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.