Summer Internship

SALARY & FLSA: $20.76 - $21.74 per hour; FLSA non-exempt

All interns will have the starting pay of $21.30 for the entire internship.

OPENING DATE: 03/20/2026

CLOSING DATE: 04/13/2026 (May close sooner if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.)

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Temporary.

UNION: Non-Represented

OPENINGS: 13

LOCATION: Onsite. Internships eligible for hybrid work are noted in the description.

DEPARTMENT: Various

Summary

This 8-week internship will expose you to the many varied jobs that it takes to run a zoo, while you learn new skills and gain knowledge in your field of interest. If you’ve ever been curious about working at a zoo, want to learn about wildlife conservation, or want to try something new, then these internships are for you!

This internship is intended for early career college students. Internships include both hands-on daily work in a specific position and a weekly cohort meeting to connect with other interns and gain professional skills. Prior experience or previous involvement with zoos, conservation, or similar programs is not required. Populations who are historically underrepresented in conservation roles are encouraged to apply.

Positions Available (13)

• Animal Management (5 positions available)
• These internships will provide on the job training in areas of animal husbandry and management, with a focus on animal observations for record keeping purposes. Each Animal Management intern position focuses on a different area of the zoo. Tasks include Exhibit cleaning, diet preparation, animal observations, and animal feeding.
• The Animal Management internships are in the following areas:
• East Team (Areas of work to include Savanna and Assam Units, including giraffe, zebra, ostrich, gazelle, porcupine, an aviary with bird species ranging from waterfowl to passerines, cranes, pigs, tapir and rhino.)
• Ornithology Team (Area of work to include Waterfowl)
• Ornithology Team (Area of work to include Penguins)
• Trails Team (Areas of work to include Australasia, Forest Trailhead, Living Northwest Trail, Bug World)
• Primate Team (Area of work to include Tropical Rainforest Unit, including Ring Tailed Lemurs, Red Ruffed Lemurs, Colobus, Patas, Sloth, Agouti, and Callitrichids)
• Development
• This internship will assist with donor stewardship initiatives, campaign preparation, data management projects, and cross-department storytelling efforts. This position will participate in one or more systems-focused projects to strengthen development operations and donor engagement practices.
• Events
• This internship may include evening shifts for events.
• This internship is responsible for supporting event operations and staff during the busy summer event season, including ZooTunes concerts, fundraisers, private events, and All You Can Zoo.
• Facilities & Exhibits, Projects
• This internship would support the team responsible for planning, designing, and constructing improvements across the zoo, including animal habitats, visitor spaces, and infrastructure.
• Facilities, General Sustainability (2 positions available)
• These internships may include evening shifts for events.
• These internships play a key role in advancing Woodland Park Zoo’s sustainability and conservation mission through strategic project support across corporate engagement, program evaluation, and operational analytics.
• Facilities, GIS Sustainability
• These internships may include evening shifts for events.
• These internships will assist in spatial data collection, integration, and analysis to strengthen the Zoo’s tree and plant inventory systems and support its pursuit of Botanical Garden Status.
• Health & Safety (2 positions available)
• These internships support the zoo’s Health & Safety Program by helping gather safety information, participate in inspections, assist with incident and near miss reviews, and contribute to ongoing safety projects.
  

What You Can Expect From This Internship

• Start date: July 6th, 2026
• End date: August 30th, 2026
• 8 weeks of work, 32 hours a week, 8 hours a day with a 30-minute unpaid lunch. All interns will work on Wednesdays. Schedules vary based on position (see specific positions for more information).
• You’ll connect with other interns in the program through weekly cohort meetings and professional development workshops.  
• You’ll learn about different career and educational paths that you can take to work in zoos and conservation roles.
• All interns can expect to complete specific program objectives and/or a project while participating. These will be determined by your department supervisor. 
• All interns will prepare and deliver a capstone presentation, reflecting on their experiences in the program. This presentation will be on August 26, 2026.
  
  

YOU'LL DO WELL IN THIS INTERNSHIP IF YOU...

• Are passionate about zoos, wildlife, and conservation
• Enjoy hands-on learning with guidance from experienced mentors
• Want to connect with other students interested in working in these fields
• Are excited to develop valuable early-career professional skills
  
  

Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the start of this program.
• Enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college program.
• Able to reliably attend and complete entire 8-week internship.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrolled or previously enrolled in community college.
• Applicants without previous internship experience in the conservation field are preferred.
• First generation college student.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
  
  

Benefits

• The Woodland Park Zoo offers temporary staff the following benefits:
• 4 complimentary Zoo tickets per year plus other discounts and perks 
• Accrue 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked
• 403(b) Retirement Plan  
• Free staff parking
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
  
  

SELECTION PROCESS

Application: Please only fully complete the application questions (those marked with a red asterisk) and include any relevant coursework relevant to the internship you are seeking. A resume and cover letter are NOT required for this position. Please do not include as it will not be used in screening process.

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.

Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for interviews. Selected candidates will be invited for virtual interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check.