animal care intern

City of Oklahoma City

<div>Bring your curiosity. Bring your drive. We&rsquo;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 - Beginning on Saturday May 16th
Schedule: 40 Hours per Week
Compensation: $14.00/hr
Department: Animal Management &ndash; Carnivore
Direct Supervisor: Assistant Curator of Carnivores and/or Curator of Carnivores
Primary Work Location: Zoo setting both indoors and outdoors
Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver&rsquo;s license pass drivers history test. Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI training in the first two 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 with animals. Interns will receive hands-on training to aid in the development of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required of entry-level Animal Caretakers in zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) by working alongside Carnivore Team staff to support the wellbeing and care of the Zoo&rsquo;s carnivore collection and their environments through habitat maintenance, enrichment, operant conditioning training and wellbeing monitoring. This position will interact with the public to support operations and guest experiences and to perform a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff and the public.
Development Outcomes
An intern in this position will complete assigned tasks resulting in the following learning outcomes
<ul><li>Intern will develop an understanding of Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden Policies and Carnivore Area Policies and Procedures.
</li><li>Intern will be familiar with commonly accessed areas within the carnivore area.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of internship objectives and expectations.
</li><li>Intern will work in a manner that supports and protects the health of the assigned collection including wearing assigned PPE and limiting exposure to known contagions.
</li><li>Intern will participate in the preparation of taxa specific diets.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the natural behaviors and life histories of assigned taxa by researching species, completing observations and discussing behavior(s) with carnivore staff.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the responsibilities of an Animal Caretaker-Carnivore staff member
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the essential role that zoos and aquariums play in conservation
</li><li>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
</li><li>Intern will learn how to prepare and maintain animal records and reports through commonly used computer programs.
</li><li>Intern will safely and effectively operate motor vehicles.
</li><li>Intern will actively participate in daily animal husbandry techniques and assessments related to: animal care, animal wellbeing, behavior observations and operant conditioning training.
</li><li>Intern will learn basic construction, building and grounds maintenance tasks and repair work common in the carnivore area.
</li><li>Intern will operate hand tools, power tools and yard work equipment to maintain animal habitats.
</li><li>Intern will connect people with our world&rsquo;s vanishing wildlife and wild places to inspire conservation action.
</li><li>Intern will support daily purposeful enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage and evaluate natural and guest engaging behaviors.
</li><li>Intern will observe veterinary medical behaviors and procedures.
</li><li>Intern will learn to work effectively in a team environment, including with volunteers, to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, professional colleagues and the public.
</li><li>Intern will handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
</li><li>Intern will work in an environment subject to constant interruptions and quickly changing priorities.
</li><li>Intern will collaborate with other Zoo departments.
</li><li>Intern will participate in and respond to safety-related issues and drills.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Taxon Advisory Groups, Species Survival Programs and AZA Breeding and Transfer Plans.
</li>Intern will develop an understanding of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and AZA Accreditation Standards. 
<li>
</li></ul>Eligibility Requirements:
<ul><li>Must be 18 years of age or older
</li><li>Commitment of 40 hours weekly, for the duration of the internship, by working a flexible schedule that may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays and during emergency situations such as dictated by weather.
</li><li>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
</li><li>Interest in pursuing career in animal care
</li><li>Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment
</li><li>Provide own housing and transportation</li></ul></div>

2026 Summer Carnivore Intern - OKC Zoo

<div>Bring your curiosity. Bring your drive. We&rsquo;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
<ul><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the essential role that zoos and aquariums play in conservation
</li><li>Interns will develop a thorough understanding of safety procedures necessary for working with animal collections in a Zoo
</li><li>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
</li><li>Intern will learn how to prepare and maintain animal records and reports
</li><li>Intern will learn basic animal care and husbandry techniques
</li><li>Intern will assist in the use of technology to conduct animal observations and collect data
</li><li>Intern will assist with enrichment initiatives as assigned
</li><li>Intern will understand basic operant conditioning principles related to behavioral training of Ambassador Animals
</li></ul>Eligibility Requirements:
<ul><li>Must be 18 years of age or older
</li><li>Commitment of schedule
</li><li>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
</li><li>Interest in pursuing career in animal care
</li><li>Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment
</li><li>Provide own housing and transportation
</li><li>Basic understanding of computer operation and camera usage.</li></ul></div>
 <div>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&ndash;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.</div>
 The Oklahoma City Zoo &amp; Botanical Garden connects people with our world&rsquo;s vanishing wildlife and wild places to inspire conservation action. We&rsquo;re seeking candidates who are passionate about the planet and all that inhabit it. Join our team of hardworking experts and get ready for a career that you&rsquo;re wild about! To learn more about the Oklahoma City Zoo and our conservation efforts, please visit www.okczoo.org.

