Intern at Wildlife Safari
Jump start your career with a hands-on internship at Wildlife Safari! Featuring day one, boots-on-the-ground education in a unique zoological management setting, your AZA-accredited facility internship will help you stand out. Wildlife Safari features a holistic and process-based approach and allows you to intern across departments, when available. Our world class cheetah conservation programs and unique open space herd management opportunities make for an incredible, once in a lifetime opportunity.
Please read your primary department of interest’s offerings carefully, as application requirements and methods may vary across departments. For additional assistance, email guestservices@wildlifesafari.net.
Cheetah & Carnivore Internship
Wildlife Safari has an exciting collection of exotic and native carnivorous species including Sumatran tigers, African lions, American black bears, American brown bears, and cheetahs. Our ambassador cheetah program is well known and we have the second most successful cheetah breeding program in the world. Cheetah and carnivore interns will work alongside full-time keepers to gain experience with daily husbandry including cleaning, diet preparation, enrichment, projects, and assisting in medical procedures, in addition to hosting animal encounters and educating the public. This field is very physical, so the applicant must be able to perform difficult tasks such as lifting heavy objects and remaining active for long hours in all weather.
Requirements:
- Preferred at least two years toward a college degree in an animal related field
- Preferred to have some animal related experience
- Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
- Negative TB test
- Good people skills
- Able to speak to the public both individually and in a presentation setting
- Must be able to pass a drug test, including for marijuana
- Candidates must agree to a background check
The internship is unpaid for a period of three months. Off-site housing is offered for a fee (no pets allowed). Transportation is NOT provided.
There are four sessions of the internship: Winter (December-February), Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August) and Fall (September-November). Deadline is 2 months prior to the start of the session. (Example: Fall deadline is July 1st. Interviews start the second week in July.)
When sending your resume and cover letter please specify which session(s) you are applying for. Applications may be accepted past the deadline date due to special circumstances, please email the Carnivore department for more information.
Send resume, cover letter, and references to:
Wildlife Safari Carnivore Keeper Internship P.O. Box 1600 Winston, OR 97496 | carnivore.internship@wildlifesafari.net
Education Internship
The Education Department at Wildlife Safari is currently accepting applications for our ongoing Internship Programs. This Internship offers an exciting, hands-on and unique opportunity. This internship is geared to individuals who want to explore a profession in Zoo Education. Education Department Intern duties include (but are not limited to): Conducting guided tours, zoo camps, overnights, educational outreach presentations, and animal care. We’re looking for a person with great people skills, an animal lover with an energetic and positive personality. As an intern you will care for the outreach animals and learn to use them as animal ambassadors.
Requirements:
- Must have at least two years toward a college degree in an animal related field
- Preferred to have some animal related experience
- Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
- Negative TB test
- Excellent customer service skills
- Must be willing to work overnight camps
- Able to speak to the public both individually and in a presentation setting
- Interns must present themselves in a professional manner during their internship
- Must be able to pass a drug test, including for marijuana
- Candidates must agree to a background check
The internship is unpaid for a period of three months. Off-site housing is offered for a small fee (no pets allowed). Transportation is NOT provided.
Start dates are flexible. To apply send resume and cover letter to Wildlife Safari, Department of Education, PO Box 1600, Winston, OR. 97496 or email to education@wildlifesafari.net
Elephant Internship
Learn how Wildlife Safari works to provide the highest quality interaction with wildlife to inspire lifelong commitments to conservation, education, and preservation of native and exotic species!
Wildlife Safari is excited to offer the opportunity to participate in an internship with the Elephant Department. Elephant interns will work as a full-time support staff member within the department to assist with the care of Wildlife Safari’s herd of African elephants. Elephant interns will get the opportunity to work with the Elephant staff on providing husbandry to the elephants, educational keeper talks, training observations, etc. as approved by the supervisor. Elephant interns will primarily have a support role in the department, assisting in cleaning, diet preparation, and hosting guest encounters.
