Wildlife Care & Operations Internship

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors - the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park - giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

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: San Diego, CA
• 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.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

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.