Education and Events Internship

The Caldwell Zoo; Tyler (TX); On-site; USD 13,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing available

Paid internship

Job summary

The Caldwell Zoo is seeking highly motivated college students for hands-on experience in zoo education, public engagement, and event coordination. The Education & Events Intern will support educational programming, school visits, community outreach, special events, and guest engagement to advance the Zoo’s mission.

Opportunities include teaching, curriculum development, public speaking, and informal science education during January–May.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a college sophomore 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 have a minimum of one year of paid or unpaid experience working with children.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the development of educational curriculum, programs, and special events.
• Assist in teaching classes, school programs, and community outreach activities using established presentations and educational materials.
• Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing special events and volunteer programs.
• Participate in animal ambassador experiences and educational presentations.
• Provide excellent customer service to Zoo guests, including parents, teachers, chaperones, students, and other visitors.
• Engage with Zoo guests and communicate educational information about animals, conservation, and the natural world.
• Prepare, organize, and break down educational materials and program supplies.
• Know and follow all emergency procedures and safety protocols.
• Be able to lift up to 40 pounds and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Complete additional duties and projects as assigned.
• Observe veterinary medical procedures, when permitted.
• Attend a Veterinary Department meeting.
• Shadow up to five additional Zoo departments to gain exposure to other areas of zoological operations.

Skills

Oral communication

Education

College student (sophomore or higher)

Job description

Caldwell Zoo is seeking highly motivated, dependable, and professional college students interested in gaining hands‑on experience in zoo education, public engagement, and special event coordination.

The Education & Events Intern will work alongside the Caldwell Zoo Education and Events Department to support educational programming, school visits, community outreach, special events, and guest engagement. This internship provides opportunities to develop skills in teaching, curriculum development, public speaking, event planning, and informal science education while contributing to the Zoo’s educational mission.

Internship Learning Opportunities & Duties

• Assist with the development of educational curriculum, programs, and special events.
• Assist in teaching classes, school programs, and community outreach activities using established presentations and educational materials.
• Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing special events and volunteer programs.
• Participate in animal ambassador experiences and educational presentations.
• Provide excellent customer service to Zoo guests, including parents, teachers, chaperones, students, and other visitors.
• Engage with Zoo guests and communicate educational information about animals, conservation, and the natural world.
• Prepare, organize, and break down educational materials and program supplies.
• Know and follow all emergency procedures and safety protocols.
• Be able to lift up to 40 pounds and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Complete additional duties and projects as assigned.
• Observe veterinary medical procedures, when permitted.
• Attend a Veterinary Department meeting.
• Shadow up to five additional Zoo departments to gain exposure to other areas of zoological operations.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a college sophomore 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 have a minimum of one year of paid or unpaid experience working with children.
• Preferred: One year of paid or unpaid experience in an educational setting, such as a zoological camp, museum, school, nonprofit organization, or related environment.
• Must be comfortable handling and working with animals, including snakes and other reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Excellent oral communication skills are required.

Students pursuing degrees in education, biology, zoology, environmental science, communication, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Duration

January 13th – May 11th

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 process and approved before the internship begins.

Work Schedule

The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, daily hours may vary depending on classes, special events, 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.

Application Deadline

November 15, 2026