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Smithsonian''s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
Animal Care Internship, Carnivores (Front Royal, VA)
Project Description:
The Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute''s Department of Animal Care Sciences (Carnivore Unit) is seeking applications for one internship position for a 16-week session (40 hours/week). The intern will have the opportunity to gain experience in the field of animal care and conservation biology by participating in daily animal keeper activities and associated research including animal husbandry, nutrition, behavioral observations, and enrichment. This is a paid internship opportunity, wherein the intern will support NZCBI''s Department of Animal Programs at the Front Royal, Virginia, campus. Dormitory housing is provided (see below).
Learning Objectives:
Through this position, the intern will:
Learn alongside professional animal care staff basic animal husbandry of carnivores including cleaning enclosures, preparing food and enrichment activities, cleaning and caring for live feeder colony, participation in research sample collection, observation of health examinations and reproductive assessments, enclosure maintenance, horticulture work, record keeping and behavioral observations
Learn formal and informal interpretive educational programs for guests
Learn how to develop and implement animal enrichment programs
Learn and follow animal/keeper safety guidelines, operations and policies
Learn USDA and AZA guidelines, NZCBI directives, procedures and protocols, and other related literature.
Have the opportunity to develop an independent training, enrichment or research project with guidance of carnivore team staff
Present a short summary to NZCBI Department of Animal Sciences staff at the end of the posting
Experience Required
Qualifications: Good physical condition, able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds Willingness to be available outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays Capable of participating outdoors in all weather conditions Good written and verbal communication skills Ability to be an effective team member, oftentimes with minimal supervision Ability to follow written and verbal instructions Ability to remain calm and think rationally under pressure Strong attention to detail Ability to be flexible when changes occur Must have appropriate footwear and outerwear: appropriate outerwear is required for all weather conditions (rain, snow, wind, hail, etc.) Experience and Qualities Preferred Previous internships within the animal care field Interest in learning about carnivore management with aspirations to advance in the wildlife or zoo field Experience with exotic carnivores or wildlife animal care Experience in a zoo, wildlife conservation or similar settings
Further Comments
Hours The position is M-F, 730-4:00. Dining Services Interns are responsible for their own food needs. In the absence of a personal vehicle, the intern cold carpool with other interns to lock grocery stores. Additionally, the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation located within SNZCBI operates a dining hall that offers buffet-style all you can eat lunch menus for purchase. However, this dining service is only open when George Mason University is in session. Stipend This is a paid internship ($700/week; 16 weeks). Location Front Royal, VA Housing Dormitory housing (single room) on-center is available for $9/night plus a $5 linen fee, if desired. Housing includes a common kitchen equipped with a cooking range, microwave oven, and a refrigerator-freezer unit. Basic utensils also are provided for shared use. Parking The intern will be provided with free parking on the Front Royal SNZCBI campus for the duration of the internship, provided they adhere to the rules and regulations pertaining to the use of personal vehicles on site and remain in good standing with the project lead. Term of Appointment This is a 16-week internship Please note: The deadline to apply for this fall internship is Sunday, July 26, 2026.
How to Apply
How to Apply:
To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu. Select "Don''t have an Account? Create An Account." Complete the information to create an account.
Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:
Basic personal information
Professional resume or CV
A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations
Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Two letters of reference (one must be from a current or a former supervisor)
Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:
Type of appointment: "Internship"
Unit of interest: "National Zoological Park"
Program: "National Zoological Park Internship Program"
Project: "NZCBI - Carnivore Animal Keeper Internship"
IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit "Submit." Your SOLAA-submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.
Smithsonian''s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
Front Royal, VAPhone: 2026333504
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