Houston Zoo Internships

Houston Zoo Internship Program
The Houston Zoo provides unpaid internship opportunities for students who wish to obtain hands-on experience in a functional area of the Zoo.  Internships are available in most animal sections, as well as, horticulture, education, marketing, data management, engineering, conservation and other areas as needed. Internships are offered for spring, summer and fall semesters; but not all areas will have positions available during all semesters.

Internship Requirements

• All applicants must be at least 18 years old as of the internship start date.
• Pay a one time $45 fee to offset the cost of your Intern uniform shirt, processing your application, a nametag, continuing education materials, and social events
• All applicants must be a current or recent student in a field related to the desired placement.
• The minimum time commitment is 200 hours during the semester. Specific hours may be scheduled to meet the needs of both the intern and the department.
• Interns must complete any necessary training specific to their position.
• Interns are required to complete 5 hours of continuing education opportunities during the semester. 
• Continuing Education opportunities will be offered at the Zoo and may also include appropriate off-site opportunities.
• Interns will prepare a 15-20 minute presentation at the end of the semester.  This presentation will be shared with other interns and Zoo staff.  A copy of the project or presentation outline will be retained by Zoo staff as a record.
• Any applicable university or college credit must be arranged by the student through his/her institution.
• All housing and transportation must be arranged by the intern.
• All Animal Care Interns are required to provide proof of a negative TB test on their first day.
• Application due dates are as follows unless the specific position you are interested in states otherwise.
• All applicants must provide a cover letter, a current resume, and one letter of recommendation from either a professor or previous employer.

Application Timelines:

Summer 2012 Application Open: February 1, 2012 - March 31, 2012

Fall 2012 Application Open: June 1, 2012 - July 31, 2012

Spring 2012 Application Open: October 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012