Wildlife Care & Operations Internship - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•Escondido, CA

12h•Onsite

About The Position

This internship offers hands-on experience supporting the daily care and wellbeing of wildlife, including food preparation, feeding, cleaning enclosures, and providing enrichment to promote welfare. Interns will observe and document wildlife behavior, participate in briefings and trainings, and gain valuable knowledge of wildlife care practices, welfare standards, and zoo operations. In addition to supporting wildlife care, interns will assist with operational tasks that keep the park running smoothly. This includes maintaining clean and safe guest-facing areas, supporting opening and closing routines, and collaborating with departments like maintenance, horticulture, education, and guest services to gain a broader understanding of how cross-departmental efforts contribute to the success of a zoological institution.

Requirements

Training and/or experience that would demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills listed.
Desire to pursue a career in the zoological field.
Communicate effectively (verbal and written).
Able to learn the proper methods and procedures for hygienic animal care, feeding and handling.
Able to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.

Responsibilities

Support wildlife care staff with routine husbandry tasks such as food preparation, feeding, cleaning enclosures, and providing enrichment to promote animal welfare.
Observe wildlife behaviors and conditions throughout the day, accurately documenting and reporting any changes or concerns to the supervising wildlife care team.
Actively participate in educational opportunities, including trainings, briefings, and team discussions to expand knowledge of Wildlife care practices, welfare standards, and zoo operations.
Help ensure guest-facing areas (e.g., pathways, signage, viewing areas) are clean, safe, and presentable.
Support the daily opening and closing routines of the park section.
Work alongside departments such as maintenance, horticulture, education, and guest services to gain a broader understanding of how daily operations contribute to the success of a zoological institution.