Virginia Zoo

Are you interested in gaining valuable, hands-on experience in the zoological field and first-hand knowledge and mentoring from experienced animal care professionals?

Come join the Animal Ambassador team at the Virginia Zoo! We are currently accepting applications for interns in the Animal Services department from motivated individuals interested in pursuing a rewarding career as a zookeeper.

Interns will learn all aspects of animal care and management in an AZA-accredited zoological organization.

Zookeeper interns at the Virginia Zoo work directly alongside zookeepers, animal managers and veterinary staff as we strive to continuously provide the best possible care for the animals here.

• Under the guidance of experienced zoo staff, interns have the opportunity to gain experience in many aspects of zoo keeping, including but not limited to : daily animal husbandry, care and nutrition;
• direct involvement in our animal enrichment and positive reinforcement training programs; an understanding of animal behavior and experience in behavioral observations and animal welfare / wellness assessments;

record keeping; and guest interactions. Interns will gain daily work experience as well as specialized training through a series of instructor-taught classes and skills training sessions.

The Animal Ambassador team works with a wide variety of mammals and birds including, opossums, porcupines, sloths, armadillos, toucan, parrots, kookaburra, and birds of prey.

The Animal Ambassador team provides educational experiences to the public through various programming including camps, stage presentations, pop-up encounters, school programs and special events.

Experience Required

Applicants should either be college graduates, currently in college, or have some college semester credits completed. Applicants need to be able to commit to the four-month program, with a weekly work schedule of 40 hr.

week. The internship does not provide an hourly salary but can qualify as paid zoological experience through a small monthly stipend for living costs.

Further Comments

Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment and work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.

While performing the duties of this position, the intern is frequently required to walk and stand for long periods; reach with hands and arms : stoop, kneel or crouch;

lift up to 50lbs and talk or hear.

Salary

small monthly stipend

Last updated : 2024-03-24