Animal Care Paid Internship
NASHVILLE ZOO PAID INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
ANIMAL CARE INTERNSHIP | FALL 2025
Overview: Animal Care Interns will be placed in one of the following areas: Aquatics, Avian, Behavioral Husbandry, Carnivore, Contact Areas, Herpetology, Hoofstock, Lorikeets or Primates. Applicants may indicate preference of department, but final placement is determined by the zoo.
TIME COMMITMENT: This is a full-time position averaging 30-40 hours per week, for ~12 weeks. There are no opportunities to work overtime hours.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist with daily husbandry care, including cleaning habitats, managing diets, and assisting with enrichment and training.
- Monitor animal health and behavior and report observations to animal care staff.
- Prepare diets and assist in feeding routines for select species under supervision.
- Maintain accurate records related to animal care and observations.
- Support zoo staff with habitat and facility maintenance, ensuring clean and safe environments for the animals.
- Engage in hands-on learning experiences, including enrichment design, training sessions, and animal handling (as appropriate for the species).
- Answer visitors’ questions about animals and the Zoo, helping to educate the public on conservation efforts.
- Complete one project highlighting intern’s interest and take aways from the experience and benefitting intern’s department.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES -- Applicants will be assessed according to their knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:
- Passion and interest in exploring zoo or conservation related field.
- Ability to work with all age groups.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Guest-service oriented and enthusiastic about providing guests an enriching experience.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both speaking and writing.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 18 years of age and current college student or recent graduate.
- Must have the ability to stand on feet for long periods and lift moderately heavy loads, up to 50 lbs.
- Interest in working with animals and understanding animal behavior.
- Submit proof of a negative TB Test.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Willingness to learn about Nashville Zoo amenities, layout, operations, animal collection and conservation efforts.
- Will be expected to wear the approved uniform and observe the same personal appearance standards required of all Zoo staff
- Must be able to work a set schedule which will include flexible hours, evenings, holidays, and/or weekends
- Must be able to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
INTERN REQUIREMENTS
- Present and on time for all assigned shifts
- Active engagement in all aspects of assigned duties
- Attendance at all required training sessions and lectures
- Attendance at all meetings with assigned Intern Coordinator, Volunteer Manager and other mentors
- Completion of all assignments including two projects for each 12-week term
- Maintain a written journal throughout internship term
BENEFITS
- Hourly rate of $12.50 per hour for up to 40 hours per week
- $700 living stipend for each 12-week term
- Housing provided if outside of a 40-mile radius of Nashville Zoo
- Provides opportunities to learn proper management of animals in captivity
- Observe and participate in husbandry, training, and additional care for our resident animals
- Receive first-hand experience in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution
APPLICATION PROCESS – Interested candidates should complete the application. To supplement your application, it is recommended that you attach the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- At least two Letters of Recommendation
- When submitting your application, upload Letters of Recommendation in the same place you upload your Cover Letter.
- Additionally, we ask you to complete this anonymous survey.
