Aquarium Birds Intern

OMAHA ZOO GROUP; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 17,047 - 24,280; Full time

Job summary

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is offering an Aquarium Birds Intern position in the Birds department. The internship runs in seasonal sessions (Spring, Summer, Fall) with 24 hours per week and a pay rate of $15.00 per hour.

Interns assist with feeding, cleaning, daily care of exhibits, and participate in projects and evaluations. Applicants must be 18+, enrolled in college or recently graduated, and able to pass background and drug tests.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from college/university; minimum one year of coursework in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of aquatic bird natural history, biology, captive husbandry, and conservation issues preferred.
• Previous experience with birds or at AZA institutions preferred.
• Must be able to pass a background check and drug test.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily feeding, cleaning, and general care of three exhibits.
• Develop internship project aligned with department research needs.
• Attend weekly professional development sessions.
• Recordkeeping and monitoring animal health and behavior.
• Assist with enrichment and diet preparation.
• Participate in mid-point and final evaluations.

Skills

Time management

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independence

Public speaking

Safety awareness

Customer service

Education

Biology/zoology coursework

Enrollment in college/university or recent graduate

Job description

Job Title: Aquarium Birds Intern

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours: Seasonal (24 hours/week)

Pay Rate: $15.00/hour

SCHEDULE: Each Internship session, Spring, Summer, and Fall, is 12 weeks long. All interns must be available during this time. Summer session runs from May 12th – August 3rd, 2026.

• Orientation: First day of each semester from 9am-4pm. All interns must be available to attend orientation in‑person.
• Weekly Schedule: Must be available to work up to 24 hours per week. Interns must be available to attend professional development sessions as offered. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Internship Coordinator and animal area supervisors.

DESCRIPTION: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern for the Aquarium Birds department to assist with daily feeding, cleaning, and general care of three exhibits in the Aquarium. This includes, but is not limited to, three species of penguins, three species of alcids, and one toucan. This position reports directly to the Bird Supervisor.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of the Aquarium Birds department.
• Attend weekly professional development sessions.
• Complete learning goals on internship checklist.
• Participate in and complete a mid‑point and final evaluation.
• Assist in and complete tasks as assigned, including but not limited to:
  • Cleaning and general maintenance of the exhibits and building.
  • Daily care of animal collection.
  • Recordkeeping.
  • Animal enrichment.
  • Monitoring behavior and changes in animal health.
  • Diet preparation and feeding.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must follow safety guidelines and always demonstrate safe working practices.
• Must have effective time management skills for working in a fast‑paced and flexible work environment.
• Must possess strong communication skills; Communicate frequently and in a professional manner with supervisor and team members.
• Must work well with others and have the ability to work independently.
• Must be team‑oriented and willing to work with other interns, volunteers, and staff members to further not only the goals of the Department but also of the Zoo’s Mission Statement.
• Must attend shifts on time and as scheduled.
• Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Candidates will be required to pass a pre‑employment background check, drug test, and may be required to offer proof of a negative skin tuberculosis test.

EXPERIENCE: Previous experience working with birds or at an AZA institution is preferred, but not required.

EDUCATION: Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university. A minimum of one year of coursework in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc.) is preferred. Knowledge of aquatic bird natural history, biology, captive husbandry, and conservation issues preferred. Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to aquatic birds.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position may involve considerable physical exertion, including lifting of heavy objects (50+ pounds) and/or assuming awkward positions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider these physical requirements before applying for an internship in this area. Interns that are not able to meet the physical requirements for the position may be reassigned to another department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Routine exposure to hot, humid, and sometimes wet conditions.

PUBLIC CONTACT: Interns will interact with the public frequently throughout their internship and are expected to always exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public.

TO APPLY:

• Prospective interns can only submit ONE application per person specific to their top choice but may indicate up to two other areas that interest them on their application.
• Must submit Cover Letter and Resume to Paycom at the time you apply. Applications without these materials will not be considered.
  • Your cover letter should include clearly defined career goals including how interning in the area you selected as your top choice will help you achieve your goals.
• Interns must provide their availability at the time of their interview. Interviews may be conducted over the phone, in person, or over Zoom.

We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part‑time job requirements.

Please note this position does not provide any medical coverage.