2026 Fall Animal Caretaker Intern - Birds - OKC Zoo

OKC Zoo•Oklahoma City, OK

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This internship is designed to be an entry point for someone who is seeking a career working with animals. Interns will receive training and experience in animal care and welfare by working alongside animal care staff to assist with the husbandry of the Bird Department and other assigned taxa. This position will learn to interact with the public to enhance visitor experiences and to perform a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff, and the public.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older
Commitment of 20 hours weekly, for the duration of the internship.
Flexible schedule that may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays and during emergency situations such as dictated by weather.
Current college or graduate student pursuing an applicable degree, recent graduate of an applicable degree, or relevant education with interest in transitioning into an applicable career.
Interest in pursuing career in animal care.
Ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment.
Provide own housing and transportation.
Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and pass drivers’ history check.
Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI training in the first two weeks of employment.
Subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing.
Subject to annual tuberculosis testing.

Responsibilities

Assist with the husbandry of the Bird Department and other assigned taxa.
Interact with the public to enhance visitor experiences.
Perform a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff, and the public.
Research species, observe animals, and discuss observations with regular staff.
Review husbandry guidelines and observe, assist, and discuss husbandry standards with regular staff members.
Observe, discuss, and provide feedback on training sessions with regular staff members.
Observe regular staff members medicating and treating animals, and assist veterinary staff during medical procedures.
Observe and discuss medical care standards and processes with regular staff.
Observe and discuss the purpose, planning, and execution of animal transfers and transports.
Review the Zoo’s strategic plan and employee handbook.
Review the Animal Care Manuals (ACMs) for applicable species and discuss their implementation with regular staff.
Read area safety protocols and procedures and tour/navigate the Bird areas with regular staff members.
Participate in or observe all aspects of the daily routine, and give and receive feedback.
Attend and participate in regular team meetings.
Review individual natural histories and discuss observations with regular staff members.
Assist regular staff in identifying, planning, and completing area projects.
Shadow staff in other areas/departments.
Shadow and assist regular staff members through cleaning processes for indoor and outdoor habitats.
Shadow and assist regular staff members through diet preparation and distribution processes.
Shadow and assist regular staff in enrichment preparation and distribution, and evaluate animals’ response to enrichment.
Review area protocol and procedures and discuss weather and housing choices with regular staff.
Review department protocols and participate in any tabletop and practical drills.
Shadow and assist regular staff members through habitat maintenance activities.
Read the Zoo’s mission, research current and past activities, and participate in conservation activities.
Review the employee handbook, shadow regular staff members, and speak to guests during Keeper Chats, enrichment events or public training sessions.
Shadow and assist regular staff in computer-based projects using Microsoft Office, ZIMS, and internet browsers.