Animal Care Intern

The mission of CuriOdyssey is to inspire a love for science and curiosity about the world to create a brighter future. Located in Coyote Point Park in San Mateo County, CuriOdyssey has undergone a major reinvention and full strategic planning process that has transformed the organization into a vital, kid-centric interactive science center and accredited California native animal wildlife zoo that provides up-close and personal experiences with the natural world. The organization is comprised of a strategic and engaged Board of Trustees, visionary executive leadership, and talented, energetic, and entrepreneurial staff.

This is a six-month (416 hours) paid internship. Applicants are expected to work a regularly scheduled two-day work week.  Our goals are to offer a dynamic internship to individuals who have chosen a career in animal care, training, welfare, and husbandry and to increase the diversity of professionals working in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in zoos, aquariums, and the wild. 

During this internship, interns will be introduced to the science and practices of modern zoo animal management for our mostly Native CA Wildlife population, which includes mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They will also be required to complete a project that demonstrates the knowledge and skills they have developed through their internship. 

• Daily husbandry of a variety of species
• Exhibit and animal safety
• Proper nutrition and diet preparation
• The fundamentals of modern animal training techniques (by observation)
• Basics of animal welfare and evaluating animal welfare
• Maintaining animal exhibits and holding areas according to AZA and USDA regulations
• Basic daily record-keeping
• Implementing and evaluating enrichment
• Public speaking skills through keeper chats and unscheduled public interaction
• Gaining knowledge of CuriOdyssey emergency procedures
• How to work cooperatively in a team environment

• Age 18 or older
• Authorized to work in the United States
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing 

• This is a non-exempt, 16-hour/week position, with work hours/schedule based upon departmental needs. As a non-exempt paid intern, you are eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Weekend and some holiday scheduling will be required. 
• Team members are expected to be able to work outside in all weather conditions.  
• Must work as a team and with minimal supervision.
• Must adjust to changes in the daily routines.
• Must have an interest in animals, an ability to get along with others, a professional/neat demeanor, a drive to learn, and respect for safety.
• Must take directions well and pay careful attention to procedures and established protocols.
• Must follow instructions and carry out responsibilities in a safe and careful manner in order to avoid injury to themselves, to employees, to visitors, and the animals. 
• This position requires all interns to take and clear a Live Scan background check.

The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

Environment: Work is conducted at CuriOdyssey and the immediate local space at Coyote Point. Animal care and programs will take place indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.

Mobility: The physical ability and endurance to occasionally carry and lift heavy materials, up to 50 pounds. The ability to frequently move from sitting to squatting to standing positions. Traversing uneven surfaces, bending, reaching, sitting/kneeling on the floor with animals, and twisting are daily repetitive physical actions.

6 months long, 16 hours a week. Because this is a limited-time opportunity, there will be no vacation/planned time off for this position. However, Paid Sick Leave is granted in accordance with CA law and our Employee Handbook. Health benefits are not included.

$18/hr. The general work schedule is 8:00 am—4:30 pm.  

Please send your resume, a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this internship and how this internship will benefit you in the future (limit 500 words), and two letters of recommendation to Nikii Finch-Morales, Director of Wildlife at Nikiifm@curiodyssey.org, with “Animal Care Internship” as the subject line. 

Application Deadline:  January 12, 2026. Must be available for an interview in February 2026. 

The interview process and job requirements involve a demonstrated ability to work directly with captive wildlife. Although this internship will better equip individuals for a job in the zoo field, this internship does not guarantee future employment with CuriOdyssey.

CuriOdyssey is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions regardless of age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.