Carnivore Animal Keeper Internship

The Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute's Department of Animal Care Sciences (Carnivore Unit) is seeking applications for one internship position for a six-month session (40 hours/week). The intern will have the opportunity to gain experience in the field of animal care and conservation biology by participating in daily animal keeper activities and associated research including animal husbandry, nutrition, behavioral observations, and enrichment. This is a paid internship opportunity, wherein the intern will support NZCBI's Department of Animal Programs at the Front Royal, Virginia, campus. Dormitory housing is provided starting in April 2025.

Learning Objectives

Through this position, the intern will:

  • Learn alongside professional animal care staff basic animal husbandry of carnivores including cleaning enclosures, preparing food and enrichment activities, cleaning and caring for live feeder colony, participation in research sample collection, observation of health examinations and reproductive assessments, enclosure maintenance, horticulture work, record keeping and behavioral observations
  • Learn formal and informal interpretive educational programs for guests
  • Learn how to develop and implement animal enrichment programs
  • Learn and follow animal/keeper safety guidelines, operations and policies
  • Learn USDA and AZA guidelines, NZCBI directives, procedures and protocols, and other related literature.
  • Have the opportunity to develop an independent training, enrichment or research project with guidance of carnivore team staff
  • Present a short summary to NZCBI Department of Animal Sciences staff at the end of the posting
  • Dormitory housing is provided starting in April 2025.

Qualifications

  • Good physical condition, able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds
  • Willingness to be available outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays
  • Capable of participating outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to be an effective team member, oftentimes with minimal supervision
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
  • Ability to remain calm and think rationally under pressure
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to be flexible when changes occur
  • Must have appropriate footwear and outerwear: appropriate outerwear is required for all weather conditions (rain, snow, wind, hail, etc.)

Experience and Qualities Preferred

  • Previous internships within the animal care field
  • Interest in learning about carnivore management with aspirations to advance in the wildlife or zoo field
  • Experience with exotic carnivores or wildlife animal care
  • Experience in a zoo, wildlife conservation or similar settings

Safety Plan

  • Prior to conducting animal care activities, intern will complete all required safety training modules
  • Intern will not perform duties when NZCBI is closed for weather events
  • Intern will not report to the SCBI campus if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness that have been associated with COVID

Stipend

$750 per month plus $9 per day to offset the cost of on-site dormitory housing

Location

Front Royal

Housing

Dormitory housing is provided on site at a cost of $9 per day (see stipend information above)

Parking

Free parking is provided at the Front Royal, Virginia, campus.

Term of appointment

April 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025; 40 hours per week

Application deadline(s)

Status

Open

Internship Category

Animal Programs

How to Apply

To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu. Select "Don't have an Account? Create An Account." Complete the information to create an account.

Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:

  • Basic personal information
  • Professional resume or CV
  • A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations
  • Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Two letters of reference (one must be from a current or a former supervisor)
  • Schedule of availability.

Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:

  • Type of appointment: “Internship”
  • Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park”
  • Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program”
  • Project: “[current-page:title]”

IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.” Your SOLAA-submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.