Education Internship 2027

Nashville Zoo; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly wage

Living stipend

Housing provided

Professional development

AZA accredited experience

Job summary

The Nashville Zoo invites applications for its Education Internship program for Spring 2027. This full‑time internship (30–40 hours/week) runs Jan 18 through Apr 16, 2027, and offers hands‑on experience in interpretation, program development, and conservation education across on‑grounds, off‑grounds, and virtual formats.

Interns assist the Education Department with interpretation, program evaluation, and align activities with program standards.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Interest in working with animals and conservation education.
• This is an entry level position for those seeking experience in this field.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in development, facilitation and evaluation of education programs and interpretive experiences on grounds, off grounds and virtually.
• Interpreting for a variety of species throughout the zoo and at historic site locations.
• Creating programs aligned with program standards and educational benchmarks.
• Developing program evaluations that assess learning and inform program development.
• Learning to contribute to guest experience at Nashville Zoo.
• Complete a final project reflecting intern interest and take-aways.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Job description

NASHVILLE ZOO PAID INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

EDUCATION INTERNSHIP | Spring 2027 | 1/18/2027- 4/16/2027

As an Education Intern at Nashville Zoo, you will have the opportunity to gain experience in interpretation, developing and leading education programs, and developing your knowledge on a variety of topics including conservation, wildlife biology, botany, history and park management.

Education interns will assist with all aspects of the Nashville Zoo Education Department. These duties include interpretation on grounds, onsite education programs, animal outreach programs, historic site management, and volunteer/teen program evaluations. Education interns will become familiar with conservation education best practices and demonstrate the effectiveness of its programs for achieving mission-based outcomes.

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 4/16/2027.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assisting in development, facilitation and evaluation of education programs and interpretive experiences for a wide range of audiences on grounds, off grounds and virtually
• Interpreting for a variety of species throughout the zoo and at the Grassmere historic home and farm
• Creating programs aligned with Nashville Zoo’s Program Content Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and Common Core Standards in Science, Math, Reading and Language Arts
• Developing program evaluations that assesses participant learning as well as informs program development
• Learning to make positive contributions to enhance the guest experience at Nashville Zoo
• 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 and current
• 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.

Pay Range

$12.50 - $12.50 USD

As set forth in Nashville Zoo’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.