Paid Teen Zoo Apprentice: Hands-On Conservation

Oregonmetro; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Zoo ZAP (Zoo Apprenticeship Program) offers a multi-year paid internship for high school youth to learn wildlife conservation, lead tours, and develop outreach programming. Members gain hands-on experience through tours, sessions, and job shadows across departments while building teamwork and leadership in a supportive environment.

First-year pay is $18.01 per hour with gradual increases; participants commit to summers and school-year activities, with flexible scheduling to balance school

Qualifications

• Must be 15 by March 1, 2027 and 15-16 years old for the 2026-2027 school year.
• Currently enrolled in high school as a Freshman or Sophomore.
• Willing to commit to 3 summers and 2 school years.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Live in Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas counties.
• Attend required trainings and meetings as scheduled.
• Attend the summer sessions with 12–20 hours per week and some weekend commitments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver programming on zoo grounds for community organizations.
• Lead zoo tours tailored to local community groups and schools.
• Participate in informational sessions and job shadows to explore zoo careers.
• Explore local natural areas and wildlife education activities with the team.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in program delivery.

Skills

Public speaking

Leadership

Team building

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Time management

Peer mentoring

Empathy

Job description

Oregon Zoo ZAP (Zoo Apprenticeship Program) offers a multi-year paid internship for high school youth to learn wildlife conservation, lead tours, and develop outreach programming. Members gain hands-on experience through tours, sessions, and job shadows across departments while building teamwork and leadership in a supportive environment.

First-year pay is $18.01 per hour with gradual increases; participants commit to summers and school-year activities, with flexible scheduling to balance school