Animal Management Educational Internship at The Wilds

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks • Cumberland, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Management Educational Internship is a structured learning experience for students exploring careers in animal management and husbandry, wildlife and exotic animal care, animal welfare, and conservation breeding. Through mentorship, hands-on training, and guided observation with experienced Animal Management professionals, interns develop practical husbandry skills and professional knowledge that complement their academic studies. The internship introduces participants to The Wilds’ animal management program, routine animal care, and related research projects, and is designed primarily for the intern’s educational benefit.

Three internships are available annually in 2026–2027, each lasting up to six months, from November through May. Internships generally involve 20 hours per week, with the opportunity to increase scheduled hours in coordination with academic commitments. Learning hours may be scheduled any day between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Internships are time-limited and conclude on the scheduled end date.

This is an unpaid educational internship. Interns are not employees and receive no wages or employee benefits. There is no promise or expectation of compensation or a paid position after the internship. Interns are encouraged to seek academic credit, and The Wilds will work with schools to complete required documentation.

Optional shared on-site housing may be available for $250 per month. Interns must arrange their own transportation and provide their own health and driving insurance. They are responsible for personal expenses.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in college at the second-year level or above, or a recent graduate; two or more years of college is preferred.
• Study in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field, with an interest in a learning experience that supports academic and career goals.
• Interest in exotic animals, their care, and medicine; prior experience is welcome but not required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Responsible, flexible, self-motivated, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Available during scheduled learning hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., coordinated with academic commitments.
• Able to follow standard operating procedures, including safety protocols.
• Able to lift and move up to 10 pounds constantly, 30 pounds frequently, and 50 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Valid current state-issued motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record.
• Able to balance multiple assignments successfully.
• Able to work in varied weather conditions, including extreme heat and rain.
• Able to work in extreme heat up to 104°F for limited periods.
• Able to work in extreme cold below 10°F for limited periods with proper protective equipment.
• Proof of a negative TB screening before placement.
• Able to adhere to The Wilds’ drug-free workplace policy.
• Able to successfully complete a criminal history background check.
• Able to arrange own transportation and housing; optional on-site housing may be available.
• Provide own health and driving insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of college or recent graduate status.

Responsibilities

• Learn daily care and management of wild animals through observation, guided practice, and staff mentorship.
• Receive instruction and guided practice in animal diets, cleaning and feeding, enclosure maintenance, animal observations, record keeping, and how facilities support animal welfare.
• Learn safe techniques and guidelines for working around wild animals.
• Learn the selection, preparation, and presentation of appropriate foodstuffs, and the cleaning and disinfection of animal enclosures.
• Learn to recognize significant changes in animal behavior or condition and receive an introduction to conservation breeding programs.
• Where available, observe and, under direct staff supervision, assist with veterinary medical procedures, animal movement and transport, capture and restraint, animal identification, and research techniques and methodology.
• Set learning goals and review progress with a staff mentor and, where applicable, an academic program or faculty advisor.
• Participate in higher-risk activities only when staff determine the intern is appropriately trained and provide direct supervision.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern