Intern - Animal Welfare Research

The Animal Welfare Research Intern is designed to be an entry point for someone who is seeking a career working in the field of Animal Welfare Research. Interns will receive training and experience in the collection of behavioral data by working alongside staff to assist with multiple active research projects. Interns will also gain training on data management, record keeping and engaging with the public in education experiences. This internship will begin on August 23rd, 2025 and end on or before November 15th, 2025.

Employment Status: Part-time temporary

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Duration: 12 weeks beginning August 23rd, 2025

Schedule: 20 hours weekly

Compensation: $14.00 Hourly

Department: Conservation, Education and Science

Direct Supervisor: Animal Welfare Research Coordinator

Primary Work Location: Zoo setting both indoors and outdoors

Certification: Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI training in the first 2 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.

 

Development Outcomes

An intern in this position will complete assigned tasks resulting in the following learning outcomes

• Intern will develop an understanding of the essential role that zoos and aquariums play in conservation
• Interns will develop a thorough understanding of safety procedures necessary for working with animal collections in a Zoo
• Interns will understand the basic framework of the scientific method and behavioral sampling techniques and tools
• Intern will learn how to prepare for and conduct animal observations
• Intern will learn how to find and process peer reviewed resources
• Intern will assist in the use of technology to conduct animal observations and collect data
• Intern will learn the basics of guest interaction in a zoo or aquarium setting including how to convey educational and research information and effectively communicate conservation efforts
• Intern will learn the process of data management of animal welfare research and other record keeping processes including report writing

 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Commitment of regular schedule
• 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/research
• Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment
• Provide own housing and transportation
• Basic understanding of computer operation and camera usage. Microsoft excel experience preferred.

 

Physical Demands

• Walk, sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Push, lift, and carry up to 50 lbs. with assistance. Items weighing more than 50 lbs. will be jointly carried with one person per 50 pounds of weight.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, and move intermittently throughout the day.
• Exposure to fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts, and vehicles.
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, rain, snow and ice.
• Exposure to potentially dangerous animals.