2026 Summer Ambassador Animal Intern - OKC Zoo

<div>Bring your curiosity. Bring your drive. We&rsquo;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
Schedule: Summer 2026 40 hours per week - Beginning on May 16th
Compensation: $14.00/hr
Department: Animal Management &ndash; Elephants
Direct Supervisor: Assistant Curator of Elephants and/or Curator of Elephants
Primary Work Location: Zoo settings both indoors and outdoors
Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver&rsquo;s license and pass drivers&rsquo; history check. Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI
training in the first two 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 with animals. Interns will receive hands-on training to aid in the development of the knowledge, skills, and abilities typically required of entry-level Animal Caretakers. Interns will work closely with regular animal care staff to support the wellbeing of the Zoo&rsquo;s elephant and rhinoceros collection and their environment through habitat maintenance, area projects, and assisting Animal Caretakers throughout the daily routine. This position will learn to interact with the public to enhance visitor experiences and to perform a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff, and the public.
Knowledge
<ul><li>Intern will develop a deep understanding of the natural behaviors and life histories of area species by researching species, observing animals, and discussing observations with regular staff.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the responsibilities of Qualified Elephant Caretakers and standards of animal husbandry through reviewing husbandry guidelines and observing, assisting, and discussing husbandry standards with regular staff members.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the processes and standards of operant conditioning by observing, discussing, and participating in feedback after training sessions with regular staff members.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of medical care by observing regular staff members medicating and treating animals, and assisting veterinary staff during medical procedures. Medical care standards and processes will be discussed with regular staff.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) by reviewing the area&rsquo;s EEHV PowerPoint, learning viremia symptoms, and discussing the Zoo&rsquo;s history of EEHV with elephant and veterinary staff.
</li><li>Intern will gain an understanding of the purpose, planning, and execution of animal transfers by reviewing area protocols.
</li><li>Intern will become familiar with the Zoo&rsquo;s strategic plan and institutional goals by reviewing the Zoo&rsquo;s strategic plan, employee handbook, and attending Town Hall Meetings.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the AZA Accreditation Standards for elephant management and care by reviewing the Standards for Elephant Management and Care and discussing their implementation with regular staff.
</li></ul>Skills
<ul><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the area safety protocols and procedures by reading area protocols and procedures and touring/navigating the elephant and rhino areas with regular staff members.
</li><li>Intern will learn to work effectively in a team environment, including volunteers, by participating in or observing all aspects of the daily routine, as well as giving and receiving feedback regarding all aspects of the day.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the team&rsquo;s core values by reviewing the core values, participating in conversations where regular staff exhibit vulnerability, accountability, and grace, and exhibiting those qualities themselves.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of team decision making processes, effective group feedback, and effective group-based information gathering by attending and participating in regular team meetings.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of normal and abnormal elephant and rhino behavior through reviewing natural histories, observing regular staff members shifting and training animals, and discussing observations with regular staff members.
</li><li>Intern will learn to plan and organize work projects by assisting regular staff in identifying, planning, and completing area projects.
</li><li>Intern will gain an understanding of zoo-wide priorities, goals, and responsibilities by shadowing staff in other areas/departments.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of breeding protocols by reviewing area protocols, observing breeding opportunities, and assisting and discussing set up and observations with regular staff.
</li></ul>Abilities
<ul><li>Intern will learn to properly clean indoor and outdoor habitats by shadowing and assisting regular staff members through the cleaning processes.
</li><li>Intern will learn to measure, prepare, and distribute elephant and rhino diets by shadowing and assisting regular staff members through the diet processes.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the area&rsquo;s enrichment protocols and the skills needed to develop, offer, and evaluate enrichment by reviewing the area&rsquo;s enrichment policy, shadowing and assisting regular staff in enrichment preparation and distribution, and evaluating animals&rsquo; response to enrichment with regular staff members.
</li><li>Intern will learn the weather parameters of each area species by reviewing area protocol and procedures and discussing weather and housing choices with regular staff.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the area&rsquo;s emergency response procedures by reviewing department protocols and participating in any tabletop and practical drills that may occur.
</li><li>Intern will develop skills needed for basic barn and habitat maintenance, such as repairing hotwire and maintaining wallows, by shadowing and assisting regular staff members through maintenance activities.
</li><li>Intern will become familiar with the Zoo&rsquo;s conservation activities by reading the Zoo&rsquo;s mission, researching current and past activities, and participating in conservation activities.
</li><li>Intern will learn to educate and positively interact with guests in formal and informal settings by reviewing the employee handbook, shadowing regular staff members, and speaking to guests during Keeper Chats, Wild Encounters, and Training/Enrichment Demonstrations.
</li><li>Intern will learn to use various computer programs such as Microsoft Office, ZIMS, and internet browsers through shadowing and assisting regular staff in computer-based projects.
</li></ul>Eligibility Requirements:
<ul><li>Must be 18 years of age or older
</li><li>Commitment of 40 hours weekly, for the duration of the internship, by working a flexible schedule that may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays and during emergency situations such as dictated by weather.
</li><li>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
</li><li>Interest in pursuing career in animal care
</li><li>Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment
</li><li>Provide own housing and transportation</li></ul></div>

