not have any direct contact with elephants and will not participate in elephant training. Interns will be provided opportunities to observe animal care staff as they demonstrate proper animal interaction techniques and operant conditioning training techniques when applicable. Interns will always be accompanied by animal care staff when in an unoccupied elephant space and will not be left alone in elephant yards or holding areas.
    • Other duties may be assigned.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must follow safety guidelines and always demonstrate safe working practices. Interns are expected to immediately voice any safety concern they have no matter how minor it may seem.
  • Must have effective time management skills for working in a fast-paced and flexible work environment.
  • Must possess strong communication skills; Communicate frequently and in a professional manner with supervisor and team members.
  • Must work well with others and have the ability to work independently.
  • Must be team-oriented and willing to work with other interns, volunteers, and staff members to further not only the goals of the Department but also of the Zoo's mission statement.
  • Must attend shifts on time and as scheduled.
  • Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions.

Offered candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening. A negative TB test is also required.
EXPERIENCE: Training and/or experience, through previous internships or employment, that demonstrates the knowledge and skills required to work with elephants or other large animals, is preferred.
EDUCATION: Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university. A minimum of one year of coursework in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc.) is preferred. Knowledge of elephant natural history, biology, captive husbandry, and conservation issues preferred. Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to elephants.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position requires considerable physical exertion - such as regularly climbing stairs and ladders, climbing over barriers (up to 4' high) to access exhibits, lifting heavy objects (70+ pounds), and/or assuming awkward positions. On average, 75% of the day involves cleaning elephant habitats and holding areas. This position also requires working in hot and humid conditions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider these physical requirements before applying for an internship in this area. Interns that are not able to meet the physical requirements for the position may be reassigned to another department.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Routine exposure to hot and humid conditions. Interns will be working outdoors for prolonged periods in the weather and temperature extremes common to Omaha, Nebraska. The position may involve exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns. Exposure to biting flies and mosquitos is also likely. Interns are not allowed to work in direct contact with the elephants but must be aware of and follow the safety guidelines for working in proximity to them.
PUBLIC CONTACT: Interns will interact with the public frequently throughout their internship and are expected to always exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public. Guest concerns, questions or complaints should be promptly addressed to the Lead Keeper, Supervisor or Curator.
TO APPLY:
  • Prospective interns can only submit ONE application per person specific to their top their choice but may indicate up to two other areas that interest them on their application.
  • Must submit Cover Letter and Resume to Paycom at the time you apply. Applications without these materials will not be considered.
    • Your cover letter should include clearly defined career goals including how interning in the area you selected as your top choice will help you achieve your goals.
  • Interns must provide their availability at the time of their interview. Interviews may be conducted over the phone, in person, or over Zoom.

DISCLAIMER
We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part-time job requirements.
Please note this position does not provide any medical coverage.
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.