Animal Management Educational Internship at The Wilds

The Columbus Zoological Park Association • Cumberland, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Management Educational Internship at The Wilds is a structured, unpaid learning experience for students exploring careers in animal management and husbandry, including 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 program introduces interns 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 for 2026–2027. Each lasts up to six months, from November through May. Internships can generally be scheduled for 20 hours per week, with the possibility of increasing weekly hours in coordination with academic commitments. Learning hours may be scheduled any day between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The internship is time-limited and ends on its scheduled end date.

Each intern is paired with a staff mentor who provides orientation, instruction, and regular feedback. Interns establish learning goals at the beginning of the program and review progress with their mentor and, where applicable, their academic program or faculty advisor. Interns are encouraged to seek academic credit through their college or university; The Wilds will work with schools to complete required documentation.

This is an unpaid educational internship. Interns are not employees, receive no wages or employee benefits, and have no promise or expectation of compensation or a paid position after the internship. 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. Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to support eligible hands-on, mission-driven internship experiences at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. Applicants must be Ohio residents or attend an Ohio college or university and meet the other program eligibility requirements.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled college student in their second year or above, or a recent graduate; two or more years of study or experience are 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Responsible, flexible, self-motivated, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Availability to participate during scheduled learning hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., coordinated with academic commitments.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures, including required 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, including extreme heat and rain, in temperatures up to 104°F for limited periods, and in temperatures below 10°F for limited periods with proper protective equipment.
• Negative TB screening before placement.
• Ability to comply with The Wilds’ drug-free workplace policy and successfully complete a criminal history background check.
• Must arrange own transportation and housing; optional on-site housing may be available.
• Must provide own health and driving insurance and cover personal expenses.
• Application requires a resume with references and a cover letter describing interest, educational and career goals, desired learning, and relevant academic studies and prior experience.

Nice To Haves

• Recent graduate status; two or more years preferred.
• Prior experience with exotic animals, their care, or medicine, though it is not required.
• Eligibility to apply for the RISE Scholarship: Ohio residency or attendance at an Ohio college or university, along with the other program eligibility requirements.
• Interest in conservation, natural resource management, animal management, or ecological studies.

Responsibilities

• Learn about daily wild animal care and management through observation, guided practice, and mentorship.
• Learn about animal diets, cleaning and feeding, enclosure maintenance, animal observations, record keeping, and how facilities support animal welfare.
• Receive instruction and guided practice in safe techniques and guidelines for working around wild animals.
• Learn to select, prepare, and present appropriate foodstuffs.
• Learn to clean and disinfect animal enclosures.
• Learn to recognize significant changes in animal behavior or condition.
• Receive an introduction to conservation breeding program implementation.
• Depending on training and under direct staff supervision, observe and potentially assist with veterinary medical procedures; animal shifting, crating, or other transport; capture and restraint; animal identification methods such as ear tagging or transponder placement; and research techniques and methodology.
• Work with a staff mentor, establish learning goals, and review progress and receive regular feedback.

Benefits

• Optional shared on-site housing may be available for $250 per month.
• Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000, subject to program eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed