Internships

Interns working at the Zoo must commit to wearing designated PPE (personal protective equipment) as assigned, such as masks and gloves, while working inside and outside in all kinds of weather. Negative TB test and COVID vaccination are required.

Are you interested in gaining valuable, hands-on experience in the zoological field and first-hand knowledge and mentoring from experienced animal care professionals? Come join the animal care team at the Virginia Zoo! We are currently accepting applications for interns in the Animal Services department from motivated individuals interested in pursuing a rewarding career as a Zoo Keeper. Interns will work with our Zoo Farm/Americas, Africa, Asia, Animal Ambassador, Birds/Australia, or Reptile/Herp teams. Interns will learn all aspects of animal care and management in an AZA-accredited zoological organization.

Applicants should either be college graduates, currently in college, or have some college semester credits completed. Applicants need to be able to commit to the four-month program, with a weekly work schedule of 40 hr/week. The internship does not provide an hourly salary but can qualify as paid zoological experience through a small monthly stipend for living costs. 

There are 6 different area teams that prospective interns may apply for:

(Click a team to learn more and how to apply)

• Zoo Farm and Americas
• Program Animals/Animal Ambassadors 
• Birds and Australia
• Reptile/Herps
• Africa
• Asia

Applicants should submit a resume, 3 references (include phone numbers and email addresses of references given), and a cover letter to Zookeeperinterns@norfolk.gov

Please indicate which team you are interested in applying for in the subject line of your email. No phone calls or in-person inquiries at the Zoo. Due to the volume of applicants, only those selected for an interview can be contacted.

Interns working at the Zoo must commit to wearing designated PPE (personal protective equipment) as assigned, such as masks and gloves, while working inside and outside in all kinds of weather. Negative TB test and COVID vaccination are required.

Interested in learning more about animal behavior? Come join us at the Virginia Zoo! We are currently looking to fill our next round of behavioral observation internships with the Animal Services department. The Behavioral Observation Intern will work with staff to collect and provide observational data that will contribute to the evaluation and assessment of animal behavior and welfare. The intern will learn about conducting, recording, and evaluating behavioral observations for a variety of species. Duties will include observing animal behavior, developing and evaluating enrichment, assisting with educating zoo visitors, and training volunteers on observation methods. The internship is unpaid, but there are many other benefits that will afford interns valuable experience. The next round of this internship open to new candidates runs from January 12, 2023, to May 1, 2023, and requires at least 15-20 hours of time devoted to the internship weekly

Duties

• Document observations of animal behavior relating to exhibit usage, behavior, con-specific animal interactions, and/or other similar welfare indicators
• Assist with evaluating enrichment usage of zoo animals
• Develop enrichment for a variety of zoo animals
• Assist with training volunteers on observation methods

Qualifications

• Be a current undergraduate or graduate student or recent graduate.
• Coursework in animal behavior, psychology, anthropology, biology, or ecology is recommended but not required
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel
• Experience with conducting ethograms on zoological animals is preferred but not required
• Be available for at least 15-20 hours per week for the duration of the internship period
• Available on weekdays and weekends
• Able to use a smartphone or tablet to input data via the ZooMonitor app (training on data input and using the app will occur at the zoo and a tablet will be provided)
• Have reliable transportation to and from the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, VA

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a resume, 3 references, and a cover letter to: Zookeeperinterns@norfolk.gov.

Please include “Behavioral Observation Internship” in the email subject line and indicate this specific internship in your cover letter. No phone calls or in-person inquiries, please.