2026 Summer Elephants & Rhinos Intern - OKC Zoo

<div>Bring your curiosity. Bring your drive. We&rsquo;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 - Beginning May 16th 2026
Schedule: SUMMER 2026
Compensation: $14.00/hr
Department: Animal Management- Birds
Direct Supervisor: Assistant Curator of Birds and/or Curator of Birds
Primary Work Location: Zoo settings both indoors and outdoors
Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver&rsquo;s license and pass drivers&rsquo; history check. Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI training in the first two 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 with animals. Interns will receive training and experience in animal care and welfare by working alongside animal care staff to assist with the husbandry of the Bird Department and other assigned taxa. This position will learn to interact with the public to enhance visitor experiences and to perform a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff, and the public.
Development Outcomes
An intern in this position will complete assigned tasks resulting in the following learning outcomes
<ul><li>Intern will develop a deep understanding of the natural behaviors and life histories of area species by researching species, observing animals, and discussing observations with regular staff.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the responsibilities of qualified Bird Caretakers and standards of animal husbandry through reviewing husbandry guidelines and observing, assisting, and discussing husbandry standards with regular staff members.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the processes and standards of operant conditioning by observing, discussing, and feedbacking training sessions with regular staff members.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of medical care by observing regular staff members medicating and treating animals, and assisting veterinary staff during medical procedures. Medical care standards and processes will be discussed with regular staff.
 </li><li>Intern will gain an understanding of the purpose, planning, and execution of animal transfers and transports by observations and staff discussions.
 </li><li>Intern will become familiar with the Zoo&rsquo;s strategic plan and institutional goals by reviewing the Zoo&rsquo;s strategic plan and employee handbook.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the AZA Accreditation Standards for assigned taxa and care by reviewing the Animal Care Manuals (ACMs) for applicable species and discussing their implementation with regular staff.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the area safety protocols and procedures by reading area protocols and procedures and touring/navigating the Bird areas with regular staff members.
 </li><li>Intern will learn to work effectively in a team environment, including volunteers, by participating in or observing all aspects of the daily routine, as well as giving and receiving feedback regarding all aspects of the day.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of team decision making processes, effective group feedback, and effective group-based information gathering by attending and participating in regular team meetings.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of normal and abnormal behavior of assigned taxa through reviewing individual natural histories and discussing observations with regular staff members.
 </li><li>Intern will learn to plan and organize work projects by assisting regular staff in identifying, planning, and completing area projects.
 </li><li>Intern will gain an understanding of zoo-wide priorities, goals, and responsibilities by shadowing staff in other areas/departments.
</li><li>Intern will learn to properly clean indoor and outdoor habitats by shadowing and assisting regular staff members through the cleaning processes.
 </li><li>Intern will learn to measure, prepare, and distribute diets by shadowing and assisting regular staff members the diet processes.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the area&rsquo;s enrichment protocols and the skills needed to develop, offer, and evaluate enrichment by shadowing and assisting regular staff in enrichment preparation and distribution, and evaluating animals&rsquo; response to enrichment.
 </li><li>Intern will learn the weather parameters of each area species by reviewing area protocol and procedures and discussing weather and housing choices with regular staff.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the area&rsquo;s emergency response procedures by reviewing department protocols and participating in any tabletop and practical drills that may occur.
 </li><li>Intern will develop skills needed for basic yard and habitat maintenance, such as checking and repairing hotwire, maintaining yards, cleaning pools by shadowing and assisting regular staff members through habitat maintenance activities.
 </li><li>Intern will become familiar with the Zoo&rsquo;s conservation activities by reading the Zoo&rsquo;s mission, researching current and past activities, and participating in conservation activities including conservation communication training.
 </li><li>Intern will learn to educate and positively interact with guests in formal and informal settings by reviewing the employee handbook, shadowing regular staff members, and speaking to guests during Keeper Chats, enrichment events or public training sessions.
 </li><li>Intern will learn to use various computer programs such as Microsoft Office, ZIMS, and internet browsers through shadowing and assisting regular staff in computer-based projects.
</li></ul>Eligibility Requirements:
<ul><li>Must be 18 years of age or older
</li><li>Commitment of 40 hours weekly, for the duration of the internship, by working a flexible schedule that may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays and during emergency situations such as dictated by weather.
</li><li>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.
</li><li>Interest in pursuing career in animal care.
</li><li>Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment.
</li><li>Provide own housing and transportation</li></ul></div>

