Conservation Education Internship - Spring 2027

Dallas Zoo Management • Dallas, TX

1d • 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. Interns work alongside education staff and gain training and experience in instructional techniques for interpretation, conservation and science-oriented program development, outcomes-based program evaluation, working with volunteers and community partners to develop engagement events, and customer service in a team-based professional environment.

At the beginning of the internship, interns may choose a specific education-department position to shadow based on their interests. They are also responsible for completing a demonstration project on a relevant education-department topic. The ideal candidate is highly motivated and seeks to expand their knowledge of interpretation and conservation education programming.

The Dallas Zoo College Internship Program is a learning opportunity for currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students at accredited U.S. colleges or universities. Interns work 20–24 hours per week for a maximum of 12 weeks. Most positions are unpaid; the Zoo does not provide transportation, housing, or a stipend. Interns must complete an educational project, participate in at least one service-learning project, and attend professional development sessions. Volunteer Services will work with students and schools to document experience needed for college credit.

Requirements

• Be a current college or university student, or submit an application within one year after graduation.
• Be able to work 20–24 hours per week for 12 weeks.
• Be otherwise eligible to work in the United States at the time of the internship.
• Pass a background check and TB test if selected.
• Be able to perform the physical challenges of daily departmental duties, including talking for long periods; walking throughout the park; lifting or carrying equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds; sitting, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching above the head, pulling, bending, and climbing stairs and ladders.
• Be able and willing to perform all duties outdoors in all weather conditions.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Undergraduate or graduate study at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Motivation to expand knowledge of interpretation and conservation education programming.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside Education Department staff and participate in education programming and related activities.
• Choose an education-department position to shadow based on personal interest.
• Complete a demonstration project on a relevant education-department topic.
• Complete an educational project, participate in at least one service-learning project, and attend professional development sessions.
• Perform the department's daily duties, including communicating with zoo guests and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

What This Job Offers

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