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.
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. The General Curator will work with interns to work out a schedule that takes into account of the needs of the intern and the Greenville Zoo.
If accepted into the program you must provide proof of a negative TB test current within 90 days. Clear a background check and drug screen provided by the City of Greenville.
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. Internships are unpaid and require a minimum of 20-40 hours per week for 12 weeks. Interns must attend orientation on zoo operations and safety training.
Application Deadline
Applications for Summer semester applications must be received by February 15. Fall semester applications must be received by June 30. Applications received by the deadlines will be reviewed and interviews scheduled. See below for application information.
Apply
To apply for an internship, select the link https://cityofgreenvillesc.formstack.com/forms/greenville_zoo_internship_application
To apply for internship by mail to Greenville Zoo 150 Cleveland Park Drive Greenville, SC 29601 Attention: Zoo Volunteer Coordinator. Include Internship application, Cover letter, Resume, two references letters, proof of school enrollment (letter from administrator or current schedule on letterhead)
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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 20-40 hours per week.
Application Deadline
Applications for 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.
Apply
To apply for an internship online, select the link https://cityofgreenvillesc.formstack.com/forms/greenville_zoo_internship_application
To apply for internship by mail to Greenville Zoo 150 Cleveland Park Drive Greenville, SC 29601 Attention: Zoo Volunteer Coordinator. Include Internship application, Cover letter, Resume, two references letters, proof of school enrollment (letter from administrator or current schedule on letterhead)
Incomplete applications will not be considered.