2026 Summer Birds Intern - OKC Zoo

<div>Bring your curiosity. Bring your drive. We&rsquo;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 - Beginning May 16th 2026
Schedule: Summer 2026
Compensation: $14.00/hr
Department: Animal Management- Primates
Direct Supervisor: Assistant Curator of Primates and/or Curator of Primates
Primary Work Location: Zoo settings both indoors and outdoors
Certification: Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI training in the first two 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 with animals. Interns will receive training and experience in animal care and welfare by working alongside animal care staff to assist with the husbandry of primates and other assigned taxa. This position will learn to interact with the public to enhance visitor experiences and to perform a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff, and the public.
Development Outcomes
An intern in this position will complete assigned tasks resulting in the following learning outcomes
<ul><li>Intern will develop a deep understanding of the natural behaviors and life histories of area species by researching species, observing animals, and discussing observations with regular staff.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the responsibilities of qualified Primate Caretakers and standards of animal husbandry through reviewing husbandry guidelines and observing, assisting, and discussing husbandry standards with regular staff members.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the processes and standards of operant conditioning by observing, discussing, and feedbacking training sessions with regular staff members.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of medical care by observing regular staff members medicating and treating animals, and assisting veterinary staff during medical procedures. Medical care standards and processes will be discussed with regular staff.
 </li><li>Intern will gain an understanding of the purpose, planning, and execution of animal transfers and transports by observations and staff discussions.
 </li><li>Intern will become familiar with the Zoo&rsquo;s strategic plan and institutional goals by reviewing the Zoo&rsquo;s strategic plan and employee handbook.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the AZA Accreditation Standards for primate management and care by reviewing the Animal Care Manuals (ACMs) for applicable species and discussing their implementation with regular staff.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the area safety protocols and procedures by reading area protocols and procedures and touring/navigating the primate areas with regular staff members.
 </li><li>Intern will learn to work effectively in a team environment, including volunteers, by participating in or observing all aspects of the daily routine, as well as giving and receiving feedback regarding all aspects of the day.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of team decision making processes, effective group feedback, and effective group-based information gathering by attending and participating in regular team meetings.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of normal and abnormal primate behavior through reviewing individual natural histories and discussing observations with regular staff members.
 </li><li>Intern will learn to plan and organize work projects by assisting regular staff in identifying, planning, and completing area projects.
 </li><li>Intern will gain an understanding of zoo-wide priorities, goals, and responsibilities by shadowing staff in other areas/departments.
</li><li>Intern will learn to properly clean indoor and outdoor habitats by shadowing and assisting regular staff members through the cleaning processes.
 </li><li>Intern will learn to measure, prepare, and distribute primate diets by shadowing and assisting regular staff members or Diet prep volunteers through the diet processes.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the area&rsquo;s enrichment protocols and the skills needed to develop, offer, and evaluate enrichment by shadowing and assisting regular staff in enrichment preparation and distribution, and evaluating animals&rsquo; response to enrichment.
 </li><li>Intern will learn the weather parameters of each area species by reviewing area protocol and procedures and discussing weather and housing choices with regular staff.
 </li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the area&rsquo;s emergency response procedures by reviewing department protocols and participating in any tabletop and practical drills that may occur.
 </li><li>Intern will develop skills needed for basic yard and habitat maintenance, such as checking and repairing hotwire, maintaining yards, by shadowing and assisting regular staff members through habitat maintenance activities.
 </li><li>Intern will become familiar with the Zoo&rsquo;s conservation activities by reading the Zoo&rsquo;s mission, researching current and past activities, and participating in conservation activities including conservation communication training.
 </li><li>Intern will learn to educate and positively interact with guests in formal and informal settings by reviewing the employee handbook, shadowing regular staff members, and speaking to guests during Keeper Chats, enrichment events or public training sessions.
 </li>Intern will learn to use various computer programs such as Microsoft Office, ZIMS, and internet browsers through shadowing and assisting regular staff in computer-based projects. 
<li>
</li></ul>Eligibility Requirements:
<ul><li>Must be 18 years of age or older
</li><li>Commitment of 40 hours weekly, for the duration of the internship, by working a flexible schedule that may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays and during emergency situations such as dictated by weather.
</li><li>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.
</li><li>Interest in pursuing career in animal care.
</li><li>Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment.
</li><li>Provide own housing and transportation</li></ul></div>

