Internships

Posted: 2/1/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

Application Deadline: March 13th, 2025

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: Alongside keepers, and according to departmental guidelines, interns will assist with the proper care of the herpetology collection, which may include raking yards, cleaning glass, and proper husbandry for feeder insects. Interns may be involved in the department’s head start program for gopher frogs, which may include water changes, feeding, and data collection. This position involves considerable physical activity, bending, pushing, pulling, climbing ladders, and regular lifting. Interacts with Riverbanks guests and cooperates within a team setting. Reports to the Herpetology Supervisor.

Scholarship Opportunity: The Weinkle Family Internship Scholarship at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will be awarded annually to one or more students participating in a zookeeping or horticulture internship at Riverbanks. Scholarship opportunities will be needs-based and made available to future zookeepers specifically but may also be awarded to future horticulturists. Participation in either of these areas will expose students to the zoo industry as well as the field of conservation and horticulture. Interested students should submit an up-to-500-word essay describing the reason for participating in Riverbanks’ internship program and the nature of financial need.

Education and Experience: At least 18 years of age with a HS diploma or equivalent.  Ability to bend, stoop or stand for long periods of time. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Commit to a minimum of 1 semester for 40 hours per week. Preferred daily availability from 8am- 1pm at a minimum. Proof of a current Tuberculin skin test.  The preferred candidate will demonstrate an interest in pursuing herpetology as a career.

Posted: 2/1/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

Application Deadline: March 13th, 2025

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. 

Responsibilities: The Mammal Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer an internship experience for qualified students or recent graduates. The purpose of an internship in our Mammal Department is to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Riverbank’s mission and how it is achieved through various functions and operations throughout the zoo and garden. While interning with the Mammal Department you will observe and participate in the overall operation of the zoological facility. You will gain exposure to other departments that support the individual function and goals of the Mammal Department. During your internship at Riverbanks, you will be exposed to a variety of management styles and approaches.

The categories of study during the internship include: 

• Assist with daily maintenance of animal habitats for the giraffe, white rhino, babirusa, kangaroo, wallby, and sea lion/seal. 

• Learn about animal nutrition- prepare and distribute diets. 

• Learn and give informal presentations about animal behaviors in both captive and natural environments.

• Learn about AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), Studbooks, SSPs (Species Survival Programs), TAGs (Taxon Advisory Groups), and other aspects of zoo management. 

• Observe and assist with the operant conditioning program with select animals in the area under the guidance of the animal care staff.

• Design and implement environmental enrichment. 

• Assist animal keepers and veterinarians during medical procedures. 

• Attend department meetings. 

Scholarship Opportunity: The Weinkle Family Internship Scholarship at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will be awarded annually to one or more students participating in a zookeeping or horticulture internship at Riverbanks. Scholarship opportunities will be needs-based and made available to future zookeepers specifically but may also be awarded to future horticulturists. Participation in either of these areas will expose students to the zoo industry as well as the field of conservation and horticulture. Interested students should submit an up-to-500-word essay describing the reason for participating in Riverbanks’ internship program and the nature of financial need.

Education and Experience: Internships are open to qualified graduates and undergraduates seeking degrees in biology or related fields. Applicants must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. This position will have duties that include bending, stooping or standing for long periods in all weather conditions. Commit to a minimum of 3 months for 40 hours a week. Must provide proof of a current Tuberculin skin test. Proper PPE (face masks) must be utilized in sensitive animal areas.

Posted: 2/1/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

Application Deadline: March 13th, 2025

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: The Mammal Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer an internship experience for qualified students or recent graduates. The purpose of an internship in our Mammal Department is to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Riverbank’s mission and how it is achieved through various functions and operations throughout the zoo and garden. While interning with the Mammal Department you will observe and participate in the overall operation of the zoological facility. You will gain exposure to other departments that support the individual function and goals of the Mammal Department. During your internship at Riverbanks, you will be exposed to a variety of management styles and approaches.

The categories of study during the internship include:

• Assist with daily maintenance of animal enclosures and exhibits including small primates, lemurs, sloths, small cat species, meerkat, and gorillas.

• Learn about animal nutrition- prepare and distribute diets.

• Learn and give informal presentations about animal behaviors in both captive and natural environments.

• Learn about AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), Studbooks, SSPs (Species Survival Programs), TAGs (Taxon Advisory Groups), and other aspects of zoo management.

• Observe and assist with the operant conditioning program with select animals in the area under the guidance of the animal care staff.

• Design and implement environmental enrichment.

• Assist animal keepers and veterinarians during medical procedures.

• Attend department meetings.

Scholarship Opportunity: The Weinkle Family Internship Scholarship at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will be awarded annually to one or more students participating in a zookeeping or horticulture internship at Riverbanks. Scholarship opportunities will be needs-based and made available to future zookeepers specifically but may also be awarded to future horticulturists. Participation in either of these areas will expose students to the zoo industry as well as the field of conservation and horticulture. Interested students should submit an up-to-500-word essay describing the reason for participating in Riverbanks’ internship program and the nature of financial need.

Education and Experience: Internships are open to qualified graduates and undergraduates seeking degrees in biology or related fields. Applicants must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. This position will have duties that include bending, stooping or standing for long periods in all weather conditions.  Commit to a minimum of 3 months for 40 hours a week. Must provide proof of a current Tuberculin skin test.  Proper PPE (face masks) must be utilized in sensitive animal areas.

Posted: 2/1/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

Application Deadline: March 13th, 2025

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: The Mammal Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer an internship experience for qualified students or recent graduates. The purpose of an internship in our Mammal Department is to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Riverbank’s mission and how it is achieved through various functions and operations throughout the zoo and garden. While interning with the Mammal Department you will observe and participate in the overall operation of the zoological facility. You will gain exposure to other departments that support the individual function and goals of the Mammal Department. During your internship at Riverbanks, you will be exposed to a variety of management styles and approaches.

The categories of study during the internship include:

• Assist with daily maintenance of farm animal and ambassador animal enclosures and exhibits. Animals include goats, ducks, turkey, alpaca, doves, turtles, tortoises, snakes, chinchilla, tenrec, lizards, and three banded armadillo.

• Learn about animal nutrition- prepare and distribute diets.

• Complete animal handling certification for select ambassador animals and give informal encounters about animal behaviors in both captive and natural environments under the guidance of the animal care staff.

• Learn about AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), Studbooks, SSPs (Species Survival Programs), TAGs (Taxon Advisory Groups), and other aspects of zoo management.

• Observe and assist with the operant conditioning program with select animals under the guidance of the animal care staff.

• Design and implement environmental enrichment.

• Assist animal keepers and veterinarians during medical procedures.

• Attend intern courses as well as departmental meetings.

Scholarship Opportunity: The Weinkle Family Internship Scholarship at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will be awarded annually to one or more students participating in a zookeeping or horticulture internship at Riverbanks. Scholarship opportunities will be needs-based and made available to future zookeepers specifically but may also be awarded to future horticulturists. Participation in either of these areas will expose students to the zoo industry as well as the field of conservation and horticulture. Interested students should submit an up-to-500-word essay describing the reason for participating in Riverbanks’ internship program and the nature of financial need.

Education and Experience: Internships are open to qualified graduates and undergraduates seeking degrees in biology or related fields. Applicants must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays.  This position will have duties that include bending, stooping or standing for long periods in all weather conditions. Commit to a minimum of 3 months for 40 hours a week. Must provide proof of a current Tuberculin skin test.  Proper PPE (face masks) must be utilized in sensitive animal areas.

Posted: 2/1/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

Application Deadline: March 13th, 2025

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: The Mammal Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer internship experience for qualified students or recent graduates. The purpose of an internship in our Mammal Department is to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Riverbank’s mission and how it is achieved through various functions and operations throughout the zoo and garden. While interning with the Mammal Department you will observe and participate in the overall operation of the zoological facility. You will gain exposure to other departments that support the individual function and goals of the Mammal Department. During your internship at Riverbanks, you will be exposed to a variety of management styles and approaches.

The categories of study during the internship include:

• Assist with daily maintenance of animal enclosures and exhibits, including large and small carnivores, primates, and marsupials.

• Learn about animal nutrition- prepare and distribute diets.

• Learn and give informal presentations about animal behaviors in both captive and natural environments.

• Learn about AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), Studbooks, SSPs (Species Survival Programs), TAGs (Taxon Advisory Groups), and other aspects of zoo management.

• Observe and assist with the operant conditioning program with select animals in the area under the guidance of the animal care staff.

• Design and implement environmental enrichment.

• Assist animal keepers and veterinarians during medical procedures.

• Attend department meetings.

Scholarship Opportunity: The Weinkle Family Internship Scholarship at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will be awarded annually to one or more students participating in a zookeeping or horticulture internship at Riverbanks. Scholarship opportunities will be needs-based and made available to future zookeepers specifically but may also be awarded to future horticulturists. Participation in either of these areas will expose students to the zoo industry as well as the field of conservation and horticulture. Interested students should submit an up-to-500-word essay describing the reason for participating in Riverbanks’ internship program and the nature of financial need.

Education and Experience: Internships are open to qualified graduates and undergraduates seeking degrees in biology or related fields. Applicants must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. This position will have duties that include bending, stooping or standing for long periods in all weather conditions. Commit to a minimum of 3 months for 40 hours a week. Must provide proof of a current Tuberculin skin test.  Proper PPE (face masks) must be utilized in sensitive animal areas.