Exploring Internship Opportunities at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, a leading institution in wildlife conservation and education, offers a variety of internship opportunities for students and recent graduates. These internships provide invaluable hands-on experience in diverse fields, contributing to the Zoo's mission to inspire, educate, and engage people to become lifelong stewards for animals, their habitats, and their conservation.
The Value of Internships at the Zoo
Internships at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium offer a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a world-renowned zoological institution. Interns are exposed to various aspects of zoo operations, from animal care and conservation to education and guest engagement. The experience gained through these internships can be a significant asset for those pursuing careers in zoology, biology, education, or related fields.
One former intern shared, "I loved my job at the zoo!" Another highlighted the benefits of "seeing behind the scenes at the Zoo," "learning more about nutrition, conservation, and environmental efforts," and "making connections for potential jobs after graduation."
Internship Program Overview
The internship program at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Key features of the program include:
- Duration: Each internship session (Spring, Summer, and Fall) lasts 13 weeks. There are three 12-week sessions for interns each year: Fall Session (mid-September to mid-December), Spring Session (late January to late April), and Summer Session (mid-May to mid-August).
- Schedule: Interns must be available to work 28-32 hours per week; unpaid. Interns must be available to attend Tuesday OR Thursday afternoon professional development sessions starting the second week of their internship. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
- Compensation: Interns are paid $13.50 per hour and receive part-time employee benefits.
- Project Development: Throughout the internship, interns will develop a project decided upon with the direction of their supervisor.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for an internship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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- Education: Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university.
- Coursework: A minimum of one year of coursework in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g., Education, biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc.) is preferred.
- Availability: Interns must provide their availability at the time of their interview. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
- Flexibility: Interns may be required to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public.
Internship Opportunities
While specific internship roles may vary depending on the Zoo's needs, common areas of focus include:
- Animal Care: Assisting zookeepers with daily animal care tasks, including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment.
- Education: Supporting educational programs by facilitating engaging experiences for guests, promoting conservation messages, and enhancing on-grounds learning.
- Conservation: Participating in conservation projects and research initiatives.
- Guest Services: Interacting with visitors and providing information about the Zoo's animals and exhibits.
One intern enjoyed "the variety of tasks" and "got to watch zebra training sessions and nurse shark training sessions." They also "helped with a few behavioral studies of one of the resident fossas and white-throat monitors."
The Application Process
The application process for internships at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium typically involves the following steps:
- Online Application: All who plan to attend the job fair must apply online at least 24 hours prior to the fair at OmahaZoo.com/WorkHere.
- Screening: If an applicant has successfully passed the screening process, they will be invited to partake in an interview.
- Interview: Each candidate will complete an interview with a hiring manager regardless of the position's status (full-time or part-time).
- Selection: Once all interviews have been completed, a hiring manager or human resources representative will contact each applicant to inform them if they have been selected for the position.
- Orientation: If the applicant has accepted the offer for a full-time or part-time position, they will undergo one day of orientation, which will cover Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's history, as well as the benefits they are entitled to.
Additional Opportunities at the Zoo
Beyond internships, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium offers various other opportunities for individuals to get involved, including:
- Volunteer Programs: The Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for adults and youth, supporting conservation, inspiring learning, and creating positive guest experiences. Whether welcoming visitors, supporting educational programs, or assisting behind the scenes, every volunteer plays an important role in helping the Zoo's mission come to life.
- Zoo Crew: A year-round volunteer program for dedicated high school students who are eager to support the Zoo’s mission through their time, talents, and enthusiasm. Throughout the year, Zoo Crew volunteers serve in a variety of areas across the Zoo, sharing what they’ve learned about animals, conservation, and habitats with our guests.
- Jr. Crew: A structured, hands-on volunteer experience designed for students who will have completed 7th or 8th grade by June 1. Participants are invited to discover the Zoo from a new perspective while building connections, exploring conservation efforts, and contributing to work that supports animal well-being and guest education.
- Community Volunteer Days: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium hosts a series of Community Volunteer Days throughout the year to provide individuals with opportunities to experience the inner workings of the Zoo alongside our staff.
- Zoo Academy: A unique, non-traditional teaching model that integrates Nebraska’s College and Career Ready Standards for Science (NCCRS-S) with hands-on student experiences to create a rich STEM learning environment. The program combines career exploration, classroom learning, and scientific research opportunities.
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