Environment for the Americas

Estimated Start Date: May 26, 2026 
Estimated End Date: August 14, 2026
Duration: 12 weeks
Work Schedule: Part-time (20-24 hours per week)
Pay rate: $15 an hour

Application deadline: April 17, 2026

Intern Position Summary:

This is a zookeeper internship in the following departments: Mammals, Birds & Small Mammals, Aquatics, and Herpetology. Interns will gain hands-on experience in general husbandry skills while working alongside zookeepers. Interns will also participate in the Cameron Park Zoo’s Keeper Chats learning how to present formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.

This is a paid position (max. of 300 hours) with scheduling flexibility based on the intern’s needs. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

●      Assist zookeepers

●      Clean animal exhibits

●      Spray, scrub, sweep, rake, shovel animal feces

●      Prepare and distribute animal feed

●      Create and distribute animal enrichment items

●      Lead Keeper Chats to the public and education participants

●      Assist the zoo in any other duties

Physical Requirements:

●      Walk and stand and bend over for long periods of time

●      Navigate uneven terrain on zoo grounds

●      Traverse animal exhibits by climbing, bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and crawling

●      Regularly move 30 lb objects and occasionally move 50 lb objects

●      Perform duties for 8 hours a day

●      Have a full range of motion in the back and all extremities

Qualifications:

●      Be at least 18 years old

●      Have a valid driver’s license

●      Have self-motivated work ethic

●      Be able to work outdoors in all weather

●      Be able to communicate clearly in written and verbal forms

●      Be able to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively

●      Be able to handle multiple tasks

●      Be able to work independently and as part of a team

●      Have great attention to detail

●      Have a love for animals and their wellbeing

●      Have intermediate computer skills (proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Drive)

Perks and Benefits:

●      Free individual membership

●      Food and merchandise discounts

●      Meaningful and challenging work

●      Make a difference and improve communities

●      Work experience in zoo field

About the Organization:

As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), Cameron Park Zoo upholds exceptional standards for animal care and management. The animal care staff devotes a tremendous amount of time and energy toward providing the best of care, including training, proper nutrition, veterinary care, and life enrichment.The animal collection housed at Cameron Park Zoo includes more than 1,700 animals, representing 300 species. 

Cameron Park Zoo is open daily, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Alcohol and Drug Testing

Team members and interns may not arrive on duty under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Since this position is a safety-sensitive position, team members may be subject to random alcohol and drug testing. 

 Disclaimer:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the team member or intern. All team members and interns are required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their supervisors. 

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.