2026 Summer Ambassador Animal Intern - OKC Zoo

Bring your curiosity. Bring your drive. We’ll bring the experience. Join the OKC Zoo for our Summer 2026 Internship Program and get hands-on opportunities to learn, lead, and leave your mark while making a meaningful impact.

Employment Status: Full-time temporary

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Duration: 12 weeks - Starting on May 16th 2026

Schedule: Summer 2026

Compensation: 14.00 per hour

Department: Conservation, Education and Science

Direct Supervisor: Rachel Sides - Behavioral Husbandry Coordinator

Primary Work Location: Zoo setting both indoors and outdoors

Certification: Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI training in the first 2 weeks of employment.

Other: This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing. This position works around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases, thus is subject to annual tuberculosis testing.

Internship Summary: This internship is designed to be an entry point for someone who is seeking a career working in the field of Ambassador Animal programs. Interns will receive training and experience in the day-to-day management of ambassador animal programs by working alongside staff to assist with animal care, animal training, enrichment and welfare data collection. Interns will also gain training on guest education and public interaction to enhance visitor experience.

Development Outcomes

An intern in this position will complete assigned tasks resulting in the following learning outcomes

• Intern will develop an understanding of the essential role that zoos and aquariums play in conservation
• Interns will develop a thorough understanding of safety procedures necessary for working with animal collections in a Zoo
• Intern will learn the basics of guest interaction in a zoo or aquarium setting including how to convey educational information and effectively communicate conservation efforts
• Intern will learn how to prepare and maintain animal records and reports
• Intern will learn basic animal care and husbandry techniques
• Intern will assist in the use of technology to conduct animal observations and collect data
• Intern will assist with enrichment initiatives as assigned
• Intern will understand basic operant conditioning principles related to behavioral training of Ambassador Animals

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Commitment of schedule
• Current college or graduate student pursuing an applicable degree, recent graduate of an applicable degree, or relevant education with interest in transitioning into an applicable career
• Interest in pursuing career in animal care
• Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment
• Provide own housing and transportation
• Basic understanding of computer operation and camera usage.

About Us

Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States and is the 20th largest city in the nation. For nearly two decades our residents have continually invested in our community to make it a place people can find belonging, visit and call home. Our employees are at the heart of those investments–delivering essential services our residents expect and creating a strong and thriving city for all people. Visit Oklahoma City-A Great Place to Live and Work! to learn more about our city.