What are the responsibilities and job description for the WildCare Park and Sears Lehmann, Jr. Wildlife Reserve 2026 Paid Summer Internship position at Saint Louis Zoo Openings?
WildCare Park interns will work at both of the Zoo’s new campuses, WildCare Park in north St. Louis County and Sears Lehmann, Jr. Wildlife Reserve in Franklin County. At WildCare Park, interns will develop an understanding of the goals of ungulate conservation programs and principles of ungulate care in large-acreage wildlife parks. Duties may include food preparation, habitat and barn cleaning, pasture maintenance, animal observations, well-being assessments, record keeping, and other projects as assigned. At the Wildlife Reserve, interns will assist with the care of our American red wolves which are a part of the national USFWS reintroduction program. They will learn and experience how recovery species are managed using protocols that best prepare them to be reintroduced into the wild. Duties may include food preparation, habitat cleaning and maintenance, video wolf observations, well-being assessments, record keeping, fence line maintenance, and other projects as assigned. In addition to learning about ungulate and wolf care and conservation, interns will help with native prairie management and conduct native biodiversity studies on both campuses using camera trapping, nest monitoring, and other wildlife field-sampling methods. Interns must have a negative TB test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. Interns must also have a reliable vehicle for transportation, as well as the ability to work weekends. All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum age requirement is 18.
- Applicants need not be currently enrolled in college/university, but prior college coursework is required.
- All successful candidates will be required to submit a background check.
Summer 2026 Paid Internship Opportunities:
In addition to departmental specific duties, interns will meet with their peers for regular learning opportunities such as tours, career panels and professional development, as well as demonstrate their learning at the completion of the internship through a presentation. With support from our zookeepers, educators and researcher mentors, interns will learn how a zoo operates while gaining valuable new skills and a better understanding of future career opportunities. The most successful candidates will be curious, motivated and open to learning.
The Saint Louis Zoo is committed to playing a pivotal role in diversifying the future workforce of zoos and conservation organizations. The Saint Louis Zoo paid internship program is designed for emerging zoo professionals from socioeconomic populations who are underrepresented in the animal care and zoo industry. Candidates who have financial need (those who otherwise would not be able to pursue an unpaid internship) and reside in the Greater St. Louis bi-state metropolitan area are encouraged to apply. All submitted applications will be considered.
Required Materials:
Please have these materials ready to be uploaded into your application.
- A letter of intent
- Resume
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
The earliest start date for summer internships will be May 26, 2026, and interns will complete 300 hours, at a pay rate of $15/hour.
Salary : $15