Elephant Internship - Fall 2027

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks • Powell, OH

3h

About The Position

This internship offers an opportunity to learn about the general husbandry and care of animals in the Elephant area. Interns assist with daily operations, work alongside full-time keeper staff, and gain exposure to professional zoo practices. The internship also includes structured learning components such as quizzes, projects, and a final reflection paper.

The internship requires a minimum of 20 hours per week for 12 to 16 weeks. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed by season: spring opportunities in December–January, summer in February–April, fall in June–August, and winter in October–November.

Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to support 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 all other program eligibility requirements. If awarded, the scholarship is dispersed during the internship. Scholarship application windows are winter: October 1–November 30; spring: December 1–January 31; summer: February 1–March 31; and fall: May 1–June 30.

Requirements

• Be a second-year college student or a recent graduate (within 2 years) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field.
• Obtain a TB test.
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to manage multiple assignments.
• Maintain a professional appearance and courteous behavior.
• Have a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Be subject to BMV and criminal background checks.
• Be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Be comfortable working outdoors in varied weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Be able to walk, bend, and stand for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

• A GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Prior animal care experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare animal diets.
• Clean and maintain animal enclosures and exhibits.
• Observe animal behavior and document findings.
• Learn basic training concepts through observation.
• Maintain area grounds and buildings.
• Follow all safety guidelines and protocols.
• Interact with guests and support educational programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Complete structured learning components, including quizzes, projects, and a final reflection paper.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience in a professional zoo environment.
• Exposure to career paths in animal care, conservation, and wildlife management.
• Networking opportunities with experienced animal care professionals.
• Development of practical skills that support future employment or advanced studies.
• Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to support qualifying internship experiences.

What This Job Offers

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