| Location | Pittsburgh, PA |
National Aviary
Animal Ambassador Internship
Join the National Aviary's Animal Programs team this upcoming semester as an Ambassador Animal Intern. Gain valuable experience in animal care, training, guest engagement, and enrichment. Our department cares for a variety of species including parrots, birds of prey, and other mixed species who participate in conservation education programs including free flight shows, classes, outreaches, and up-close encounters.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Care for a variety of ambassador animals
Maintain habitats
Prepare diets for various species
Observe various bird behaviors
Observe operant conditioning techniques
Assist with Free-flight bird shows
Create animal enrichment
Public speaking
Observe diverse conservation educational experiences
Participate in formal intern workshops
Education, Experience and Skills:
Ambassador Animal Trainers and interns work in a very fast-paced environment. Due to the nature of the work, applicants must:
Be able to lift 50 pounds
Prepare diets that include mice and chick
Work around allergens such as nuts, fish, and latex
Work as a member of a team and independently
Be a self-starter with a positive attitude
Interact positively with the public
Additional Requirements:
Must be at least 18 years of age
Work a minimum of 3 days a week for fall and spring semesters and 5 days a week for the summer
Must be willing to work weekends and holidays
Must be willing to work 7:30AM-4:00PM
For students who are eligible for work study through their college: Speak with your financial aid or student advisor within your college or university to establish the National Aviary as an approved work study site.
The internship will run from January - April.
We will be accepting applications until October 21, 2026.
Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to Christa Gaus at christa.gaus@aviary.org.
How to Apply
We will be accepting applications until October 21, 2026.
Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to Christa Gaus at christa.gaus@aviary.org.
National Aviary
700 Arch Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
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