OKC Zoo Intern - Elephants

Begin your career in animal care with the Oklahoma City Zoo! Our Elephant & Rhino Care Internship offers hands-on training and practical experience working with our majestic elephant and rhinoceros collection. Interns will collaborate with experienced animal care staff to support animal wellbeing through habitat maintenance, enrichment projects, and assisting with daily routines. Additionally, interns will gain valuable skills in public engagement, contributing to exceptional visitor experiences. This internship is perfect for those passionate about large animal care and eager to build a career in the field.

Employment Status: Part-time Temporary
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Duration: 12 weeks
Schedule: Summer 2025 40 hours per week
Compensation: $14.00 Hourly
Department: Animal Management – Elephants
Direct Supervisor: Assistant Curator of Elephants and/or Curator of Elephants
Primary Work Location: Zoo settings both indoors and outdoors
Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and pass drivers’ history check. Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI
training in the first two weeks of employment.
Other: This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug
testing. This position works around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases, thus is subject to annual
tuberculosis testing.

Developmental Outcomes

Intern will develop a deep understanding of the natural behaviors and life histories of area species by researching species, observing animals, and discussing observations with regular staff.
• Intern will develop an understanding of the responsibilities of Qualified Elephant Caretakers and standards of animal husbandry through reviewing husbandry guidelines and observing, assisting, and discussing husbandry standards with regular staff members.
• Intern will develop an understanding of the processes and standards of operant conditioning by observing, discussing, and participating in feedback after training sessions with regular staff members.
• Intern will develop an understanding of medical care by observing regular staff members medicating and treating animals, and assisting veterinary staff during medical procedures. Medical care standards and processes will be discussed with regular staff.
• Intern will develop an understanding of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) by reviewing the area’s EEHV PowerPoint, learning viremia symptoms, and discussing the Zoo’s history of EEHV with elephant and veterinary staff.
• Intern will gain an understanding of the purpose, planning, and execution of animal transfers by reviewing area protocols.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Commitment of 40 hours weekly, for the duration of the internship, by working a flexible schedule that may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays and during emergency situations such as dictated by weather.
• Current college or graduate student pursuing an applicable degree, recent graduate of an applicable degree, or relevant education with interest in transitioning into an applicable career.
• Interest in pursuing career in animal care.
• Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment.
• Provide own housing and transportation