Kansas City Zoo Internships - 8 jobs

Interns in the Endocrinology lab will collect, organize, and analyze data from a variety of projects. They will be provided with training in techniques for noninvasive hormone monitoring, including processing serum, urine and fecal samples, fecal hormone extraction, EIA and RIA assay methodology, and preparation of reagents. Interns will participate in discussions of scientific literature and may be asked to perform literature searches, record keeping, and other duties as assigned. All interns will be given the necessary training in order to work safely with chemicals and radioactivity. Applicants must have good attention to detail and be able to perform repetitive tasks in a laboratory setting. They must also be able to follow directions, work independently, and handle confidential information. Completion of undergraduate coursework in related field of study, including at least two laboratory-based courses, is required, along with a familiarity with Microsoft Office, especially Excel. Interns will have the opportunity to assist with several ongoing research projects. Applicants with prior experience in collaborative research projects, whether in class or independently in association with their college/university, will be prioritized.

The Conservation Education Internship will provide an introduction to zoo education, and the larger informal education field, for individuals seeking an education degree. During this experience, interns will shadow each aspect of the Conservation Education Department, including summer camps, outreach programs, on-grounds interpretation, early childhood programs, direct conservation work, and much more. The goal of this experience is to help education majors develop a better understanding for how informal education experiences can support their classroom instruction and how to maximize their future interactions with informal educators. While this internship will primarily take place Monday-Friday during regular Zoo hours, it may include some evening and weekend shifts. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for this position. 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. Eligibility Requirements: Applicants should be current students or recent graduates of Harris-Stowe State University 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 to a background check. 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. Required Materials: Please have these materials ready to be uploaded to your application. A letter of intent Resume Application deadline: March 1, 2026 The earliest start date for summer internships will be May 26, 2026, and interns will complete 300 hours, at a pay rate of $15/hour.

WildCare Park interns will work at both of the Zoo's new campuses, WildCare Park in north St. Louis County and Sears Lehmann, Jr. Wildlife Reserve in Franklin County. At WildCare Park, interns will develop an understanding of the goals of ungulate conservation programs and principles of ungulate care in large-acreage wildlife parks. Duties may include food preparation, habitat and barn cleaning, pasture maintenance, animal observations, well-being assessments, record keeping, and other projects as assigned. At the Wildlife Reserve, interns will assist with the care of our American red wolves which are a part of the national USFWS reintroduction program. They will learn and experience how recovery species are managed using protocols that best prepare them to be reintroduced into the wild. Duties may include food preparation, habitat cleaning and maintenance, video wolf observations, well-being assessments, record keeping, fence line maintenance, and other projects as assigned. In addition to learning about ungulate and wolf care and conservation, interns will help with native prairie management and conduct native biodiversity studies on both campuses using camera trapping, nest monitoring, and other wildlife field-sampling methods. Interns must have a negative TB test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. Interns must also have a reliable vehicle for transportation, as well as the ability to work weekends. 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. Eligibility 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. 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. Required Materials: Please have these materials ready to be uploaded into your application. A letter of intent Resume Application Deadline: March 1, 2026 The earliest start date for summer internships will be May 26, 2026, and interns will complete 300 hours, at a pay rate of $15/hour.

The Animal Health intern position is open to all college students with no prior experience needed. This internship is designed to expose participants to the various careers that are open in the veterinary field. Under the general supervision of the Animal Health team, the successful candidates will observe the duties of the Animal Health team including (but not limited to): radiographs, lab work, patient care, in-house and field procedures, administrative tasks, hospital maintenance, and assisting with surgery and anesthesia. Hours must be completed between Monday - Friday, although hours can be flexible within these days. Twenty hours of internship a week is recommended but not required. The successful candidates should be prepared to give a presentation on the veterinary topic of their choice during the last week of their internship. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for this position. Interns must have a negative TB test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. Eligibility 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. 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. Required Materials: Please have these materials ready to be uploaded into your application. A letter of intent Resume Application Deadline: March 1, 2026 The earliest start date for summer internships will be May 26, 2026, and interns will complete 300 hours, at a pay rate of $15/hour.

Interns in the Herpetology unit will work with Herpetarium staff to develop an understanding of captive management and conservation programs for reptiles, amphibians and fishes. Routines may include food preparation, cleaning on-exhibit and off-exhibit habitats, record keeping, and projects (redecorating, yard work in outdoor exhibits, data collection, etc.). Interns will not work with venomous reptiles, large snakes or crocodilians. Interns must be willing to handle many species of harmless snake and live feeder invertebrates. Interns work in a variety of temperatures and environments including extended periods outdoors. 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. Eligibility 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. 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. Required Materials: Please have these materials ready to be uploaded into your application. A letter of intent Resume Application Deadline: March 1, 2026 The earliest start date for summer internships will be May 26, 2026, and interns will complete 300 hours, at a pay rate of $15/hour.

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. Eligibility 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. 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. Required Materials: Please have these materials ready to be uploaded into your application. A letter of intent Resume Application Deadline: March 1, 2026 The earliest start date for summer internships will be May 26, 2026, and interns will complete 300 hours, at a pay rate of $15/hour.

Interns will develop an understanding of animal care for a variety of species in the River's Edge, including black rhinos, Nile hippos and Asian elephants. Opportunities to work with the carnivores in River's Edge are not included as part of this internship. Duties may include diet preparation, animal habitat cleaning and maintenance, animal welfare research and behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, and special projects as needed. Interns must have a negative TB test prior to starting their internship. ** 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. **Must have had a TB test within the last 12 months and will be fit-tested to wear an N-95 mask or respirator per the Zoo's River's Edge Personal Protective Equipment Protocol. Eligibility 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. 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. Required Materials: Please have these materials ready to be uploaded into your application. A letter of intent Resume Application Deadline: March 1, 2026 The earliest start date for summer internships will be May 26, 2026, and interns will complete 300 hours, at a pay rate of $15/hour.