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Zookeeper Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dallas Zoo

Senior Zoologist - Birds

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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How much do zookeeper intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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.
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Zookeeper Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zookeeper Intern job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, 50% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Design & Engineering Internship

Design & Engineering Internship

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Tampa, FL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Internship

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Have you ever wanted to help build the future of a world-class zoo?

Join ZooTampa's Design amp; Engineering team and gain hands-on experience supporting real construction, infrastructure, and engineering projects that enhance animal care, conservation, and unforgettable guest experiences.

You may be a great fit if:

  • You are studying Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical field and want practical, real-world experience.
  • You enjoy working both in the field and behind the scenes, coordinating projects, solving problems, and keeping details organized.
  • You're ready to learn from experienced professionals while contributing to projects that make a visible impact every day.

Take the next step and apply today to help build what's next at ZooTampa.

Position Summary
The Design and Engineering Intern will be responsible for providing on-site, daily assistance, for a variety of active and upcoming projects at ZooTampa. This position reports to and will primarily assist the Sr. Director of Planning, Design and Engineering.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Please Note: This is a paid internship.
Essential Functions
  • Assist with daily collaboration and communication between the department and key members of each project team including Project Owners, Owners Representative(s), General Contractors, Architects, and other vendors.
  • Assist with all aspects of each project including but not limited to Bidding, Contracting, Change Requests/Change Orders, Requests for Information (RFI) and Submittal’s for all active capital projects, as assigned.
  • Document the progress of multiple construction projects throughout the course of the day via reporting and photo documentation.
  • Work with internal teams to coordinate required work and communicate potential impacts to daily operations.
  • Assist with managing the contractor badging process for all Design and Engineering projects at ZooTampa.
  • Routinely organize and maintain, keeping in good condition, the ZooTampa digital and physical blueprint and document collection.
  • Partner with the Procurement and Finance departments to ensure all purchase orders, contracts and invoices are made and processed in accordance with zoo policy in a timely fashion.
  • Assist with ordering equipment, materials, and coordinating deliveries for all projects
What are we looking for?
Required Availability:
  • Commitment to a minimum of 28 hours a week.
  • Flexible weekday/weekend hours between 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 3–5 days per week.
  • Occasional evenings and weekends for ongoing projects.
Qualifications and Experience
  • Junior or Senior actively enrolled in a degree program in pursuit of a Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related technical field.
  • Beginner to intermediate understanding of mechanical systems, power systems, wastewater treatment, plumbing, electrical, building systems, life-support and safety systems and basic construction techniques is preferred.
  • Possess basic knowledge of trades and skills to effectively communicate with contractors, sub-contractors and other 3rd party vendors while on project sites.
  • Experience with Adobe Suite, Bluebeam Revu, and Microsoft Project are preferred.
  • Possess a basic knowledge of all phases of a project, from design through construction.
  • Prior internship experience preferred but not required.
Other Requirements
  • Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, building codes, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
  • Ability to work varying shifts with minimal advance notice, as required.
  • Demonstrated exceptional time management practices, attention to detail and excellent communications skills required.
  • Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
  • Possess visual, hearing and other sensory and cognitive capacity appropriate for facility and construction management and general safety practices.
  • Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking.
  • Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough terrain on foot and by vehicle.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and ability to adapt well to other computer programs.
Additional Requirements:
If an internship offer is made, it is contingent upon:
  • Successful completion of a criminal background screening and execution of a required hold harmless/liability release agreement
  • Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury (the Zoo’s workers’ compensation program does not cover interns or volunteers).
Internship Period:
This internship may start as soon as June 8, 2026, and is expected to last until September 25, 2026
Deadline to Apply: June 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST
Benefits
  • Internship is designed to meet academic requirements and provide valuable real-world experience.
  • Potential academic credit available, subject to program eligibility requirements.
  • Networking opportunities with nonprofit professionals and community leaders.
  • Skill-building in planning, design, engineering, and nonprofit operations.
  • Letters of recommendation upon successful completion, when applicable.

Apply