Animal Department internships

The Mill Mountain Zoo Internship Program offers individuals a unique opportunity to become actively involved in the mission of Mill Mountain Zoo. Internships are available for motivated persons that have completed at least one year of college course work or college graduates seeking on the job experience. Internships provide practical experience in a zoological environment while gaining valuable knowledge related to his /her career goals. This exciting and challenging atmosphere offers the opportunity to supplement and apply classroom knowledge.

Goals

This position contributes to the success of the Mill Mountain Zoo by training individuals on job skills and practices relevant to keeper work at Mill Mountain Zoo, focusing on sound science and animal welfare/husbandry. Individuals will also have practice with guest encounters, helping to improve relationships between keepers and guests. Interns can expect to develop:

• General understanding of the Mill Mountain’s Zoo dedication to fostering awareness and appreciation for wildlife.
• General understanding of the Mill Mountain Zoo’s commitment to advancing public education on the need for wildlife conservation and preservation.
• General understanding of the importance of zoos regarding endangered species survival and habitat preservation.
• General knowledge of animal husbandry, enrichment, and dietary requirements of animals housed at the Mill Mountain Zoo.
• General knowledge of animal behavior and disease prevention for animals at the zoo.
• General knowledge of proper animal handling and restraint techniques.

Duties/Responsibilities

Under supervision and direction of the Mill Mountain Zoo staff, interns will learn skills and techniques necessary to provide care for the animals at the Mill Mountain Zoo. They will participate in the upkeep of exhibits/enclosures, as well as zoo grounds, and interact with the visiting public during operating hours. The following duties and responsibilities are typically associated with the internship program. However, an intern may be called upon to do additional tasks not listed.

• Animal Care: Daily husbandry, exhibit maintenance, supervised animal training, animal observations, diet preparation, animal enrichment, record keeping
• Guest Interactions: Formal and informal interactions with Zoo guests through animal encounters, chats, tours, etc.
• Project: All interns are required to complete an observation based research project as determined by the internship area
• Research: Become familiar with Species Survival Plans (SSP) and other zoo population management strategies as well as natural history, current research, and conservation studies related to animals in the area of internship
• Other related duties as assigned

Requirements

Keeper internships are physically demanding. Interns may be working in small spaces or in awkward positions that require bending or stretching. Interns must be able to safely lift 50lbs. Keepers work in extreme weather conditions so interns must be able to tolerate heat, cold, snow, wind and rain. They must also be able to tolerate exposure to strong odors and allergens produced from hay, dust, and animal hair/feathers/dander.

Internships are generally 12 weeks long. Internship sessions are offered throughout the year, Summer (beginning June 1), Fall (beginning September 1), and Winter (beginning January 1). Consideration may be made for students attending classes. Interns must be flexible with their schedule and have the ability to work week days, weekends, and holidays.

Part-Time Internship

The part-time position requires a commitment of 24-25 hours a week. This can be accomplished in five 5 hour shifts per week or three 8 hours shifts per week. Applicant must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends. Work times are from 8 AM until 5 PM.

Full-Time Internship

This position requires a commitment of 40 hours a week. This can be accomplished by working five 8 hour days. Applicant must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends. Work times are from 8 AM until 5 PM.

• Interns must have proof of a current Tetanus and negative TB test prior to start date.
• All interns are required to complete a project of their choosing that will, in some way, benefit Mill Mountain Zoo.
• Interns must have a strong desire to learn and be able to accept constructive criticism. They must have a basic, positive interest in animals and have good interpersonal skills.
• This is an unpaid internship and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. If college credit is desired it is the responsibility of the intern to coordinate this with their academic institution.

If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Mill Mountain Zoo Animal Department please fill out this Internship Application and send it to Julia Franet-Hornbeck.

