Navigating Internship Opportunities at the Oregon Zoo and Beyond
The Oregon Zoo and affiliated organizations offer a variety of internship and apprenticeship programs designed to provide valuable experience in animal care, conservation, education, and veterinary medicine. These opportunities cater to a wide range of individuals, from high school students to veterinary students, and offer a pathway to explore careers in the zoological field. This article provides a comprehensive overview of internship opportunities at the Oregon Zoo and Wildlife Safari, including requirements, program details, and application processes.
Oregon Zoo Apprenticeship Program (ZAP)
The Zoo Apprenticeship Program (ZAP) is a multi-year, paid apprenticeship program designed for students aged 15 and 16 in the Portland, Oregon, area. The program is grant-funded and focuses on fostering an enthusiasm for community engagement and wildlife conservation. ZAP aims to support the exchange of knowledge and wisdom within communities, fostering connections through youth-led zoo experiences, collaborative projects, and conservation actions. Each year, approximately 10 new youth are hired to participate in this program.
Program Structure and Activities
The ZAP experience includes educational programming, career exploration, community outreach, and connections to nature and wildlife.
- Year 1: ZAPs concentrate on learning about the zoo, exploring nature and outdoor spaces, and leading community tours. They gain insight into conservation career opportunities and collaborate with zoo staff to develop and execute a project of their choosing.
- Year 2: ZAPs share their projects with guests and the community. They also mentor and support the incoming cohort while continuing their leadership development. Second-year participants may be matched with a placement for hands-on learning in a specific field of interest, within departments ranging from education to animal care.
- Year 3: As schedules permit, ZAPs can continue their involvement in the program for an additional year.
Essential Skills Developed
ZAP members cultivate crucial job skills, including:
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Empathy
- Time management
- Public speaking
- Team building
- Peer mentoring
- Leadership
Participants also gain knowledge about animal welfare, conservation, and diversity and inclusion efforts at the zoo.
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Eligibility and Application
To qualify for ZAP, applicants must:
- Be 15-17 years of age (at least 15 by March 1, 2025)
- Be enrolled in high school for the 2024-2025 school year
- Be willing to commit to 3 summers and 2 school years
- Be eligible to work in the U.S.
- Reside in Clark, Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas County
Preferred qualifications include fluency in more than one language, eligibility for Federal Free or Reduced Lunch, demonstrated interest in working with community members, curiosity about wildlife and conservation, and comfort working outdoors.
The application process involves completing and submitting an online application by the specified deadline. Selected candidates will proceed to group and individual interviews.
Other Volunteer and Internship Opportunities at the Oregon Zoo
Beyond ZAP, the Oregon Zoo offers a variety of volunteer and internship roles for individuals with diverse interests and skill sets.
Habitat Rover Volunteers
These volunteers engage with zoo guests, sharing information, stories, and conservation messages while stationed at animal habitats during daytime hours and special events.
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Event Support Volunteers
Event support volunteers assist with wayfinding for guests and share information during evening and weekend special events.
Animal Behavior Monitoring Volunteers
These volunteers assist with various monitoring projects designed by the Oregon Zoo research staff and animal care staff.
Marine Life Diving Support
Certified SCUBA divers can support marine life keepers with diving tasks in the marine area.
Wildlife Leaders Program
The Oregon Zoo Wildlife Leaders is a 10-week summer program for teens ages 13 to 15 with a passion for animals and conservation.
Veterinary Preceptorship
The Oregon Zoo's Veterinary Preceptorship is a six to eight-week opportunity for last year veterinary students, currently enrolled in a veterinary program and with a strong interest in zoological medicine. This is an unpaid opportunity. The Veterinary Medical Center is a 15,000-square-foot LEED-certified building that includes an exam room, surgical suite, radiology room and in-house laboratory. It has all necessary equipment for anesthetic monitoring and diagnostic techniques, including rigid and flexible endoscopy, digital radiography and ultrasound.
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Conservation Research Internships
The Oregon Zoo's Conservation Research Internships provide students with real-world experience that complements their academic training. These internships offer a structured program where students work with staff to define the nature, scope, and schedule of the internship. Interns are expected to undertake an 'independent study' during their term, typically focused on captive husbandry, butterfly biology, ecosystem conservation, or husbandry data. These internships are unpaid.
Butterfly Conservation Program Intern
The Butterfly Conservation Program conducts captive rearing of threatened and endangered species for release to the wild. The Conservation Butterfly Intern will work with keepers in the Imperiled Butterfly Lab and with Conservation Research staff. Duties include caring for butterfly larvae, cleaning, food preparation, and record keeping. The intern will also enter records into a database for reports and analysis.
