Birds Internship

Caldwell Zoo; Tyler (TX); On-site; USD 15,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Paid internship

Job summary

Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas offers a Spring 2027 Bird Husbandry Internship. The program provides hands-on experience in avian care, behavior, nutrition, and habitat management, working alongside seasoned staff.

Interns will participate in daily husbandry, health monitoring, and enrichment activities while learning safety protocols and departmental coordination. Housing may be available and interns will gain exposure to multiple zoo areas.

Qualifications

• Must be a college student; sophomore or higher.
• Overall GPA 2.5 or higher.
• Must pass a background check and TB test documentation.

Responsibilities

• Learn safe methods of bird handling and restraint.
• Assist with avian nutrition and diet preparation.
• Support enrichment activities and daily husbandry tasks.
• Observe bird health, behavior, and overall condition.
• Assist with habitat maintenance and environmental monitoring.
• Shadow multiple zoo departments to gain exposure.

Skills

Bird handling

Animal care

Animal behavior

Nutrition

Habitat maintenance

Safety procedures

Observation skills

Team shadowing

Education

Sophomore year or higher

GPA 2.5+

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Birds Internship

Intern Tyler, TX, US

Spring 2027 paid internships are available at Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas in the areas of Animal Husbandry with Birds.

Caldwell Zoo offers paid internships for motivated college students seeking hands-on experience in animal husbandry and the zoological profession. The Bird Husbandry Internship provides students with the opportunity to work alongside experienced animal care professionals while developing practical skills in the daily care, management, and well-being of a diverse collection of birds.

Interns will gain experience in avian husbandry, animal behavior, nutrition, habitat maintenance and preventative health care while learning about the responsibilities of working in a zoological setting. This internship is designed to help prepare students for future careers in zoos, wildlife facilities, and related fields.

Animal Collection

Interns will have opportunities to learn about the care and management of a variety of bird species housed at Caldwell Zoo. Animal assignments and learning opportunities will depend on departmental needs and operational schedules.

• Safe methods of bird handling and restraint
• Animal behavior, husbandry, and record keeping
• Avian nutrition, including the preparation and distribution of diets
• Preventative medicine and disease treatment
• Habitat maintenance and environmental monitoring
• Cleaning and maintaining aviaries, bird enclosures, and holding areas
• Monitoring bird health, behavior, and overall condition
• Assisting with enrichment activities and species-appropriate husbandry practices
• Visitor relations and guest engagement
• Knowledge of and adherence to all emergency procedures and safety protocols
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Observe animal medical procedures, when permitted
• Attend a Veterinary Department meeting
• Assist animal keepers with daily husbandry tasks and departmental projects
• Shadow up to five additional Zoo departments to gain exposure to other areas of zoological operations

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be a sophomore in college or have a higher classification
• Overall GPA must be 2.5 or higher
• Must successfully pass a background check
• Must provide documentation of a negative TB test
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and work outdoors in varying weather conditions

Students pursuing degrees in zoology, animal science, biology, wildlife science, ornithology, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Duration

January 13 th – May 11 th

Please plan to arrive at least three business days before the start date to complete the required onboarding process.

Any time off requested during the internship, excluding illness or emergencies, must be discussed during the interview and approved before the internship begins.

Work Schedule

The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, daily hours may vary depending on veterinary procedures, animal care needs, and departmental activities.

Compensation & Housing

This is a paid internship.

• Gross Pay: $580.62 biweekly, before taxes and applicable deductions.
• Housing: Optional housing may be provided for interns who need accommodations during the internship. A housing deduction will be applied to the intern’s pay if housing is elected.

Additional details regarding housing availability and the applicable deduction will be provided during the interview process.