Animal Care Internship at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
About The Position
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park’s Animal Care internship is a 12-week program scheduled for January through March 2027. Interns work alongside experienced zoo, aquarium, and wildlife park staff to gain practical training in animal care and related areas, including habitat maintenance, nutrition and diets, environmental enrichment, public presentation and interpretation, water quality and filtration, species natural history, training, and husbandry. The program requires a commitment of 40 hours per week for at least 12 weeks. Interns are not classified as employees of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, the Northwest Trek Foundation, or Parks Tacoma. Stipends provided by the Northwest Trek Foundation are taxable income and should be reported on the recipient’s tax return.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification.
- Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in wildlife care and protection.
- Paid or volunteer experience working with animals, such as at a zoological institution, wildlife rehabilitation center, veterinary clinic, laboratory, or related facility.
- Ability to commit to 40 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks.
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. If selected, a driving abstract will be requested at the start of the program at the applicant’s expense.
- Ability to lift and carry objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to push, climb, walk, kneel, and crouch while working with and feeding animals.
- Hand and finger dexterity to operate specialized equipment and tools.
Responsibilities
- Clean and maintain animal exhibits and holding areas.
- Observe animals and keep records.
- Prepare diets and provide appropriate vitamin supplementation.
- Implement and assess environmental enrichment.
- Learn about reinforcement schedules, operant conditioning, and the benefits of animal training.
- Learn the park’s filtration process and monitor water-quality parameters.
- Deliver public presentations, communicate key messages, and participate in post-presentation question-and-answer sessions.
- Learn the natural history, behavior, and scientific names of the animal species in the park’s care.
- Design, budget, build, and use a small project.
Benefits
- Taxable stipend provided by the Northwest Trek Foundation.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
High school or GED
