Wildlife Care & Operations Internship

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.


HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
This internship offers hands-on experience supporting the daily care and wellbeing of wildlife, including food preparation, feeding, cleaning enclosures, and providing enrichment to promote welfare. Interns will observe and document wildlife behavior, participate in briefings and trainings, and gain valuable knowledge of wildlife care practices, welfare standards, and zoo operations.

In addition to supporting wildlife care, interns will assist with operational tasks that keep the park running smoothly. This includes maintaining clean and safe guest-facing areas, supporting opening and closing routines, and collaborating with departments like maintenance, horticulture, education, and guest services to gain a broader understanding of how cross-departmental efforts contribute to the success of a zoological institution.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Support wildlife care staff with routine husbandry tasks such as food preparation, feeding, cleaning enclosures, and providing enrichment to promote animal welfare.
• Observe wildlife behaviors and conditions throughout the day, accurately documenting and reporting any changes or concerns to the supervising wildlife care team.
• Actively participate in educational opportunities, including trainings, briefings, and team discussions to expand knowledge of Wildlife care practices, welfare standards, and zoo operations.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

JOB EXPERIENCE
• Training and/or experience that would demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills listed.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Desire to pursue a career in the zoological field.
• Communicate effectively (verbal and written).
• Able to learn the proper methods and procedures for hygienic animal care, feeding and handling.
• Able to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.


IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: Volcano, HI
• Position Type: 30-Day Internship

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.