Wildlife Safari Park Intern

OMAHA ZOO GROUP; Ashland (NE); On-site; USD 20,664 - 24,796; Full time

Job summary

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a Wildlife Safari Park Intern. The role offers seasonal internships (Spring, Summer, Fall) with a 24-hour weekly schedule and a $15.00/hour pay rate.

Interns assist in animal care, interact with guests, and participate in ongoing education through weekly development sessions. Orientation is in-person on the first day of each semester, with evaluations and a final project.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old.
• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university; biology/zoology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop an internship project aligned with the needs of animal care staff.
• Attend weekly professional development sessions.
• Complete learning goals on internship checklist.
• Participate in mid-point and final evaluations.
• Assist with daily care of the animal collection, cleansing, record keeping, and enrichment.
• Monitor animal behavior and health; assist with diet preparation and feeding.
• Engage the public through Keeper Talks and guest interactions.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Teamwork

Education

College coursework

Job description

Job Title: Wildlife Safari Park Intern

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours: Seasonal (24 hours/week)

Pay Rate: $15.00/hour

SCHEDULE: Each Internship session, Spring, Summer, and Fall, is 12 weeks long. All interns must be available during this time. Summer session runs from May 12th – August 3rd, 2026.

• Orientation: First day of each semester from 9am-4pm. All interns must be available to attend orientation in-person.
• Weekly Schedule: Must be available to work up to 24 hours per week. Interns must be available to attend one weekly afternoon professional development session starting the second week of their internship. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Volunteer Manager and animal area supervisors.

DESCRIPTION

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern at the Wildlife Safari Park (WSP). WSP interns will assist in and learn about the care of North American animals, including bears, wolves, elk, bison, pelicans and other waterfowl. WSP interns participate regularly in guest interactions on a variety of topics, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills with both guests and staff.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of animal care staff in the Interactive Animal Programs Department.
• Attend weekly professional development sessions.
• Complete learning goals on internship checklist.
• Participate in and complete a mid-point and final evaluation.
• Assist in and complete tasks as assigned, including but not limited to:
  • Cleaning and general maintenance of the exhibits and building.
  • Daily care of animal collection.
  • Record keeping.
  • Animal enrichment.
  • Monitoring behavior and changes in animal health.
  • Diet preparation and feeding.
  • Engaging the public through Keeper Talks and regular guest interaction.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
• Must be 18 years old.
• Must follow safety guidelines and always demonstrate safe working practices.
• Must have effective time management skills for working in a fast-paced and flexible work environment.
• Must possess strong communication skills; communicate frequently and in a professional manner with supervisor and team members.
• Must work well with others and have the ability to work independently.
• Must be team-oriented and willing to work with other interns, volunteers, and staff members to further not only the goals of the Department but also of the Zoo’s Mission Statement.
• Must attend shifts on time and as scheduled.
• Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, and may be required to offer proof of a negative skin tuberculosis test.

EXPERIENCE

Previous experience working with mammals or birds or at an AZA institution is preferred, but not required.

EDUCATION

Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university. A minimum of one year of coursework in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc.) is preferred. Knowledge of native animal natural history, biology, captive husbandry, and conservation issues preferred. Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to native Nebraskan animals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires considerable physical exertion, such as lifting heavy objects (up to 50-100 pounds), and/or assuming awkward positions. This position also requires working in hot and humid conditions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider these physical requirements before applying for an internship in this area. Interns that are not able to meet the physical requirements for the position may be reassigned to another department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Routine exposure to hot and humid conditions. May be asked to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Interns will interact with the public frequently throughout their internship and are expected to always exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public.

TO APPLY

• Prospective interns can only submit ONE application per person specific to their top their choice but may indicate up to two other areas that interest them on their application.
• Must submit Cover Letter and Resume to Paycom at the time you apply. Applications without these materials will not be considered.
  • Your cover letter should include clearly defined career goals including how interning in the area you selected as your top choice will help you achieve your goals.

• Interns must provide their availability at the time of their interview. Interviews may be conducted over the phone, in person, or over Zoom.

We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part-time job requirements.

Please note this position does not provide any medical coverage.