Exploring Internship Opportunities at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is dedicated to preserving some of the world's most endangered species through groundbreaking training, research, and educational initiatives, all aimed at securing a future for wildlife. Home to approximately 2,500 animals representing 600 species, the zoo offers a variety of internship programs designed to provide valuable experience and contribute to its mission. These internships cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels, from high school students to veterinary medicine graduate students.

Veterinary Technician Externship

For those pursuing a career in zoo and wildlife medicine, the Veterinary Technician Externship offers a unique post-graduate continuing education opportunity. This program allows externs to work closely with the veterinary staff and participate in various aspects of the veterinary department.

Externship Details

Under the guidance of the veterinary team, externs will be involved in:

Assisting in surgical and preventative medicine procedures, including preparations, immobilizations, exams, anesthetic monitoring, and surgical assistance.
Animal husbandry tasks such as cleaning, feeding, and medicating hospitalized and quarantined animals.
Performing diagnostics, including blood work, lab tests, fecal analysis, radiology, cytology, urinalysis, and postmortem exams.
Assisting with procedure preparation and planning.
Hospital maintenance duties.
Managing medical records, filing, data entry, and organization.

Requirements for Veterinary Externs

To be eligible for the Veterinary Technician Externship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Be an upcoming third or fourth-year student currently enrolled in an accredited college for a graduate degree in Veterinary Medicine.
Possess a working knowledge of veterinary principles, anatomy, pharmacology, parasitology, hematology, radiology, anesthesiology, urinalysis, clinical, and surgical techniques.
Be self-motivated and eager to learn new skills and maximize the externship experience.
Demonstrate the ability to perform assigned duties without direct supervision, work effectively as a team member with both paid and volunteer staff, and follow oral and written directions.
Be capable of lifting 50 lbs., climbing in and out of truck beds, remaining bending/standing/stooping for extended periods, and working in adverse weather conditions.
Provide proof of a valid driver’s license and valid health insurance.
Assume responsibility for all housing and transportation arrangements.
Provide proof of a negative TB test within 6 months of the start date.
Provide proof of a Rabies vaccine (or adequate protective titer) within the year prior to starting the internship.
Maintain a professional appearance, including wearing khaki pants (no denim), closed-toe shoes, and a scrub top or polo shirt. Candidates must provide additional clothing suitable for adverse weather conditions.

The Cleveland Metroparks reserves the right to terminate externships at any time.

Read also: Internship Opportunities at CLE

Application Details

The Veterinary Technician Externship is a one-time, 2-4 week, non-paid experience. Externs are scheduled to work 40 hours a week, which may include weekends and assisting with after-hours emergencies.

Natural Resources Service-Learning Intern Opportunities

These internships provide high school and college students with opportunities that combine learning objectives with community service. They are unpaid volunteer opportunities designed for high school seniors (age 18 or over) and undergraduate degree-level students.

Responsibilities

Natural Resources Service-Learning Interns will gain experience in implementing proper land management and monitoring practices. They will work closely with Natural Resources Division staff to manage and maintain meadows, forests, waterways, and wildlife. Interns will assist with a variety of professional assignments to assess, plan/design, protect, restore, sustainably develop, monitor, and manage land and water resources. Time commitments vary based on specific positions.

Available Positions

Natural Resources Service-Learning Cohort Summer 2026 (5 Positions Available | Applications close April 17, 2026)

Outdoor Experiences Service-Learning Intern Opportunities

The Outdoor Experiences Service-Learning Internships offer experience as a Naturalist, assisting in the planning, developing and implementation of innovative education and or outdoor recreation programs emphasizing the natural, historical and cultural aspects of Cleveland Metroparks in support of the mission of conservation, education and outdoor recreation. Time commitments will vary based on specific positions. This is an unpaid opportunity.

Zoo Crew Teen Program

The Zoo Crew program is designed for teens aged 13-17 who have a passion for animals, conservation, and working with people. This program provides opportunities to assist in the Education & Engagement Division through various conservation projects.

What Zoo Crew Does

Zoo Crew teens actively participate in various conservation projects, focusing on conservation and encouraging teens to learn responsibility, develop job and career skills, and grow in their personal conservation ethic. It is important to note that Zoo Crew teens do not participate in the care and feeding of zoo animals.

Requirements for Zoo Crew

To be eligible for the Zoo Crew program, teens must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 13 years old by January 1 and not older than 17 by June 1 of the year they will be participating.
Commit to attending once/week for the entire summer (June - August) on Tuesdays - Saturdays with only two (2) excused absences.
Have an exceptional interest in animals and the environment.
Have the desire and ability to work with people of all ages.
Attend an orientation session with a parent or guardian.
Attend training sessions.
Work at least one six (6) hour shift per week.
Always wear their uniform while on duty, consisting of a Zoo Crew shirt and their own khaki shorts or pants.

All participants are required to complete a policy and contract form, a waiver and release of claims form, and a medical information/emergency contact form.

How to Apply for Zoo Crew

To qualify for the application process, applicants must return a completed application AND two (2) reference forms by the deadline of 4 pm on Friday, March 20, 2026. Completion of the application process does not guarantee acceptance into the Zoo Crew program. Partial, incomplete, or late applications and/or reference forms will not be considered.

The Zoo Crew program consists of 60 teens each summer. Participants from the previous summer who met their commitments and served well are invited to return. The number of returning teens is subtracted from 60 to determine the number of available slots for new teens.

Read also: Landing an Internship

Only complete applications (application and two reference forms) that are returned by the deadline will be reviewed. Applicants who submit complete applications will be scheduled for an interview. Final selections of applicants for participation in the Zoo Crew Program will be based on the application, reference forms, interview, and skill level.

Important Information for Parents/Guardians

The Zoo Crew Teen program is a commitment not only for the teen but also for parents and family. Zoo Crew teens are allowed only two (2) scheduled absences during the summer program. Parents/Guardians must attend the mandatory Orientation Session.

tags: #cleveland #zoo #internships