The internship is designed to provide opportunities to learn the following:
- The introduction and implementation of safety guidelines outlined by AZA, EMA, and the Wildlife Safari Elephant Department
- The development of a strong foundation of skills and knowledge in regards to elephant husbandry, diets, and enrichment
- The chance to gain experience and confidence with public speaking, guest interactions, and presentation skills
- An introduction to elephant training commands and tools
- The ability gain a more complete understanding of all aspects of elephant care and behavior through opportunities to observe, and where possible assist, full-time staff members in husbandry procedures and training sessions
Requirements:
- Recommended at least one year toward a college degree in an animal-related field
- Must have some animal related experience, large animal experience preferred
- Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
- Provide a current negative TB test
- Able to speak to the public both individually and in a presentation set in a positive and professional fashion
- Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Be capable of participating in the physical aspects of the position including lifting/moving heavy objects (50lbs)
- Must be able to pass a drug test, including for marijuana
- Candidates must agree to a background check
- Excellent customer service skills
The internship is unpaid for a period of three months. There are four sections of the internship: Winter (December-February), Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August) and Fall (September-November). Off-site housing is offered for a small fee (no pets allowed). Transportation is NOT provided.
Send resume, cover letter, and references to:
Elephant Department Internship
P.O. Box 1600
Winston, OR 97496
elephants@wildlifesafari.net
Ungulate Internship
Wildlife Safari has a large collection of exotic and native hoof stock, such as, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, elk, bison, zebras, etc., as well as a variety of bird species including ratites and cranes. The ungulate collection is spread out in three open exhibit areas: Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Ungulate interns will work alongside full-time keepers to gain experience with daily husbandry of exotic animals including diet preparation, cleaning, enrichment, and assisting in medical procedures, in addition to hosting animal encounters. Currently the department has several herds of breeding animals. The department focuses on training programs with giraffes, Nile hippos, and Southern white rhinos. Interns will be able to observe husbandry training and potentially be involved in the reinforcement of trained behaviors. Interns also have the opportunity to cross-train with other departments on their weekends. This field is very physical, so the applicant must be able to perform difficult tasks such as lifting heavy objects and remaining active for long hours in all weather.
Requirements:
- Must have at least two years toward a college degree in an animal related field
- Preferred to have some animal related experience
- Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
- Negative TB test
- Ability to lift 50 pounds or more repeatedly
- Able to speak to the public both individually and in a presentation setting
- Must be able to pass a drug test, including for marijuana
- Candidates must agree to a background check
- Excellent customer service skills
The internship is unpaid for a period of three months. Off-site housing may be provided for a small fee (no pets allowed). Transportation is NOT provided.
There are four sections of the internship: Winter (December-February), Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August) and Fall (September-November). Deadline is 2 months prior to the start of the session. (Example: Fall deadline is July 1st. Interviews start the second week in July.) Applications may be accepted past deadline date due to special circumstances, please e-mail Ungulate department for more information.
When sending your resume and cover-letter please specify which session(s) you are applying for.
Send resume, cover letter, and references to:
Ungulate Internship
P.O. Box 1600
Winston, OR 97496
Ungulates@wildlifesafari.net
Village Internship
Our Village department is currently looking for dedicated and enthusiastic interns to assist in helping us in maintaining our diverse animal collection. Our collection includes reptiles, birds, and mammals of all sizes. Interns will be working as full-time keepers and will assist in every aspect of animal care including, but not limited to; diet prep, daily husbandry, exhibit maintenance, enrichment, operant conditioning, medical procedures, observation, and public interaction. The village does do a variety of keeper talks and private encounters; memorization and public speaking are required skills.
Requirements:
- Must have at least two years toward a college degree in an animal related field
- Preferred to have some animal related experience
- Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
- Negative TB test
- Able to speak to the public both individually and in a presentation setting
- Able to lift and carry 50 lbs
- Must be able to pass a drug test, including for marijuana
- Candidates must agree to a background check
- Excellent customer service skills
The internship is unpaid for a period of three months. Off-site housing is offered for a small fee (no pets allowed). Transportation is NOT provided.
There are four sections of the internship: Winter (December-February), Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August) and Fall (September-November). Deadline is 2 months prior to the start of the session. (Example: Fall deadline is July 1st. Interviews start the second week in July.) When sending your resume and cover-letter please specify which session(s) you are applying for.
Send resume, cover letter, and references to:
Village Keeper Internship
P.O. Box 1600
Winston, OR 97496
village@wildlifesafari.net
Please write what months you are available in the subject line.