- Office in Prospect Park
Job Description
Position: Animal Intern
Focus: Animal Care OR Enrichment
Department: Animal Department
Location: Prospect Park Zoo
Duration: Fall 2025 - mid September - early December (10-12 weeks approximately)
Schedule: 2--3 days per week
Stipend: $640-$1140 (varies depending on number of days per week) to be paid as one lump sum upon the completion of the position, less applicable taxes.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by September 2, 2025. The position may be filled before the deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Internship Overview
We offer two distinct tracks for our internship program. Please read the descriptions carefully to determine which track best aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals. Candidates should specify their preferred track when applying.
Qualification Requirements
- You must be 18 years or older.
- Current college student in a degree-granting program
- Current negative tuberculosis (TB) test at your expense and proof of health insurance.
- Interest in biology or a related field with an interest in an animal care career. Preference will be given to undergraduate students studying biology, psychology, or related fields who wish to pursue a career in animal care or research.
- Must be available on weekends and holidays.
- The position requires interns to be outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools (e.g. drill, wire cutters, computer keyboard).
- Intern daily activities may include: climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to represent WCS in a professional manner and to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees, colleagues, and the general public.
- You will need to provide your own footwear that will need to remain at the zoo until the completion of your internship.
- Accepted interns will need to pass a background screening (provided by WCS)
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Candidates with strong organizational and research skills including familiarity with ethograms.
Important Information about the Application:
To be fully considered for this role, applicants must upload both a resume and cover letter.
Please indicate the following in your cover letter:
- Which internship(s) are you interested in being considered for? Animal Care and/or Enrichment Intern?
- Why are you interested in this internship?
- What are you looking to gain from this opportunity?
- Tell us about you and your interests
- Will you require student credit for this internship from your college/university?