Application Requirements for Internships
In addition to the electronic application, applicants should include:
- A curriculum vitae (coursework resume), including experience related to the minimum requirements and essential expectations of the internship.
- A letter of recommendation from an academic advisor or sponsor.
Additional requirements include:
- Successful completion of at least one year of classes at an accredited institution of higher education, including one year of general biology.
- The internship must fulfill an academic requirement of an accredited Institution of Higher Education in a directly related field of study.
- Proficiency in computer use, including word processing, manipulating spreadsheets, creating presentations, online research, and willingness to learn new software.
- Availability to dedicate 25-40 hours/week, including one weekend day.
- Completion of tuberculosis testing (TB Skin Test) prior to the start of the internship.
Preferred coursework includes conservation biology, ecology, invertebrate zoology, environmental science, and chemistry.
Internship Opportunities at Wildlife Safari
Wildlife Safari offers a range of internships across various departments, providing practical experience in animal care and education. These internships are unpaid and typically last for three months. Transportation is not provided.
Carnivore Keeper Internship
Carnivore interns work alongside full-time keepers to gain experience with daily husbandry tasks, including cleaning, diet preparation, enrichment, and assisting in medical procedures. They also host animal encounters and educate the public. The position requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions.
Requirements:
- Recommended to have at least one year toward a college degree in an animal-related field
- Recommended to have some animal related experience
- Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
- Negative TB test
- Good people skills
- Able to speak to the public both individually and in a presentation setting
- Must be able to pass a drug test, including for marijuana
- Candidates must agree to a background check
Education Department Internship
Education Department Intern duties include (but are not limited to): animal ambassador husbandry (cleaning enclosures, diet preparation, enrichment), handling of all education animal collection, conducting guided tours, helping with camps and classes, educational outreach presentations and on site presentations. This internship is geared to individuals who want to explore a profession in Zoo Education.
Requirements:
- Preferred to have at least one year toward a college degree in an animal related field
- Preferred to have some animal related experience
- Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
- Negative TB test
- Excellent customer service skills
- Must be willing to work overnight camps (seasonal)
- Able to speak to the public both individually and in a presentation setting
- Interns must present themselves in a professional manner during their internship
- Must be able to pass a drug test, including for marijuana
- Candidates must agree to a background check
Elephant Department Internship
Elephant interns assist with the care of Wildlife Safari’s herd of African elephants, including husbandry, educational keeper talks, and training observations. They primarily support the department by cleaning, preparing diets, and hosting guest encounters.
Requirements:
- Preferred to have at least one year toward a college degree in an animal-related field
- Must have some animal related experience, large animal experience preferred
- Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
- Provide a current negative TB test
- Able to speak to the public both individually and in a presentation setting in a positive and professional fashion
- Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Be capable of participating in the physical aspects of the position including lifting/moving heavy objects (50lbs)
- Must be able to pass a drug test, including for marijuana
- Candidates must agree to a background check
- Excellent customer service skills
Ungulate Internship
Ungulate interns gain experience with daily husbandry of exotic animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, enrichment, and assisting in medical procedures. They also host animal encounters and may be involved in the reinforcement of trained behaviors with giraffes, Nile hippos, and Southern white rhinos.
Requirements:
- Preferred to have at least one year toward a college degree in an animal-related field
- Preferred to have some animal related experience
- Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
- Negative TB test
- Ability to lift 50 pounds or more repeatedly
- Able to speak to the public both individually and in a presentation setting
- Must be able to pass a drug test, including for marijuana
- Candidates must agree to a background check
- Excellent customer service skills
Village Keeper Internship
Village Department interns gain experience with a diverse collection of exotic and domestic species. They work independently and alongside keeper staff, performing daily husbandry, enrichment, and diet preparation. They also gain experience with animals such as red pandas, lemurs, small primates, and maned wolves.
Requirements:
- Preferred to have at least one year toward a college degree in an animal-related field
- Preferred to have some animal related experience
- Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
- Negative TB test
- Able to speak to the public both individually and in a presentation setting
- Able to lift and carry 50 lbs
- Must be able to pass a drug test, including for marijuana
- Candidates must agree to a background check
- Excellent customer service skills
General Application Information for Wildlife Safari Internships
To apply for an internship at Wildlife Safari, candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and references to the appropriate department internship address. Applicants should specify the session(s) they are applying for: Winter (December-February), Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August), and Fall (September-November).
Additional Information
Metro, which oversees the Oregon Zoo, is committed to equal employment opportunities and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference. Metro also emphasizes pay equity, ensuring fair compensation for all employees.
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