Animal Management Educational Internship

About the Role

The Animal Management Educational Internship is a structured learning experience designed for students seeking to explore careers in animal management and husbandry, including wildlife and exotic animal care, animal welfare, and conservation breeding. Through mentorship, hands-on training, and guided observation alongside experienced professionals, interns will build practical husbandry skills and professional knowledge that complement their academic studies. This internship introduces interns to The Wilds’ animal management program, including routine animal care and related research projects, and is primarily for the intern’s educational benefit.

• Duration: Up to six months (November through May).
• Schedule: Generally 20 hours per week, with potential to increase hours coordinated with academic commitments. Scheduled learning hours can be any day, 8 am-4:30 pm.
• Compensation: This is an unpaid educational internship. Interns are not employees and do not receive wages or employee benefits.

Learning Experience and Responsibilities

• Learn about the daily care and management of wild animals through observation, guided practice, and mentorship.
• Gain experience in animal diets, cleaning and feeding, enclosure maintenance, animal observations, and record keeping.
• Understand how facilities support animal welfare.
• Receive instruction and guided practice in techniques and guidelines for working safely around wild animals.
• Learn about selection, preparation, and presentation of proper foodstuffs.
• Learn about cleaning and disinfection of animal enclosures.
• Develop skills in recognizing significant changes in animal behavior or condition.
• Gain an introduction to the implementation of conservation breeding programs.
• Opportunity to observe and, under direct staff supervision, assist with:
• Veterinary medical procedures.
• Moving animals (shifting, crating, transport).
• Capture and restraint techniques.
• Animal identification methods (ear tagging, transponder placement).
• Research techniques and methodology.
• Participation in higher-risk activities is determined by staff based on training and is always under direct supervision.

Mentorship and Evaluation

• Each intern is paired with a staff mentor for orientation, ongoing instruction, and regular feedback.
• Interns will set learning goals at the start of the program and review progress with their mentor and, where applicable, their academic program or faculty advisor.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Currently enrolled college student (second year or above) or recent graduate (2 years or more preferred) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field.
• Seeking a learning experience that supports academic and career goals.
• Interest in exotic animals and their care and medicine; prior experience is welcome but not required.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing.
• Must be responsible, flexible, self-motivated, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Availability to participate during scheduled learning hours between 8 am and 4:30 pm.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures, including safety protocols.
• Able to lift and move up to 10lbs. constantly, 30lbs. frequently, and 50lbs. occasionally.
• Possession of a valid current state-issued motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record.
• Able to balance multiple assignments successfully.
• Able to work in varied weather conditions (extreme heat, rain).
• Able to work in extreme heat environments (up to 104˚F) for limited periods.
• Able to work in extreme cold environments (to below 10˚F) for limited periods with proper protective equipment.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement.
• Ability to adhere to The Wilds drug-free workplace policy.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check.

Qualifications

• Interns must arrange their own transportation and housing.
• Interns must provide their own health and driving insurance.
• Interns are responsible for their own personal expenses.

RISE Scholarship Opportunity

• Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to support mission-driven internship experiences.
• Applicants must be Ohio residents or attend an Ohio college or university and meet all other program eligibility requirements.
• Scholarship application windows:
• Winter: October 1 - November 30
• Spring: December 1 - January 31
• Summer: February 1 - March 31
• Fall: May 1 - June 30
• To apply to the RISE Scholarship, visit https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships.