Exploring Internship Opportunities at the Los Angeles Zoo

The Los Angeles Zoo offers a variety of engaging internship opportunities for individuals passionate about wildlife, conservation, and education. These internships provide valuable experience in a world-renowned zoological institution, allowing participants to contribute to the zoo's mission while developing their skills and knowledge.

A Variety of Volunteer Roles

The L.A. Zoo provides diverse volunteer opportunities for both adults and adolescents residing in Los Angeles County. These opportunities encompass animal services, internship programs, and teaching/instruction roles. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and orientation to familiarize them with the zoo's operations and its animal inhabitants.

Core Volunteers

Core Volunteers play a vital role in supporting Guest Engagement programs. They focus on helping visitors forge meaningful connections with animals and the natural world. If you enjoy interacting with people of all ages and are dedicated to completing the necessary training, becoming a Core Volunteer can be a very rewarding experience.

Docent Volunteers

For those who have a passion for animals and enjoy working with children, the Docent Volunteer program offers an excellent opportunity. Docents engage with young audiences, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for wildlife conservation.

Featured Volunteers

The L.A. Zoo also shines a spotlight on its exceptional volunteers. These individuals, such as Bari Borsky, Paula Riggin, Liz LaDou, Ilyse Frieder, Kathy Inman, and Leann Kruse-Arcia, exemplify the dedication and passion that drive the zoo's volunteer programs.

The Paid Internship Program (PIP)

The Los Angeles Zoo's Paid Internship Program (PIP) is a noteworthy initiative designed to promote equity and inclusion within the field of zoology. Recognizing that zoo and aquarium positions are often unpaid and disproportionately accessible to individuals with systemic advantages, the L.A. Zoo created PIP to address this imbalance.

As part of their equity work, PIP aims to level the playing field and provide opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain valuable experience in the field. The program offers paid internships, ensuring that financial constraints do not serve as a barrier to entry.

Documenting PIP

The Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability's Environmental Communications Internship plays a key role in documenting and promoting the impact of PIP. Interns in this role have the opportunity to showcase the program's success and highlight the growth and development of "PIP-terns" within their respective fields.

One of the main duties of the Environmental Communications Intern is to create a capstone video on PIP. This video serves as a powerful tool for communicating the program's mission, impact, and success stories to a wider audience. The video will be featured on the L.A. Zoo's website, further amplifying its reach and impact.

Beyond PIP

In addition to documenting PIP, interns also have the opportunity to contribute to other initiatives at the L.A. Zoo. This may involve working on blog posts, highlighting conservation efforts, or assisting with other communication projects.

Read also: Your Guide to LA Internships

Gaining Unique Experiences

Interning at the L.A. Zoo offers a wealth of unique experiences that extend beyond traditional internship duties. Interns may have the opportunity to:

Explore Behind-the-Scenes Areas: Gain access to restricted areas, such as the perimeter road, and observe the inner workings of the zoo.
Interact with Experts: Interview curators and other zoo professionals to learn about animal care, conservation efforts, and other specialized topics.
Contribute to Conservation: Participate in projects related to species survival and conservation, such as the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program.

Full-Time Employment Opportunities

For individuals seeking full-time, city-funded positions at the Los Angeles Zoo, the hiring process is governed by the Civil Service Selection Process. This process ensures that all candidates are evaluated fairly and that the most qualified individuals are selected for employment.

Civil Service Examination

Applicants interested in full-time employment with the City must pass a Civil Service examination. The requirements for this examination are established by the City's Personnel Department in conjunction with the Zoo.

Eligibility List

Candidates who pass the examination are placed on a list of eligible candidates, ranked according to their scores. Zoo staff then interview eligible candidates and select the most suitable individual to fill the position.

Probationary Period

Once hired, each employee must successfully complete a six-month probationary period to demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of the position.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Beyond the core volunteer programs, the L.A. Zoo offers a variety of other support positions. While these positions may not involve direct interaction with animals, they play a crucial role in supporting the zoo's overall operations.

Adult volunteers have the option to contribute to education programs as docents, school presenters, or guided tour leaders. These roles provide opportunities to share knowledge and passion for wildlife with diverse audiences.

The Allure of the Zoo

For many, the L.A. Zoo holds a special allure. It is a place where individuals can connect with nature, learn about wildlife, and contribute to conservation efforts. The zoo's vibrant atmosphere and dedicated staff create a welcoming environment for both visitors and volunteers.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure the well-being of the animals and the smooth operation of the zoo. From feeding animals to cleaning habitats, these individuals play a vital role in creating a positive experience for all.

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