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Internships

An opportunity and experience you’ll never forget.

The internship program at Riverbanks is an opportunity for college students to acquire experience and knowledge by working along side our professional staff. The experience will in no doubt benefit any future endeavors in the zoological field or related area of interest. Internships and other opportunities are available to college students in animal care, summer camp, education programs, ZooTeen program, horticulture, and other areas of request.

Individuals participating in Animal Care or Horticulture internships will be eligible to apply for The Weinkle Family Internship Scholarship. This scholarship at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will be awarded annually to one or more students participating in a zookeeping or horticulture internship at Riverbanks. Scholarship opportunities will be needs-based and made available to future zookeepers specifically but may also be awarded to future horticulturists. Participation in either of these areas will expose students to the zoo industry as well as the field of conservation and horticulture. Interested students should submit an up-to-500-word essay describing the reason for participating in Riverbanks’ internship program and the nature of financial need.

Upon receiving the completed application, selected students will be contacted to schedule an interview. Efforts are made to place students in their area of interest.

For questions or more information, please contact the Director of Human Resources, Tracy Hughes.

Current Internship Positions (last updated on February 4, 2026)

Mammal Department Hoofstock/Rhino/Pinniped (Summer Internship) (Temporary 12-Week 40-Hours/Week Internship (Tentative: May-August 2026))

Posted: 12/30/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

The Mammal Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer paid internship experience for qualified students or recent graduates during the summer season. The purpose of an internship in our Mammal Department is to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Riverbank’s mission and how it is achieved through various functions and operations throughout the zoo and garden. While interning with the Mammal Department you will observe and participate in the overall operation of the zoological facility. You will gain exposure to other departments that support the individual function and goals of the Mammal Department. During your internship at Riverbanks, you will be exposed to a variety of management styles and approaches.

Essential Functions:

  • Assist with daily maintenance of animal habitats for the giraffe, white rhino, babirusa, kangaroo, wallaby, and sea lion/seal.
  • Learn about animal nutrition- prepare and distribute diets.
  • Learn and give informal presentations about animal behaviors in both captive and natural environments.
  • Learn about AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), Studbooks, SSPs (Species Survival Programs), TAGs (Taxon Advisory Groups), and other aspects of zoo management.
  • Observe and assist with the operant conditioning program with select animals in the area under the guidance of the animal care staff.
  • Design and implement environmental enrichment.
  • Assist animal keepers and veterinarians during medical procedures.
  • Attend intern courses and department meetings.

Scholarship Opportunity:The Weinkle Family Internship Scholarship at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will be awarded annually to one or more students participating in a zookeeping or horticulture internship at Riverbanks. Scholarship opportunities will be needs-based and made available to future zookeepers specifically but may also be awarded to future horticulturists. Participation in either of these areas will expose students to the zoo industry as well as the field of conservation and horticulture. Interested students should submit an up-to-500-word essay describing the reason for participating in Riverbanks’ internship program and the nature of financial need.

Education and Experience: Internships are open to qualified graduates and undergraduates seeking degrees in biology or related fields. Applicants must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. This position will have duties that include bending, stooping or standing for long periods in all weather conditions. Commit to a minimum of 3 months for 40 hours a week. Must provide proof of a current Tuberculin skin test. Proper PPE (face masks) must be utilized in sensitive animal areas.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Mammal Department Gorilla/Small Mammals (Summer Internship) (Temporary 12-Week 40-Hours/Week Internship (Tentative: May-August 2026))

Posted: 12/30/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

The Mammal Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer paid internship experience for qualified students or recent graduates during the summer season. The purpose of an internship in our Mammal Department is to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Riverbank’s mission and how it is achieved through various functions and operations throughout the zoo and garden. While interning with the Mammal Department you will observe and participate in the overall operation of the zoological facility. You will gain exposure to other departments that support the individual function and goals of the Mammal Department. During your internship at Riverbanks, you will be exposed to a variety of management styles and approaches.

Essential Functions:

  • Assist with daily maintenance of animal enclosures and exhibits including small primates, lemurs, sloths, small cat species, meerkat, and gorillas.
  • Learn about animal nutrition- prepare and distribute diets.
  • Learn and give informal presentations about animal behaviors in both captive and natural environments.
  • Learn about AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), Studbooks, SSPs (Species Survival Programs), TAGs (Taxon Advisory Groups), and other aspects of zoo management.
  • Observe and assist with the operant conditioning program with select animals in the area under the guidance of the animal care staff.
  • Design and implement environmental enrichment.
  • Assist animal keepers and veterinarians during medical procedures.
  • Attend intern courses and department meetings.

Scholarship Opportunity: The Weinkle Family Internship Scholarship at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will be awarded annually to one or more students participating in a zookeeping or horticulture internship at Riverbanks. Scholarship opportunities will be needs-based and made available to future zookeepers specifically but may also be awarded to future horticulturists. Participation in either of these areas will expose students to the zoo industry as well as the field of conservation and horticulture. Interested students should submit an up-to-500-word essay describing the reason for participating in Riverbanks’ internship program and the nature of financial need.

