Herpetology Internship
Organization: Utah’s Hogle Zoo (AZA Member)
Internship: Herpetology Internship
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
POSITION SUMMARY:
This internship is geared toward college students and recent graduates who are interested in playing a direct role in caring for a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Interns should be organized, self-motivated, and have excellent people skills. This internship is an in-depth program requiring a 40-hour-per-week commitment for 12 weeks. Interns must be flexible with their schedule and have the ability to work on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. This is an unpaid position on a voluntary basis only. Housing, travel expenses, and transportation are the responsibilities of the candidate.
**Interns will not participate in direct husbandry with crocodiles or any venomous reptiles.**
REPORTS TO: Animal Care Supervisor of Herpetology
DATES: Summer; May 27- August 18, 2025 (start and end date may be flexible based on school schedule)
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The internship position will encompass multiple zones in the Small Animal Building as well as the Amphibian Conservation Center. Interns will have the opportunity to assist and learn in the care of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. This includes spider tortoises, prehensile-tailed skinks, Asian forest scorpions, Jamaican boas, western toads, green tree monitors, and more. Animal collections may change over time depending on the needs of the building and the zoo.
The selected candidate will assist Animal Care staff in multiple aspects of maintaining the herpetological collection. This internship is designed to provide instruction in the following areas: animal husbandry, nutrition and diets, record-keeping, exhibit maintenance, enrichment and training, public education, and knowledge of a variety of animals. Intern duties may include the following, under keeper supervision (may vary based on skill level and departmental needs):
- Assist with exhibit maintenance and cleaning.
- Prepare daily diets and perform daily feeding.
- Observing and recording animal condition, behaviors, and responses.
- Assist with exhibit construction.
- Provide positive and educational interactions with zoo guests.
- Participate in animal enrichment and observe animal training sessions.
- Complete various projects.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The applicant should have a strong career interest in animal husbandry in a zoological setting and be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university. They should have a minimum of one year of course work in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, environmental science, etc.). Experience working with reptiles and amphibians is preferred. The applicant needs to demonstrate maturity, self-motivation, and an ability to follow directions. Candidates should be able to lift 50 pounds and will need to have a recent TB test and tetanus shot. A basic knowledge and understanding of computer word processing and Microsoft Office software is helpful. The ability to gain and hold a driver’s license is required. They must also pass a background check and a drug test if selected.
WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours a week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Interns are expected to work on holidays and weekends.
COMPENSATION: The Herpetology Intern position is unpaid. Professional development opportunities will be available. Possible college credit is available for those able to receive it through their college/university. No housing provided.
Scholarship Award: Interns participating in an unpaid internship at Utah’s Hogle Zoo will have the opportunity to apply for the Hugh H. Hogle, MD Internship Award. This award provides one scholarship annually to a Utah's Hogle Zoo summer intern as funds are available.
TO APPLY: Applications are due by February 15, 2025.
Please visit https://www.hoglezoo.org/internship-opportunities/ to fill out an application. Attach a resume, cover letter, and informal transcript to the application and e-mail it to volunteeroffice@hoglezoo.org. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.
Applicants will be contacted for interviews at the end of February. Please do not expect to hear from us before then.
Please e-mail volunteeroffice@hoglezoo.org with any questions.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive internship program representative of a variety of backgrounds, age groups, perspectives, experiences, abilities, and strengths.
