Internship Program
Cameron Park Zoo partners with Environment for The Americas to provide individuals with internship opportunities during Spring, Summer, and Winter semesters. Our goal is to provide pre-professional, experiential learning opportunities for individuals interested in the zoological/wildlife field.
Where to Apply: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=animal+care+internship&l=Waco%2C+TX&from=searchOnHP&vjk=02ee58c021bf26cd
***Applications close on Friday, April 17th***
Position Summary:
This is a zookeeper internship in the following departments: Mammals, Birds & Small Mammals, Aquatics, and Herpetology. Interns will gain hands-on experience in general husbandry skills while working alongside zookeepers. Interns will also participate in the Cameron Park Zoo’s Keeper Chats learning how to present formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.
This is a paid position (max. of 300 hours) with scheduling flexibility based on the intern’s needs.
Qualifications:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have self-motivated work ethic
- Be able to work outdoors in all weather
- Be able to communicate clearly in written and verbal forms
- Be able to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively
- Be able to handle multiple tasks
- Be able to work independently and as part of a team
- Have great attention to detail
- Have a love for animals and their wellbeing
- Have intermediate computer skills (proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Drive)
Physical Requirements:
- Walk and stand and bend over for long periods of time
- Navigate uneven terrain on zoo grounds
- Traverse animal exhibits by climbing, bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and crawling
- Regularly move 30 lb objects and occasionally move 50 lb objects
- Perform duties for 8 hours a day
- Have a full range of motion in the back and all extremities
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assist zookeepers
- Clean animal exhibits
- Spray, scrub, sweep, rake, shovel animal feces
- Prepare and distribute animal feed
- Create and distribute animal enrichment items
- Lead Keeper Chats to the public and education participants
- Assist the zoo in any other duties
Perks & Benefits:
- Free individual membership
- Food and merchandise discounts
- Meaningful and challenging work
- Make a difference and improve communities
- Work experience in zoo field
Internship Program FAQ’s:
Is this a paid position?
Yes, this internship pays $15/hour.
Does Cameron Park Zoo provide housing or a stipend?
We do not currently provide housing or a stipend for our interns. If you will be in need of housing, you can use the following link to browse short-term housing options in Waco:
Can Cameron Park Zoo work with my availability?
Yes, we absolutely can! We recognize you will likely have other things going on during the time of your internship; as long as you are able to commit to at least 260 hours (approximately 22 hours/week) during normal Cameron Park Zoo operating hours, we are happy to be flexible with your schedule.
Do I need to be participating in a college program to apply for this internship?
No; this internship is open to anyone 18 or older looking to gain pre-professional experience in the zoological field. Enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program is not required.
Are there internship opportunities in the Vet Hospital?
Our Vet Hospital is currently not in our internship rotation. Interns will assist our 4 main animal care departments: Mammals, Birds & Small Mammals, Aquatics, and Herpetology.
Can interning turn into a career at Cameron Park Zoo?
Experience at an AZA-accredited facility is certainly a perk of interning at Cameron Park Zoo; however, we cannot promise that interning will turn into employment for any individual. Employment will be based on available openings as well as each candidate’s experience, qualifications, and job performance.
Additional questions? Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at MichelleL@CameronParkZoo.com or (254) 750-7049.