2026 Summer Primates Intern - OKC Zoo

<div>Bring your curiosity. Bring your drive. We&rsquo;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.
<div>Employment Status: Full-time Temporary
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Duration: 12 weeks - Beginning May 16th 2026
Schedule: Summer 2026 40 hours per week
Compensation: $14 per hour
Department: Animal Management &ndash; Ungulates
Direct Supervisor: Assistant Curator of Ungulates and/or Curator of Ungulates
Primary Work Location: Zoo settings both indoors and outdoors
Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver&rsquo;s license and pass drivers&rsquo; history check. Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI training in the first two 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 with animals. Interns will receive hands-on training to aid in the development of the knowledge, skills, and abilities typically required of entry-level Animal Caretakers. Interns will work closely with regular animal care staff to support the wellbeing of the Zoo&rsquo;s ungulate collection and their environment through habitat maintenance, area projects, and assisting Animal Caretakers throughout the daily routine. This position will learn to interact with the public to enhance visitor experiences and to perform a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff, and the public.
Development Outcomes
An intern in this position will complete assigned tasks resulting in the following learning outcomes
<ul><li>Intern will develop a deep understanding of the natural behaviors and life histories of area species by researching species, observing animals, and discussing observations with regular staff.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the responsibilities of Qualified Ungulate Caretakers and standards of animal husbandry through reviewing husbandry guidelines and observing, assisting, and discussing husbandry standards with regular staff members.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the processes and standards of operant conditioning by observing, discussing, and feedbacking training sessions with regular staff members.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of medical care by observing regular staff members medicating and treating animals, and assisting veterinary staff during medical procedures. Medical care standards and processes will be discussed with regular staff.
</li><li>Intern will gain an understanding of the purpose, planning, and execution of animal transfers by reviewing area protocols.
</li><li>Intern will become familiar with the Zoo&rsquo;s strategic plan and institutional goals by reviewing the Zoo&rsquo;s strategic plan, employee handbook, and attending Town Hall Meetings.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the AZA Accreditation Standards by reviewing the current AZA Accreditation Standards and discussing their implementation with regular staff. Intern will develop an understanding of the area safety protocols and procedures by reading area protocols and procedures and touring/navigating the ungulate areas with regular staff members.
</li><li>Intern will learn to work effectively in a team environment, including volunteers, by participating in or observing all aspects of the daily routine, as well as giving and receiving feedback regarding all aspects of the day.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the team&rsquo;s core values by reviewing the core values, participating in conversations where regular staff exhibit vulnerability, accountability, and grace, and exhibiting those qualities themselves.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of team decision making processes, effective group feedback, and effective group-based information gathering by attending and participating in regular team meetings.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of normal and abnormal ungulate behavior through reviewing natural histories, observing regular staff members shifting and training animals, and discussing observations with regular staff members.
</li><li>Intern will learn to plan and organize work projects by assisting regular staff in identifying, planning, and completing area projects.
</li><li>Intern will gain an understanding of zoo-wide priorities, goals, and responsibilities by shadowing staff in other areas/departments.
</li><li>Intern will learn to properly clean indoor and outdoor habitats by shadowing and assisting regular staff members through the cleaning processes.
</li><li>Intern will learn to measure, prepare, and distribute ungulate diets by shadowing and assisting regular staff members through the diet processes.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the area&rsquo;s enrichment protocols and the skills needed to develop, offer, and evaluate enrichment by reviewing the area&rsquo;s enrichment policy, shadowing and assisting regular staff in enrichment preparation and distribution, and evaluating animals&rsquo; response to enrichment with regular staff members.
</li><li>Intern will learn the weather parameters of each area species by reviewing area protocol and procedures and discussing weather and housing choices with regular staff.
</li><li>Intern will develop an understanding of the area&rsquo;s emergency response procedures by reviewing department
</li><li>protocols and participating in any tabletop and practical drills that may occur.
</li><li>Intern will develop skills needed for basic barn and habitat maintenance, such as repairing hotwire and maintaining wallows, by shadowing and assisting regular staff members through maintenance activities.
</li><li>Intern will become familiar with the Zoo&rsquo;s conservation activities by reading the Zoo&rsquo;s mission, researching
</li><li>current and past activities, and participating in conservation activities.
</li><li>Intern will learn to educate and positively interact with guests in formal and informal settings by reviewing the employee handbook, shadowing regular staff members, and speaking to guests during Keeper Chats, Wild Encounters, and Training/Enrichment Demonstrations.
</li><li>Intern will learn to use various computer programs such as Microsoft Office, ZIMS, and internet browsers through shadowing and assisting regular staff in computer-based projects.
</li></ul><div>Eligibility Requirements:
<ul><li>Must be 18 years of age or older
</li><li>Commitment of 40 hours weekly, for the duration of the internship, by working a flexible schedule that may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays and during emergency situations such as dictated by weather.
</li><li>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
</li><li>Interest in pursuing career in animal care
</li><li>Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast-paced environment
</li><li>Provide own housing and transportation</li></ul></div></div></div>

