Paid Reptile Husbandry Internship — Hands-On

The Caldwell Zoo; Tyler (TX); On-site; USD 13,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing available

Job summary

Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas offers a spring 2027 paid internship in Animal Husbandry within the Reptile Department. Interns gain hands-on experience alongside experienced care staff, focusing on reptile husbandry, behavior, nutrition, habitat maintenance, and preventative health care.

The program prepares students for careers in zoos and wildlife facilities. The schedule is typically Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., with a 13–May 11 timeframe.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must be a sophomore in college or higher.
• Overall GPA 2.5 or higher.
• Must 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, herpetology, or related fields encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Safe methods of exotic animal handling and restraint.
• Animal behavior, husbandry, and record keeping.
• Animal nutrition, including preparation and distribution of diets.
• Preventative medicine and disease treatment.
• Habitat maintenance and environmental monitoring (temp & humidity).
• Water quality testing & changes where applicable.
• Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures.
• Visitor relations and guest engagement.
• Adherence to emergency procedures and safety protocols.
• Assist animal keepers with daily tasks and departmental projects.
• Shadow up to five additional zoo departments to gain exposure to other areas.

Skills

Animal handling

Safety procedures

Record keeping

Education

Sophomore in college or higher

GPA 2.5 or higher

Zoology/Animal science/Biology related field

Job description

Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas offers a spring 2027 paid internship in Animal Husbandry within the Reptile Department. Interns gain hands-on experience alongside experienced care staff, focusing on reptile husbandry, behavior, nutrition, habitat maintenance, and preventative health care.

The program prepares students for careers in zoos and wildlife facilities. The schedule is typically Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., with a 13–May 11 timeframe.