2026 Fall Animal Caretaker Intern - Carnivores - 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 hands-on training to aid in the development of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required of entry-level Animal Caretakers in zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) by working alongside Carnivore Team staff to support the wellbeing and care of the Zoo’s carnivore collection and their environments through habitat maintenance, enrichment, operant conditioning training and wellbeing monitoring. This position will interact with the public to support operations and guest 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, by working a 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
Have the 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 test.
Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI training in the first two weeks of employment
Wear assigned PPE and limit exposure to known contagions.

Nice To Haves

Develop an understanding of Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden Policies and Carnivore Area Policies and Procedures.
Familiarity with commonly accessed areas within the carnivore area.
Understanding of internship objectives and expectations.
Understanding of natural behaviors and life histories of assigned taxa by researching species, completing observations and discussing behavior(s) with carnivore staff.
Understanding of the responsibilities of an Animal Caretaker-Carnivore staff member.
Understanding of the essential role that zoos and aquariums play in conservation.
Basics of guest interaction in a zoo or aquarium setting including how to convey educational information and effectively communicate conservation efforts.
Understanding of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Taxon Advisory Groups, Species Survival Programs and AZA Breeding and Transfer Plans.
Understanding of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and AZA Accreditation Standards.

Responsibilities

Support the wellbeing and care of the Zoo’s carnivore collection and their environments through habitat maintenance, enrichment, operant conditioning training and wellbeing monitoring.
Interact with the public to support operations and guest experiences.
Perform a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff and the public.
Prepare taxa specific diets.
Prepare and maintain animal records and reports through commonly used computer programs.
Operate motor vehicles safely and effectively.
Actively participate in daily animal husbandry techniques and assessments related to: animal care, animal wellbeing, behavior observations and operant conditioning training.
Perform basic construction, building and grounds maintenance tasks and repair work common in the carnivore area.
Operate hand tools, power tools and yard work equipment to maintain animal habitats.
Connect people with our world’s vanishing wildlife and wild places to inspire conservation action.
Support daily purposeful enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage and evaluate natural and guest engaging behaviors.
Observe veterinary medical behaviors and procedures.
Work effectively in a team environment, including with volunteers, to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, professional colleagues and the public.
Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Work in an environment subject to constant interruptions and quickly changing priorities.
Collaborate with other Zoo departments.
Participate in and respond to safety-related issues and drills.