Pinniped Internship 2026

The goal of this internship is to provide a basic understanding of general husbandry of the animals located in the Pinniped Depart-ments of Wild Encounters. Students will gain hands-on experience in the field while learning the day-to-day responsibilities of a full-time keeper.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to assisting full-time keepers in preparing animal diets, cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits, observing animals and reporting any behavioral changes, designing and delivering educational in-terpretation to the general public regarding animal behavior, habitat and conservation issues, maintaining area grounds and build-ings and performing other duties as assigned. Interns will also be required to complete various quizzes, trainings, projects, and a final reflection paper assigned by the department.

Duties may include:
• Observes training sessions to gain a basic understanding of training fundamentals.
• Assists with Pinniped enrichment program as needed – cleaning, placement, removal of enrichment items.
• Adheres to all safety protocols within the Pinniped department and the Columbus Zoo.

• Student or recent graduate (2 years or less) in biology, zoology, psychology, or any similar related major.
• 3.0 or above accumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Columbus Zoo Family of Parks team members and contacts.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage time.
• Ability to maintain courteous and helpful behavior.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification preferred
• Strong computer skills. Experience with MS Office preferred.
• Must be neat in appearance and maintain courteous behavior at all times.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions (i.e. heat, cold, rain, snow).
• Ability to hold a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays (July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day) required.
• Subject to Drug Free Workplace Policy.
• Subject to BMV check and Criminal Background check.

Hours: Minimum of 20 hours/week for 12 to 16 weeks