Conservation Education Internship - Spring 2027

Dallas Zoo Management • Dallas, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Dallas Zoo Education Department provides educational programming through seasonal camps, family, early childhood and school programs, in-park interpretation, and community conservation engagement initiatives. Working alongside education staff, interns receive training and experience in instructional techniques for interpretation, conservation and science-oriented program development, outcomes-based program evaluation, working with volunteers and community partners on conservation engagement events, and customer service in a team-based professional environment.

At the beginning of the internship, interns can choose a specific education department position to shadow based on personal interest. Interns also complete a demonstration project on a relevant education department topic. The Dallas Zoo College Internship Program is a learning opportunity for currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students at accredited U.S. colleges or universities, as well as applicants who apply within one year after graduation. Placements are designed to provide experience related to the intern’s education. Interns complete an educational project, participate in at least one service-learning project, and attend professional development sessions. The Volunteer Services Department can work with students and schools to document experience for college credit.

Interns work 20–24 hours per week for a maximum of 12 weeks. Most internship positions are unpaid. The Zoo does not provide transportation, housing, or a stipend. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States; selected candidates must pass a background check and TB test. The spring internship starts February 4, 2027, and the application deadline is January 2, 2027.

Requirements

• Be a current college or university student, or submit an application within one year after graduation.
• Be otherwise eligible to work in the United States at the time of the internship.
• Be able to work 20–24 hours per week for 12 weeks.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, and zoo guests.
• Be able and willing to perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Be able to meet the physical demands of the department, including talking for long periods; walking throughout the park; lifting or carrying equipment weighing approximately 50 lbs.; sitting, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching above the head, pulling, bending, and climbing stairs and ladders.
• Pass a background check and TB test if selected.

Nice To Haves

• Motivation to expand knowledge of interpretation and conservation education programming.

Responsibilities

• Shadow a specific position in the Education Department, selected according to personal interest.
• Complete a demonstration project on an education department topic.
• Complete an educational project.
• Participate in at least one service-learning project.
• Attend professional development sessions designed for Dallas Zoo interns.
• Perform department duties outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Communicate and interact effectively with management, employees, and zoo guests.

What This Job Offers

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