Aquarium Birds Intern

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium•Omaha, NE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a seasonal intern to assist the Aquarium Birds department with daily feeding, cleaning, and general care of three Aquarium exhibits. The animal collection includes three species of penguins, three species of alcids, and one toucan. The position reports directly to the Bird Supervisor. Each internship session lasts 12 weeks. The spring session runs January 19, 2027, through April 12, 2027, and interns must be available for the full session. The role is scheduled for up to 24 hours per week and includes an in-person orientation on the first day of the semester, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., as well as one weekly afternoon professional development session beginning in the second week. Interns must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Schedules are determined before the internship begins in coordination with the Intern Coordinator and animal area supervisors. The seasonal position may last up to six months, depending on individual performance and business operations; the end date depends on the official start date. Interns develop and present a project aligned with the department’s research needs, attend professional development sessions, complete learning goals, and participate in midpoint and final evaluations. They frequently interact with the public and are expected to provide professional, courteous service. They may also participate in informal public education presentations. Applicants must be at least 18 and currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a college or university. Offered candidates must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening. The work may involve considerable physical exertion, including lifting 50 pounds or more and working in awkward positions. The environment routinely includes hot, humid, and sometimes wet conditions. The position does not provide medical coverage.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university.
Must follow safety guidelines and demonstrate safe working practices.
Must have effective time-management skills in a fast-paced, flexible work environment.
Must have strong communication skills and communicate frequently and professionally with the supervisor and team members.
Must work well with others and be able to work independently; must be team-oriented and willing to work with interns, volunteers, and staff.
Must be able to follow detailed instructions and attend shifts on time as scheduled.
Must be available for the full spring session, January 19, 2027–April 12, 2027, if applying for that session; attend in-person orientation; work up to 24 hours per week; attend a weekly afternoon professional development session; and work weekends and holidays.
Must be able to meet the physical demands, which may include lifting 50 pounds or more and assuming awkward positions.
Offered candidates must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
Must submit a cover letter and resume with the application; the cover letter should explain career goals and how the internship supports them, and applicants must provide availability at interview.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with birds or at an AZA institution is preferred, but not required.
At least one year of coursework in a major field of study relevant to the internship, such as biology, zoology, or animal behavior, is preferred.
Knowledge of aquatic bird natural history, biology, captive husbandry, and conservation issues is preferred.
Motivation to continue expanding knowledge as it applies to aquatic birds.

Responsibilities

Assist with daily care of the animal collection, including diet preparation and feeding.
Clean and perform general maintenance of exhibits and the building.
Keep records.
Provide animal enrichment and monitor behavior and changes in animal health.
Develop, complete, and present an internship project aligned with the Aquarium Birds department’s research needs.
Attend weekly professional development sessions and complete learning goals on the internship checklist.
Participate in midpoint and final evaluations.
Complete other assigned tasks.
Communicate professionally with the supervisor and team members, work with interns, volunteers, and staff, and interact professionally with the public.
Attend scheduled shifts on time; participate in public speaking or informal educational presentations when asked.