Hospitality Intern

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium • Sioux Falls, SD

6d

About The Position

The Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Hospitality Intern to support our Guest Experience Team in delivering exceptional guest experiences. This internship offers hands-on experience in event planning, hospitality operations, and customer service within a dynamic and unique zoo and aquarium environment.

What you will gain:
The intern program is designed to help applicants determine if a career in this field is right for them. You will experience that it will be a great asset to you in the future as you continue to pursue your career.
Real-world experience in event planning and hospitality in a high-traffic, mission-driven organization.
Exposure to nonprofit operations, vendor & volunteer coordination, and large-scale public events.
A behind-the-scenes look at how a zoo and aquarium operate and connect with the community.

Requirements

• Must be 18 or older.
• The schedule is generally 30-40 hours for 10-12 weeks for 400 hours.
• Interns must take directions well and pay careful attention to procedures and established protocols.
• They should follow instructions and carry out their responsibilities safely and carefully to avoid injury to themselves, to employees, to visitors, and to the animals.
• They must be physically able to perform setting up, cleaning, and tearing down events.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required.
• Interns are required to work as a team and with minimal supervision.
• Participants must be able to adjust to changes in their daily routines.
• Must be able to travel between two locations regularly.
• Must also maintain a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning, setup, execution, and breakdown of special events, including private functions, public festivals, and fundraising galas.
• Provide exceptional customer service to guests, vendors, and internal departments.
• Help manage event logistics such as check-in, wayfinding, signage, and food & beverage coordination.
• Support vendor relations, including communication, setup assistance, and troubleshooting.
• Ensure cleanliness, safety, and guest satisfaction during events.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the events and hospitality team.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed