What are the responsibilities and job description for the River's Edge Summer 2026 Paid Internship position at Saint Louis Zoo?
Description
Interns will develop an understanding of animal care for a variety of species in the River’s Edge, including black rhinos, Nile hippos and Asian elephants. Opportunities to work with the carnivores in River's Edge are not included as part of this internship. Duties may include diet preparation, animal habitat cleaning and maintenance, animal welfare research and behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, and special projects as needed. Interns must have a negative TB test prior to starting their internship. ** 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.
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.
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.
Interns will develop an understanding of animal care for a variety of species in the River’s Edge, including black rhinos, Nile hippos and Asian elephants. Opportunities to work with the carnivores in River's Edge are not included as part of this internship. Duties may include diet preparation, animal habitat cleaning and maintenance, animal welfare research and behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, and special projects as needed. Interns must have a negative TB test prior to starting their internship. ** 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.
- Must have had a TB test within the last 12 months and will be fit-tested to wear an N-95 mask or respirator per the Zoo’s River’s Edge Personal Protective Equipment Protocol.
- 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.
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
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