Job Description
Animal Care Internship Animal Nutrition- Fall 2026 Internship Period: August 25, 2026-November 27, 2026 Deadline to Apply: SPOTS ARE LIMITED-Apply today to join our Summer 2026 Animal Nutrition Team Internship and launch your future in wildlife care and conservation!
Step into the Wild Side of Conservation. Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working alongside the Animal Nutrition Team? The Animal Nutrition Internship at ZooTampa offers hands-on experience in dietary preparation, behavioral training, and real-time conservation education. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with professional animal care staff, gaining behind-the-scenes insight while building skills that pave the way for a career in zoology or wildlife management. From collecting behavioral data to creating enrichment and engaging with guests, every day is a chance to grow personally and professionally in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. If you're passionate, hardworking, and eager to learn, we want to hear from you!
Animal Care Internship, ANIMAL NUTRITION Please note: If you seek an Animal Care internship, do NOT apply for more than two internships per term; applying to more than two may result in disqualification. Description: While working in the Animal Nutrition Department, interns will learn all aspects of diet preparation for ZooTampa. The intern's primary role focuses on zoo-wide diet preparation with opportunities to create enrichment. There is an online course to supplement and expand upon the in-person experiences gained during this internship. On occasion, interns may assist other Animal Teams with projects or the Zoo Registrar in logging various enrichment data into our system.
Internship functions include, but are not limited to: - Prepares animal diets as instructed by Nutrition Center Manager and Veterinarian, including but not limited to weighing, chopping, mixing, measuring, packing, and handling various sources of protein.
- Ensures quality control of all food items and goods.
- Responsible for maintaining proper sanitation in food preparation areas and keeping equipment, walk-ins, freezers, and storerooms cleaned.
- Follows the departmental safety procedures provided.
- Assist with researching and formulating novel animal enrichment ideas and devices for Animal Department use.
- Create food-based enrichment for approved requests within the Animal Department.
Qualifications: - High school diploma or GED required.
- Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any biological or life sciences are preferred.
- Experience in food preparation, nutrition, and record-keeping is preferred.
- Working knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
- Working knowledge of minor maintenance skills.
- Possess a sincere desire to work with both animals and guests.
- Excellent communication and customer relations skills.
- Ability to effectively work independently and within a team.
- Must be able to multi-task.
- Must have the ability to follow specific instructions and be comfortable self-directing.
- Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
Required Availability: - Must be able to commit to a 14-week internship.
- Must be able to commit to 30-40 hours per week.
- The schedule is ten-hour days (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) with one weekend day off (may also include holidays).
Physical Abilities: - Must withstand typical Florida climate; sometimes temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
- Must be willing to work varied and long shifts, including holidays and weekends.
- Must be able to lift, push, pull and carry 50 pounds with or without accommodations.
- Must be able to work in various physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, walking, and driving.
Additional Requirements: If an internship offer is made, it is contingent on:
- The candidate will be responsible for a non-refundable $25 Application Fee.
- All offers are contingent on completing a criminal background screening and executing a required hold harmless/liability release agreement.
- Candidates must have documentation of a negative TB test within the last 6 months and Tetanus vaccination within the previous five years.
- Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury (as the Zoo workers' compensation program does not cover volunteers and interns).
Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter, and resume to be considered for a position. Benefits: Internships are unpaid and designed to meet academic requirements and provide valuable real-world experience for participants. Successful completion of training may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when appropriate, and important networking contacts. Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements. Before beginning the internship, candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school. Successful completion of training may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts.
Who is eligible? A high school diploma or GED is required. Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any biological or life sciences are preferred. Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter, and resume to be considered for a position.
International Internship Eligibility Requirements: Please note that ZooTampa is unable to offer sponsorship for student or work visas for this internship position.
Only applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship will be considered. Please Note: Interns must make their accommodation and transportation arrangements. This is an
unpaid internship.
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Job Tags
Summer work, Internship, Work visa, Shift work