Internships
Greenville Zoo internships are reserved for college-level students who are studying biological sciences, education, communication, or other related fields. For volunteer positions, see the Volunteer page.
As of Spring 2020, the Greenville Zoo will no longer be accepting Education Department Internship applications.
Education Department Internships
The Greenville Zoo Internship Program is designed to provide college students, or recent college graduates, with practical experience in an AZA accredited zoological environment. As an intern at the Greenville Zoo, you will be able to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to the ’real-world’ experience of day to day zoo operations. The Greenville Zoo Internship Program is both challenging and rewarding as we strive to provide you with the tools and experience necessary to pursue your chosen career paths.
Qualifications
To qualify for the Greenville Zoo Internship Program, interns must have completed at least 2 years of a relevant college degree program (ex. Education, Biology, Zoology or a related field). All interns must have excellent communication skills, enjoy working with all ages (especially children), and a variety of animals. Each intern must be self-motivated, prompt, energetic, creative, and have the ability to work in a team environment.
Requirements
Interns are accepted each academic semester, including a summer session that runs from late May to early August. Each intern will go through internship training which includes zoo operations, animal handling, and safety training. Internships are unpaid, last a period of 3 months and require at least 8 hours per week. Summer internships last 10 weeks and may require 20-25 hours per week.
Application Deadline
Applications for the spring semester must be received by December 1. Summer semester applications must be received by February 15. Fall semester applications must be received by June 1. Candidates will be notified of their selection within 30 days of the application deadline. See below for application information.
As of Spring 2020, the Greenville Zoo will no longer be accepting Animal Department Internship applications.
Animal Department Interns
The Greenville Zoo Intern Program is intended to give college students or recent graduates, 18 years of age or older, the opportunity to have a comprehensive, hands-on working experience in the zoo profession within the Animal Care Department. This internship program offers interns the opportunity to learn about the operations of a modern zoo, animal care, and to obtain some basic entry-level experience. Internships may also count as extra credit for some courses (check with your school). Mostly, interns will assist the Greenville Zoo keepers with daily routines and animal husbandry but may work in other areas of the zoo if needed. The internships will be for the college term, semester or quarter, and will also be available for the summer months.
Qualifications
Intern positions are limited to college level students with an interest in the biological sciences. All interns should have the ability to lift 30 lbs., work in various weather conditions, and effectively communicate with zoo staff and guests. If accepted into the program you must provide proof of a negative TB test current within 90 days and proof of enrollment in a post-secondary educational program leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree, or to a technical certificate program, in a field relevant to the zoo’s functions.
Requirements
Interns are accepted each academic semester for most positions. Since the summer season is the most competitive, we encourage interns to consider other times of the year. The days and hours the intern is to work will be determined by the General Curator; however, a minimum of 8 hours per week for 8 weeks(or a total of 96 hours) for fall / spring interns and 16 hours per week for 8 weeks ( or a total of 128 hours) for summer interns is required.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Spring semester must be received by January 31. Summer semester applications must be received by March 31. Fall semester applications must be received by August 31. Applications received by the deadlines will be reviewed and interviews scheduled. See below for application information.
All interns are accountable to the General Curator.