Reptiles Internship

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

Spring 2027 paid internships are available at Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas in the areas of Animal Husbandry within the Reptile Department.

Caldwell Zoo offers paid internships for motivated college students seeking hands‑on experience in animal husbandry and the zoological profession. The Reptile Husbandry Internship provides students with the opportunity to work alongside experienced animal care professionals while developing practical skills in the daily care, management, and well‑being of a diverse collection of reptiles.

Interns will gain experience in reptile husbandry, animal behavior, nutrition, habitat maintenance, and preventative health care while learning about the responsibilities of working in a zoological setting. This internship is designed to help prepare students for future careers in zoos, wildlife facilities, and related fields.

Animal Collection

Interns will have opportunities to learn about the care and management of a variety of reptile species housed at Caldwell Zoo. Animal assignments and learning opportunities will depend on departmental needs and operational schedules.

Internship Learning Opportunities & Duties

• Safe methods of exotic animal handling and restraint
• Animal behavior, husbandry, and record keeping
• Animal nutrition, including the preparation and distribution of animal diets
• Preventative medicine and disease treatment
• Habitat maintenance and environmental monitoring, including temperature and humidity requirements
• Water quality testing and water changes, where applicable
• Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures
• Visitor relations and guest engagement
• Knowledge of and adherence to all emergency procedures and safety protocols
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Observe animal medical procedures, when permitted
• Attend a Veterinary Department meeting
• Assist animal keepers with daily husbandry tasks and departmental projects
• Shadow up to five additional Zoo departments to gain exposure to other areas of zoological operations

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be a sophomore in college 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 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 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 and approved before the internship begins.

Work Schedule

The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, daily hours may vary depending on veterinary procedures, animal care needs, 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