Hellbender 2026 Summer Paid Internship

Saint Louis Zoo•Saint Louis, MO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Interns with the Hellbender team will work in the Herpetarium to develop an understanding of captive management and conservation of Ozark and Eastern hellbenders. Routines may include food preparation, water quality testing, water changes, record keeping, and projects. Interns will not work with venomous, reptiles, large snakes, or crocodilians. Applicants with a strong interest in Herpetology or wildlife conservation are desired. Applicants wishing to pursue a career in Zoo Herpetology or Conservation Biology will be given preference. Interns must have a negative TB test. All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana. Summer 2026 Paid Internship Opportunities: In addition to departmental specific duties, interns will meet with their peers for regular learning opportunities such as tours, career panels and professional development, as well as demonstrate their learning at the completion of the internship through a presentation. With support from our zookeepers, educators and researcher mentors, interns will learn how a zoo operates while gaining valuable new skills and a better understanding of future career opportunities. The most successful candidates will be curious, motivated and open to learning. The Saint Louis Zoo is committed to playing a pivotal role in diversifying the future workforce of zoos and conservation organizations. The Saint Louis Zoo paid internship program is designed for emerging zoo professionals from socioeconomic populations who are underrepresented in the animal care and zoo industry. Candidates who have financial need (those who otherwise would not be able to pursue an unpaid internship) and reside in the Greater St. Louis bi-state metropolitan area are encouraged to apply. All submitted applications will be considered.

Requirements

Minimum age requirement is 18
Applicants need not be currently enrolled in college/university, but prior college coursework is required
All successful candidates will be required to submit a background check
Interns must have a negative TB test
All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and drug test
As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana
A letter of intent
Resume

Nice To Haves

Applicants with a strong interest in Herpetology or wildlife conservation are desired
Applicants wishing to pursue a career in Zoo Herpetology or Conservation Biology will be given preference
The most successful candidates will be curious, motivated and open to learning
Candidates who have financial need (those who otherwise would not be able to pursue an unpaid internship) and reside in the Greater St. Louis bi-state metropolitan area are encouraged to apply