2026 Summer Hoofstock Intern - OKC Zoo

NMC Health plc

<div>The post holder will:
<ul><li>Oversee the health and welfare of laboratory animals in accordance with international and institutional standards.
</li><li>Advise researchers on protocol development and ethical animal use.
</li><li>Ensure compliance with NRC 2011, ETS 123, FELASA, and AAALAC requirements.
</li><li>Implement and maintain animal health and welfare programs.
</li><li>Provide training to staff and researchers on animal care, use, and ethics.
</li><li>Support audits, inspections, and accreditation-related activities as required.
</li></ul>Education and Certification:
<ul><li>Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent veterinary degree.
</li><li>UAE veterinary license or eligibility for licensure.
</li><li>Training/certification in laboratory animal science or medicine.
</li></ul>Knowledge and Skills:
<ul><li>Strong knowledge of laboratory animal welfare standards and regulations.
</li><li>Proficiency in anesthesia, surgery, and post-operative care of rodents.
</li><li>Ability to ensure regulatory and ethical compliance.
</li><li>Effective communication skills in English.
</li></ul>Experience:
<ul><li>Proven experience in laboratory animal care and/or biomedical research.
</li><li>Experience working within regulated research environments.</li></ul></div>
 <div>The post holder will:
<ul><li>Oversee the health and welfare of laboratory animals in accordance with international and institutional standards.
</li><li>Advise researchers on protocol development and ethical animal use.
</li><li>Ensure compliance with NRC 2011, ETS 123, FELASA, and AAALAC requirements.
</li><li>Implement and maintain animal health and welfare programs.
</li><li>Provide training to staff and researchers on animal care, use, and ethics.
</li></ul>Support audits, inspections, and accreditation-related activities as required.</div>
 <div>Education and Certification:
<ul><li>Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent veterinary degree.
</li><li>UAE veterinary license or eligibility for licensure.
</li><li>Training/certification in laboratory animal science or medicine.
</li></ul>Knowledge and Skills:
<ul><li>Strong knowledge of laboratory animal welfare standards and regulations.
</li><li>Proficiency in anesthesia, surgery, and post-operative care of rodents.
</li><li>Ability to ensure regulatory and ethical compliance.
</li><li>Effective communication skills in English.
</li></ul>Experience:
<ul><li>Proven experience in laboratory animal care and/or biomedical research.
</li><li>Experience working within regulated research environments.</li></ul></div>

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