Animal Care Internship Spring 2027

Nashvillezoo; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 6,819,000 - 9,712,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$12.50/hour up to 40 hrs/week

$700 living stipend per 12 weeks

Housing provided if outside 40 miles

Job summary

Nashville Zoo offers a paid Animal Care Internship for Spring 2027. Interns will be placed across Aquatics, Avian, Behavioral Husbandry, Carnivore, and other areas, with final placement by the Zoo. Responsibilities include daily care, health monitoring, and data collection to inform animal well-being.

Training covers orientation and professional development sessions. Time commitment is full-time, about 30–40 hours weekly for roughly 12 weeks, starting 1/18/2027 and ending 4/16/2026.

Qualifications

• Entry-level internship focused on hands-on animal care and humane observation practices.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.
• Willingness to learn Nashville Zoo operations, layouts, and conservation efforts.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily husbandry tasks including habitat cleaning, diet management, enrichment and training.
• Monitor animal health and behavior; report observations to staff.
• Prepare diets and assist in feeding routines under supervision.
• Maintain accurate records of care and observations.
• Support habitat and facility maintenance to ensure clean, safe environments.
• Engage in hands-on learning, enrichment design, and animal handling as appropriate.
• Answer visitor questions to educate the public on conservation efforts.
• Complete a project highlighting intern's interests and learnings.

Skills

Animal care

Observation

Data collection

Communication

Organization

Job description

NASHVILLE ZOO PAID INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

ANIMAL CARE INTERNSHIP | Spring 2027 | 1/18/2027- 4/16/2026

Overview: Animal Care Interns will be placed in one of the following areas Aquatics, Avian, Behavioral Husbandry, Carnivore, Contact Areas, Herpetology, Hoofstock, Lorikeets, or Primates. Applicants may indicate preference of department, but final placement is assigned by the Zoo.

Interns will observe a variety of species across the Zoo, assist with daily care routines, and collect data that will help animal care professionals make evidence-based decisions regarding the animals' well-being.

TIME COMMITMENT: This is a full-time position, 30-40 hours a week, for ~12 weeks. There are no opportunities to work overtime. Start Date is 1/18/2027. End Date is 4/16/2026

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with daily husbandry care, including cleaning habitats, managing diets, and assisting with enrichment and training.
• Monitor animal health and behavior and report observations to animal care staff.
• Prepare diets and assist in feeding routines for select species under supervision.
• Maintain accurate records related to animal care and observations.
• Support zoo staff with habitat and facility maintenance, ensuring clean and safe environments for the animals.
• Engage in hands-on learning experiences, including enrichment design, training sessions, and animal handling (as appropriate for the species).
• Answer visitors' questions about animals and the Zoo, helping to educate the public on conservation efforts
• Complete one project highlighting intern’s interest and take aways from the experience and benefitting intern’s department

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have the ability to stand on feet for long periods and lift moderately heavy loads
• Interest in working with animals and understanding animal behavior
• This is an entry level position for those looking to gain experience in this field
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Willingness to learn about Nashville Zoo amenities, layout, operations, animal collection and conservation efforts
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.

INTERN TRAINING

All interns will be present for New Hire Orientation, Animal Care Orientation, Education Orientation, and a 4 presentation professional development series throughout the course of their internship.

BENEFITS

• Hourly rate of $12.50 per hour for up to 40 hours per week
• $700 living stipend for each 12-week term
• Housing provided if outside of a 40 mile radius of Nashville Zoo
• Provides opportunities to learn proper management of animals in human care
• Observe and participate in husbandry, training, and additional care for our resident animals
• Receive first-hand experience in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution
• Professional development series highlighting topics such as guest engagement, resume building, etc.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Submit to a criminal background check and drug screening.
• Provide proof of a negative TB test.
• Provide proof of a valid driver's license.