Internships

Posted: 12/30/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

The Herpetology Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer a paid internship experience for qualified students during the summer season. The purpose of an internship with the Herpetology Team is to gain an in-depth knowledge of working in a zoological facility. At the completion of the internship, you will have a greater understanding of maintaining a living collection of reptiles and amphibians, as well as hands-on skills related to this profession. Reports to the Herpetology Supervisor.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with daily maintenance of animal enclosures and exhibits. 
• Learn about animal nutrition- prepare and distribute diets.
• Complete animal handling certification for select 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 and 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 must be utilized in sensitive animal areas.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Posted: 12/30/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

The Mammal Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer paid internship experience for qualified students or recent graduates during the summer season. 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.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with daily maintenance of animal habitats for the giraffe, white rhino, babirusa, kangaroo, wallaby, 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 intern courses and 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.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Posted: 12/30/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

The Mammal Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer paid internship experience for qualified students or recent graduates during the summer season. 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.

Essential Functions:

• 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 intern courses and 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.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Posted: 12/30/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

The Mammal Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer paid internship experience for qualified students or recent graduates during the summer season. 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.

Essential Functions:

• 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 armadillos.
• 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 and 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.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Posted: 12/30/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

The Mammal Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer paid internship experience for qualified students or recent graduates during the summer season. 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.

Essential Functions:

• 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 intern courses and 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.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Posted: 12/30/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

The Bird Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer a paid internship experience for qualified students during the summer season. The purpose of an internship in with our Bird Department is to gain an in-depth knowledge of working in a zoological facility. At the completion of the internship, you will have a greater understanding of maintaining a living collection of birds, as well as hands-on skills related to this profession.

Essential Functions: 

• Proper care of the avian collection
• Distribute and prepare diets 
• Clean, scrub, and disinfect exhibits and enclosures
• Maintain exhibits and public areas
• Construct, distribute, observe, and record enrichment interactions
• Become familiar with the indicators of observing animals for illness, injury, or abnormal behavior
• Observe and participate (if applicable) in the proper methods of avian capture and safe restraint
• Learn the basics of artificial incubation and hand-rearing 
• Become familiar with AZA and SSP® policies and practice
• Assist in record keeping 
• Provide positive interaction with guests around the park 
• Participate in behind-the-scenes tours
• Complete various projects and academic curriculum as assigned

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Internships offers a diverse avicultural experience. The Bird Department collection is comprised of about 300 individuals representing approximately 60 species. Birds are housed in an indoor tropical birdhouse, a sub-Antarctic exhibit, outdoor aviaries, and off-exhibit enclosures. The collection is managed for exhibit, education experiences, and propagation.

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:This is an internship open to recent graduates and undergraduates seeking degrees in biology or related fields.  Interns must complete 12 weeks of work, 40 hours per week and complete a minimum set of learning objective skills as determined by the staff supervisors. This position requires work in all weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, and cold. This position involves standing for long periods of time and considerable physical activity such as repetitive bending, pushing, pulling, and lifting/carrying heavy loads up to 50lbs.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Posted: 12/30/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

The Aquarium Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer a paid internship experience for qualified students during the summer season. The purpose of an internship in our Aquarium is to gain an in-depth knowledge of working in a public aquarium. At the completion of the internship, you will have a greater understanding of maintaining a living collection of fishes and aquatic invertebrates, as well as hands-on skills related to this profession.

The categories of study during the internship are water chemistry, fish and invertebrate identification, life support systems, veterinary practices, fish disease, and fish and invertebrate husbandry. Skill development and learning opportunities in these categories will include the following: 

- Assisting with daily maintenance of animal enclosures and exhibits.

- Learning about animal nutrition and preparing diets.

- Learning about animal behaviors in both captive and natural environments.

- Observing operant conditioning techniques of captive animals.

- Designing and implementing environmental enrichment techniques.

- Observing medical procedures alongside Aquarists and Veterinarians. 

Our Aquarium Reptile Conservation Center, commonly referred to as the ARCC, is comprised of five distinct ecosystems showcasing over 125 species of aquatic vertebrates and 200 species of aquatic invertebrates in over 80,000 gallons of water. Interns, alongside our staff, will provide the highest standards of care for our living collections, conserving biodiversity through careful utilization of all available resources. 

Each intern will have the opportunity to work with different members of our aquarium staff learning specific skills and knowledge from the above categories. 

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: This is an internship open to recent graduates and undergraduates seeking degrees in biology or related fields.  Interns must complete 12 weeks of work, 40 hours per week and complete a minimum set of learning objective skills as determined by the staff supervisors.  Working hours are typically 8:30am-5:00pm for full days and 8:30am-12:30pm and 1:00pm-5:00pm for half-day blocks. Applicants must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. 

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.