The Mill Mountain Zoo Educator Internship Program offers individuals a unique opportunity to actively contribute to the zoo’s mission of Education, Conservation, and Destination. This internship is designed for motivated individuals who have completed at least one year of college coursework or are recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in environmental education. As a Zoo Educator Intern, you will help inspire a passion for wildlife conservation by engaging with the public through educational programs, outreach events, and ambassador animal interactions. This dynamic and rewarding experience allows interns to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting while helping Mill Mountain Zoo strengthen its role as a premier destination for learning and exploration.

goals

This position contributes to the success of Mill Mountain Zoo by training individuals in job skills and practices relevant to education and outreach, focusing on effective communication, public engagement, and wildlife conservation. Interns will gain hands-on experience in delivering educational programs, interacting with guests, and working with ambassador animals to foster a deeper understanding of conservation.

Interns can expect to develop:

• A general understanding of Mill Mountain Zoo’s dedication to fostering awareness and appreciation for wildlife.
• A general understanding of Mill Mountain Zoo’s commitment to advancing public education on the need for wildlife conservation and preservation.
• A general understanding of the importance of zoos in endangered species survival and habitat preservation.
• General knowledge of the natural histories, species information, and conservation statuses of exhibit animals to effectively conduct keeper chats and engage guests in meaningful discussions.
• General knowledge of ambassador animal behavior and disease prevention.
• General knowledge of proper ambassador animal handling and restraint techniques.
• The ability to effectively educate and engage diverse audiences through formal and informal programming.
• The ability to develop and present conservation-based educational programs tailored to different age groups and learning styles.
• Experience in public speaking, storytelling, and hands-on learning techniques to inspire conservation action.
• Skills in fostering positive guest experiences that strengthen Mill Mountain Zoo’s role as a destination for education and exploration.

duties/responsibilities

Under the supervision and direction of Mill Mountain Zoo staff, interns will develop skills and techniques necessary for effective education and outreach in a zoological setting. They will participate in the design and implementation of engaging educational programs for diverse audiences, as well as assist in the care and handling of ambassador animals. The following duties and responsibilities are typically associated with the internship program; however, interns may be called upon to complete additional tasks as needed.

• Education & Outreach: Develop and present engaging conservation-based educational programs tailored to different age groups and learning styles through formal presentations, tours, keeper chats, and interactive activities.
• Ambassador Animal Care: Assist with daily husbandry, feeding, enclosure maintenance, enrichment, handling, and behavioral observations of ambassador animals under staff supervision.
• Guest Engagement: Foster positive guest interactions by delivering informal education, conducting ambassador animal encounters, and answering questions to promote wildlife conservation awareness.
• Research & Content Development: Learn and communicate ambassador and exhibit animal natural histories, conservation statuses, and species-specific information. Contribute to the creation of educational materials and program content.
• Other related duties as assigned.

requirements

Educator internships are dynamic and require strong communication skills, adaptability, and enthusiasm for engaging with the public. Interns must be comfortable speaking to diverse audiences, working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, and handling ambassador animals under staff supervision. Interns may also assist with physical tasks such as setting up educational materials, moving equipment, and maintaining ambassador animal enclosures.

• Interns must have a strong desire to learn, be receptive to constructive feedback, and demonstrate professionalism when interacting with guests of all ages.
• A background or interest in education, public speaking, wildlife conservation, zoology, or related fields is preferred.
• This is an unpaid internship, and interns are responsible for securing their own housing and transportation.
• If college credit is desired, it is the responsibility of the intern to coordinate this with their academic institution.

internship timeline and availability

Educator internships are generally 12 weeks long and are offered year-round. Applicants may apply at any time; however, the highest need for interns is during the spring and early summer, as well as during the summer months when educational programs and camps are in full swing.

Interns must be flexible with their schedules and are expected to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed. Scheduling considerations may be made for students with academic conflicts, but interns must adhere to the agreed-upon schedule.

Time commitment

Part-Time Internship:

• Requires a commitment of at least 24-32 hours per week for 12 weeks.
• This can be accomplished in three or four, 8-hour shifts per week.
• Applicants must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends. Worktimes are from 8:30 AM until 5 PM.

Full-Time Internship:

• Requires a commitment of 40 hours per week for 12 weeks
• This can be accomplished in five, 8-hour shifts per week.
• Applicants must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends. Worktimes are from 8:30 AM until 5 PM.

If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Mill Mountain Zoo Education Department please fill out this Internship Application and send it to Kiana Nowall.