Intern positions offer a wide array of valuable professional experiences not available through classwork alone. Internships can be part time or full time. This is an experiential based program and is therefore unpaid. While suggestions can be made to assist with finding housing, Interns are responsible for their own housing needs. Internships last a minimum of 12 weeks and may be eligible for college credit.
This internship offers a wide range of experience in animal care, welfare and behavior. Working with Niabi Zookeepers, Animal Care Interns will provide basic animal husbandry including feeding, cleaning, and record keeping for select species within the Zoo collection. Interns will also make animal behavior observations and help with environmental enrichment projects.
This internship provides experience in environmental interpretation and conservation education. Working with Niabi Zoo’s Conservation Education team, interns have the opportunity to further develop skills in public speaking, research, writing, and guest interaction while engaging a diverse audience for a variety of education programs, on-grounds animal interpretation, and can get involved in a conservation education project.
As the Niabi Zoo is also a forest preserve, there are many opportunities available in horticulture. Interns will receive experience in maintaining plant beds (ornamental, native, pollinator garden, etc.), weeding, identifying and labeling plant/tree species on grounds, removal of invasive species, collecting browse for the animals, and may be involved in native habitat restoration projects.
Applications may not be considered if received after the following dates for an internship during that time frame. Typically, applications are considered three months prior to the deadline. Offers may be made to candidates before the deadline. Please, do not wait until the deadline to send in your materials. The deadline is the last chance cutoff date.
Summer Session (May-August) — April 3
Fall Session (September-December) — August 26
Winter/Spring Session (January-April) —December 10
College/University students and graduates who wish to apply for an internship can apply using a 2-step online application process.
The following documents should be prepared prior to starting the application process. These will be uploaded directly in to the application.