Animal Care Internship

Paid Animal Care Internship

NASHVILLE ZOO PAID INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
ANIMAL CARE INTERNSHIP | SUMMER 2025

Do you want to get experience working with animals at an AZA institution? As an Animal Care Intern, you will have the opportunity to gain experience working with many of the world’s most unique animals. Animal Care Interns will be taught proper animal care techniques used by the Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA).

Internship opportunities may include Avian, Behavioral Husbandry, Carnivore, Ectotherms, Contact Areas, Hoofstock and Primates. Placements are based on staff capacity; therefore, not all departments will offer an internship opportunity each session. Applicants may indicate preference of department, but final placement is assigned by the Zoo.

Applicants must be college aged or a recent college graduate with interest in the natural, physical or cultural sciences, communication, education, natural science, interpretation or recreation and resources management. Animal Care Internships will be on a full-time basis with interns working 30 to 40 hours per week.

JOB TITLE: Animal Care Intern

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES -- This supervised animal care position interacts directly with animals, guests, volunteers, and other Zoo staff. Upon completion of training, the placement consists of:

• Assisting in training, cleaning, diet prep, and other husbandry duties
• Working closely with other staff/volunteers to ensure a safe and healthy work environment
• Learning to make positive contributions to enhance the guest experience at Nashville Zoo.
• Due to strict animal husbandry guidelines and safety issues, there may be very limited or no animal contact or inside exhibit work with certain animals in the Zoo.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES -- Applicants will be assessed according to their knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:

• Passion and interest in exploring zoo or conservation related field
• Ability to work with all age groups
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Guest-service oriented and enthusiastic about providing guests an enriching experience
• Ability to communicate effectively, both speaking and writing

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

• College-aged or recent college graduate
• Willingness to study and learn the curriculum provided by Zoo
• Submit to a criminal background check and drug screening
• Submit proof of a negative TB Test
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Requires frequent moving about for long distances and over uneven terrain
• Will be expected to wear the approved uniform and observe the same personal appearance standards required of all Zoo staff
• Must be able to work a set schedule which will include flexible hours, evenings, holidays, and/or weekends
• Frequent exposure to the outside elements and summer heat can be expected.

INTERN REQUIREMENTS

• Present and on time for all assigned shifts
• Active engagement in all aspects of assigned duties
• Attendance at all required training sessions and lectures
• Attendance at all meetings with assigned Intern Coordinator, Volunteer Manager and other mentors
• Completion of all assignments including two projects for each 12-week term
• Maintain a written journal throughout internship term

BENEFITS

• Hourly rate of $12.50 per hour for up to 40 hours per week
• $700 living stipend for each 12-week term
• Housing provided if outside of a 40-mile radius of Nashville Zoo 
• Provides opportunities to learn proper management of animals in captivity
• Observe and participate in husbandry, training, and additional care for our resident animals
• Receive first-hand experience in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution

APPLICATION PROCESS – Interested candidates should complete the application. To supplement your application, it is recommended that you attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• At least two Letters of Recommendation
• When submitting your application, upload Letters of Recommendation in the same place you upload your Cover Letter.
• Additionally, we ask you to complete this anonymous survey.

Qualifications

Salary : $13