Duties
If you are a college student majoring in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Environmental Education or a related field or recent graduate in any of those fields and you are interested in a career working with animals, the Philadelphia Zoo can provide you with valuable hands-on experience.
As an Animal Care Intern you will work side by side with Children’s Zoo keepers providing routine husbandry for animals in the Zoo's exhibit and teaching collections which encompass all taxa of animals except fish. The collection includes parrots, raptors, hedgehogs, porcupines, coendus, rabbits, cows, chickens, micro pigs, ferrets, ducks, reptiles, invertebrates and more! Specific responsibilities include preparing and distributing food, maintaining exhibits/enclosures, assisting with keeping animal health and behavior records, administering medication (as directed) and assisting with animal capture, crating and transfer, animal enrichment and animal training.
This internship will also provide you with the chance to get hands-on experience in informal education. You will participate in the presentation of educational programs intended to enhance Zoo visitor's understanding of the natural world. You will help provide daily educational programs using live domestic and exotic animals and animal artifacts.
Requirements
To qualify for this internship, you must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, demonstrated interest in working with animals, basic biological knowledge, the ability to work as part of a team and strong communication skills. You must also be able to do physical work.
Availability
This internship is available year-round and requires a commitment of three days per week in the summer, one day per week in the fall and spring, and three to five days per week in the winter. Shifts are 8:30am – 5:00pm. Because there are a limited number of positions available, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible, preferably at least two months prior to the start of the semester you would like to intern. Applications for the summer are due by March 15.
Apply to
To apply for this internship, please submit a letter of interest stating which internship you are applying for and why including which day(s) you are available, a detailed resume, a reference letter or letter of recommendation and a copy of your college transcripts. Please compile all the required documents and submit them as a complete packet to:
Philadelphia Zoo
Human Resources Department, Internships
3400 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104-1196
ONLY COMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED.
All interns are required to complete a PA Child Abuse Clearance Form and State Criminal Background Check prior to beginning work at the Philadelphia Zoo.
All applications received by human resources will receive an acknowledgement.
However, only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted directly.