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Zookeeper Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The CALDWELL ZOO

Veterinary Medicine Internship

Tyler, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... zoo medicine. Under the supervision and direction of the veterinary staff, the veterinary medicine intern will participate in and/or become familiar with all aspects of the veterinary department ...

ZooTampa

Design & Engineering Internship

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Have you ever wanted to help build the future of a world-class zoo? Join ZooTampa's Design ... Position Summary The Design and Engineering Intern will be responsible for providing on-site, daily ...

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How much do zookeeper intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 1% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.

Fish and Invertebrate Intern, Fall 2026

MISSISSIPPI AQUARIUM

Gulfport, MS • On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

POSITION
Position Title:Fish & Invertebrates Intern
Department: Animal Care and Conservation
Classification: Seasonal, Unpaid, Educational Internship
Direct Report: Aquatics Intern Coordinators
From: August 31st, 2026 - December 20th, 2026
Application Deadline: July 10th, 2026
Selection Date: August 3rd, 2026
POSITION SUMMARY
  • Ability to work full-time, at least 2 days per week, for 16 weeks
  • Ability to perform physically demanding job duties daily
  • Daily interaction with fellow team members and the public
  • Excellent observation and communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that sustain a positive and professional environment
  • A valid driver's license and ability to travel to and from work
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, and possible late hours
  • Ability to find and secure housing for the duration of the internship
  • Ability to work with and around various fish and crustaceans

QUALIFICATIONS
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Enrolled in or recent graduate of a four-year college program in biology, marine biology, or another related field
  • Applicants should consider themselves hardworking, dedicated, and reliable.
  • Previous animal care experience, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or completing other animal care internships preferred

POSITION ATTRIBUTES
This position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Curator, Supervisor, and Animal Care Staff in assisting with the animal care routine and maintenance for the fish, aquatic reptile, and invertebrate area. As an intern, you can expect to get hands-on experience in the daily care of our fresh and saltwater aquariums and learn what it takes to be an aquarist. Throughout the internship, interns will learn various tasks required for the daily operation of multiple fresh and saltwater systems; gain valuable knowledge in water chemistry, aquarium life support systems, aquatic biology, and quarantine systems; and develop skills in time management, communication, and teamwork. The position will also be responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards. The goal is to help interns succeed professionally in any chosen field.
Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g., goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Intern for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assists animal care staff in the overall daily care of the freshwater and saltwater fish, aquatic reptile, and invertebrate collection
  • Performs proper animal diet preparation
  • Keeps support areas clean, organized, and safe
  • Builds knowledge of water chemistry and aquarium life support systems
  • Supports educational presentations through formal and informal public speaking opportunities
  • Ensures guest satisfaction by delivering exceptional customer service
  • Complies with all standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to daily operations and safety
  • Promotes conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks
  • Undertakes special projects as assigned by manager(s)

TEAM REQUIREMENTS
  • Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
  • Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest's experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift.
  • Sales & Guest Services - Our forward-thinking business model requires listening to and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience, which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.
  • Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an Intern 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 Intern is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The Intern must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the Intern is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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