Education and Experience: Internships are open to qualified graduates and undergraduates seeking degrees in biology or related fields. Applicants must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. This position will have duties that include bending, stooping or standing for long periods in all weather conditions. Commit to a minimum of 3 months for 40 hours a week. Must provide proof of a current Tuberculin skin test.  Proper PPE (face masks) must be utilized in sensitive animal areas.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Mammal Department Farm/Ambassador (Summer Internship) (Temporary 12-Week 40-Hours/Week Internship (Tentative: May-August 2026))

Posted: 12/30/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

The Mammal Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer paid internship experience for qualified students or recent graduates during the summer season. The purpose of an internship in our Mammal Department is to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Riverbank’s mission and how it is achieved through various functions and operations throughout the zoo and garden. While interning with the Mammal Department you will observe and participate in the overall operation of the zoological facility. You will gain exposure to other departments that support the individual function and goals of the Mammal Department. During your internship at Riverbanks, you will be exposed to a variety of management styles and approaches.

Essential Functions:

  • Assist with daily maintenance of farm animal and ambassador animal enclosures and exhibits. Animals include goats, ducks, turkey, alpaca, doves, turtles, tortoises, snakes, chinchilla, tenrec, lizards, and three banded armadillos.
  • Learn about animal nutrition- prepare and distribute diets.
  • Complete animal handling certification for select ambassador animals and give informal encounters about animal behaviors in both captive and natural environments under the guidance of the animal care staff.
  • Learn about AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), Studbooks, SSPs (Species Survival Programs), TAGs (Taxon Advisory Groups), and other aspects of zoo management.
  • Observe and assist with the operant conditioning program with select animals under the guidance of the animal care staff.
  • Design and implement environmental enrichment.
  • Assist animal keepers and veterinarians during medical procedures.
  • Attend intern courses and department meetings.

Scholarship Opportunity: The Weinkle Family Internship Scholarship at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will be awarded annually to one or more students participating in a zookeeping or horticulture internship at Riverbanks. Scholarship opportunities will be needs-based and made available to future zookeepers specifically but may also be awarded to future horticulturists. Participation in either of these areas will expose students to the zoo industry as well as the field of conservation and horticulture. Interested students should submit an up-to-500-word essay describing the reason for participating in Riverbanks’ internship program and the nature of financial need.

Education and Experience: Internships are open to qualified graduates and undergraduates seeking degrees in biology or related fields. Applicants must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. This position will have duties that include bending, stooping or standing for long periods in all weather conditions. Commit to a minimum of 3 months for 40 hours a week. Must provide proof of a current Tuberculin skin test.  Proper PPE (face masks) must be utilized in sensitive animal areas.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Bird Department (Summer Internship) (Temporary 12-Week 40-Hours/Week Internship (Tentative: May-August 2026))

Posted: 12/30/2025
Salary: $8.50/hr

The Bird Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer a paid internship experience for qualified students during the summer season. The purpose of an internship in with our Bird Department is to gain an in-depth knowledge of working in a zoological facility. At the completion of the internship, you will have a greater understanding of maintaining a living collection of birds, as well as hands-on skills related to this profession.

Essential Functions: 

  • Proper care of the avian collection
  • Distribute and prepare diets
  • Clean, scrub, and disinfect exhibits and enclosures
  • Maintain exhibits and public areas
  • Construct, distribute, observe, and record enrichment interactions
  • Become familiar with the indicators of observing animals for illness, injury, or abnormal behavior
  • Observe and participate (if applicable) in the proper methods of avian capture and safe restraint
  • Learn the basics of artificial incubation and hand-rearing
  • Become familiar with AZA and SSP® policies and practice
  • Assist in record keeping
  • Provide positive interaction with guests around the park
  • Participate in behind-the-scenes tours
  • Complete various projects and academic curriculum as assigned

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Internships offers a diverse avicultural experience. The Bird Department collection is comprised of about 300 individuals representing approximately 60 species. Birds are housed in an indoor tropical birdhouse, a sub-Antarctic exhibit, outdoor aviaries, and off-exhibit enclosures. The collection is managed for exhibit, education experiences, and propagation.

Scholarship Opportunity: The Weinkle Family Internship Scholarship at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will be awarded annually to one or more students participating in a zookeeping or horticulture internship at Riverbanks. Scholarship opportunities will be needs-based and made available to future zookeepers specifically but may also be awarded to future horticulturists. Participation in either of these areas will expose students to the zoo industry as well as the field of conservation and horticulture. Interested students should submit an up-to-500-word essay describing the reason for participating in Riverbanks’ internship program and the nature of financial need.

Education and Experience:This is an internship open to recent graduates and undergraduates seeking degrees in biology or related fields.  Interns must complete 12 weeks of work, 40 hours per week and complete a minimum set of learning objective skills as determined by the staff supervisors. This position requires work in all weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, and cold. This position involves standing for long periods of time and considerable physical activity such as repetitive bending, pushing, pulling, and lifting/carrying heavy loads up to 50lbs.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Internship Requirements

Review and consider if interested in an internship:

  • Major must be related to internship area.
  • Must be a hard worker, enthusiastic, and willing to learn.
  • Animal Care Interns must be at least 18 years old.
  • There are two levels of time commitment for college internships, but we are willing to accept students for non-credit. Level 1 college credit assigned project for 40 hours per week (minimal of 3 months.) Level 2 college credit assigned project for 20–40 hours per week (minimal of 2 months.) Non-college project for 20–40 hours per week (minimal of 2 months.)
  • A current tuberculin skin test prior to interning.
  • Must follow Riverbanks Appearance Policy. Riverbanks supplies interns with T-shirts and a nametag. Interns have the option of purchasing additional uniform items at their own expense. Interns are responsible for purchasing khaki pants/shorts and closed-toe shoes.