Design & Engineering Internship

ZooTampa at Lowry Park; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 30,307; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Academic credit potential

Networking opportunities

Letters of recommendation

Job summary

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is seeking a Design & Engineering Intern to provide on‑site daily assistance across active and upcoming projects. You will work with the Sr.

Director of Planning, Design and Engineering and gain real‑world experience in construction management, design, and operations to support animal care and guest experiences. This paid internship requires a commitment of at least 28 hours per week with flexible weekday/weekend hours in west central Florida, including evenings or

Qualifications

• Junior or Senior actively enrolled in a degree program in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related technical field.
• Beginner to intermediate understanding of mechanical systems, power systems, wastewater treatment, plumbing, electrical, building systems, life‑support and safety systems and basic construction techniques is preferred.
• Possess basic knowledge of trades and skills to effectively communicate with contractors, subcontractors and other third‑party vendors while on project sites.
• Experience with Adobe Suite, Bluebeam Revu, and Microsoft Project are preferred.
• Possess a basic knowledge of all phases of a project, from design through construction.
• Prior internship experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with on‑site daily collaboration between the department and project teams including Project Owners, Owner Representatives, GC contractors, Architects and other vendors.
• Assist with all aspects of each project including bidding, contracting, change requests/orders, RFIs and submittals for active capital projects.
• Document progress of multiple construction projects via reporting and photo documentation.
• Coordinate required work with internal teams and communicate potential impacts to daily operations.
• Assist with managing the contractor badging process for all Design and Engineering projects.
• Organize and maintain ZooTampa blueprint and document collections, digital and physical.
• Coordinate with Procurement and Finance to ensure PO, contracts and invoices align with policy.
• Assist with ordering equipment, materials and coordinating deliveries.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Field coordination

Education

Construction Management / Engineering / Architecture degree

Tools

Adobe Suite

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Project

Job description

Have you ever wanted to help build the future of a world‑class zoo?

Join ZooTampa's Design & Engineering team and gain hands‑on experience supporting real construction, infrastructure, and engineering projects that enhance animal care, conservation, and unforgettable guest experiences.

You may be a great fit if:

• You are studying Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical field and want practical, real‑world experience.
• You enjoy working both in the field and behind the scenes, coordinating projects, solving problems, and keeping details organized.
• You're ready to learn from experienced professionals while contributing to projects that make a visible impact every day.

Position Summary

The Design and Engineering Intern will be responsible for providing on‑site, daily assistance, for a variety of active and upcoming projects at ZooTampa. This position reports to and will primarily assist the Sr. Director of Planning, Design and Engineering.

This is a paid internship.

Who We Are

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide‑ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up‑close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family‑friendly zoos.

Our Mission

To rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our Vision

To ensure everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Essential Functions

• Assist with daily collaboration and communication between the department and key members of each project team including Project Owners, Owner Representative(s), General Contractors, Architects, and other vendors.
• Assist with all aspects of each project including but not limited to Bidding, Contracting, Change Requests/Change Orders, Requests for Information (RFI) and Submittals for all active capital projects, as assigned.
• Document the progress of multiple construction projects throughout the course of the day via reporting and photo documentation.
• Work with internal teams to coordinate required work and communicate potential impacts to daily operations.
• Assist with managing the contractor badging process for all Design and Engineering projects at ZooTampa.
• Routinely organize and maintain, keeping in good condition, the ZooTampa digital and physical blueprint and document collection.
• Partner with the Procurement and Finance departments to ensure all purchase orders, contracts and invoices are made and processed in accordance with zoo policy in a timely fashion.
• Assist with ordering equipment, materials and coordinating deliveries for all projects.

What are we looking for?

Required Availability

• Commitment to a minimum of 28 hours a week.
• Flexible weekday/weekend hours between 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 3–5 days per week.
• Occasional evenings and weekends for ongoing projects.

Qualifications and Experience

• Junior or Senior actively enrolled in a degree program in pursuit of a Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related technical field.
• Beginner to intermediate understanding of mechanical systems, power systems, wastewater treatment, plumbing, electrical, building systems, life‑support and safety systems and basic construction techniques is preferred.
• Possess basic knowledge of trades and skills to effectively communicate with contractors, subcontractors and other third‑party vendors while on project sites.
• Experience with Adobe Suite, Bluebeam Revu, and Microsoft Project are preferred.
• Possess a basic knowledge of all phases of a project, from design through construction.
• Prior internship experience preferred but not required.

Other Requirements

• Conduct all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, building codes, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Ability to work varying shifts with minimal advance notice, as required.
• Demonstrated exceptional time management practices, attention to detail and excellent communication skills required.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
• Possess visual, hearing and other sensory and cognitive capacity appropriate for facility and construction management and general safety practices.
• Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking.
• Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough terrain on foot and by vehicle.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and ability to adapt well to other computer programs.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of a criminal background screening and execution of a required hold harmless/liability release agreement.
• Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury (the Zoo’s workers’ compensation program does not cover interns or volunteers).

Benefits

• The internship is designed to meet academic requirements and provide valuable real‑world experience.
• Potential academic credit available, subject to program eligibility requirements.
• Networking opportunities with nonprofit professionals and community leaders.
• Skill‑building in planning, design, engineering, and nonprofit operations.
• Letters of recommendation upon successful completion, when applicable.

Take the next step and apply today to help build what's next at ZooTampa.