Public Education Internship

~ Our career internship program is one of the many ways the Philadelphia Zoo demonstrates a commitment to its mission of conservation, education, science and recreation. ~

Through our internships, we provide practical, high-quality experiences that help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Recent college graduates and career changers are encouraged to apply. Please note that all internships are unpaid and the Zoo does not provide housing.

If you are a college student majoring in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Environmental Education or a related field or recent graduate in any of those fields and you are interested in a career working with animals, the Philadelphia Zoo can provide you with valuable hands-on experience.

Internship Overview 

This opportunity is available to college students in any major with a grade point average of 2.5 who have demonstrated knowledge and interest in education and natural history.

Candidates should have an interest in event development, have strong organizational skills and be comfortable working with the public in both organized and informal situations.

Recent graduates and career changers will be considered. Suggested majors include but are not limited to: early, elementary and secondary education; environmental education; environmental studies; communications; event planning; museum studies and museum education.

Responsibilities

Event Planning and Execution - Interns will assist in:

• Development and running of Educational Public Program events including Main Path Activities and Special Family Programming
• Developing educational activities
• Coordination of external performers/presenters
• Coordination of event logistics

Zoo-wide Public Interpretation - Interns will assist in:

• Development of "Exploration Stations" strategically located throughout the Zoo. Each station is equipped with interactive activities or biofacts (skins, skulls, teeth, etc.) relating to a specific animal and its conservation
• Training and monitoring of participants in the Zoo's teen interpretive program
• Scheduling and management of daily interpretation throughout the Zoo
• Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in public talks and interpretation of animal feedings and training demonstrations throughout the Zoo

Availability & Qualifications

• Commitment of three days per week during the summer session, one day per week during the fall, winter and spring sessions. Shifts are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sessions last 10 - 12 weeks.
• Open to students of any major or year with at least a 2.5 GPA, or recent graduates.

To Apply

• Please click below: "Apply Here!" to submit your application including resume, transcripts and letter of recommendation.
• Applications are only accepted online.
• Note: Applications for the spring, fall and winter sessions are accepted at any time but positions are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications for the summer session will be reviewed beginning in January and are due by March 1. Summer session candidates will be notified on April 1 if they have been offered a position in the program. 

~ Only complete applications will be considered ~