Wildlife Care Intern - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

Wildlife Care Interns, under supervision from Wildlife Care Associates, Specialists and Supervisors, will gain knowledge and experience working around a variety of animal species, and engage with guests about wildlife and the mission of SDZWA.

Interns will also have the opportunity to learn about various specializations in the zoological career field through regularly scheduled Lunch and Learn Lectures with leading subject matter experts and specialized tour experiences at both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Participate in scheduled learning activities and program evaluations.

• Provide for the general care and welfare of habitat wildlife under general supervision.

• Observe habitat wildlife behavior and report abnormal behavior.

• Educate guests about wildlife and the mission of the Organization.

• Under supervision from Staff, clean and maintain habitat areas.

• May assist in feeding habitat wildlife under general supervision.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Applicants must be currently pursuing or planning to pursue an undergraduate degree. Candidates who will have completed a bachelor’s degree prior to the end of the internship are not eligible. A cover letter is required and must be included with the application for consideration.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Training and/or experience that would demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills listed.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Desire to pursue a career in the zoological field.

• Communicate effectively (verbal and written).

• Able to learn the proper methods and procedures for hygienic wildlife care, feeding and handling.

• Able to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego and Escondido , CA

• Position Type: 10-week Internship from June 14, 2027 - August 20, 2027

• Stipend: $4,160.00

Fraudulent Recruiting

Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail [email protected]. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to [email protected] and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.