2026 Fall Animal Caretaker Intern - Birds - OKC Zoo

Employment Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt | Duration: 12 weeks beginning September 5th, 2026 | Schedule: 20 hours per week | Compensation: $14.00/hour

About the Role

This internship is designed to be an entry point for someone seeking a career working with animals. Interns will receive training and experience in animal care and welfare by working alongside animal care staff to assist with the husbandry of the Bird Department and other assigned taxa. This position will learn to interact with the public to enhance visitor experiences and perform a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff, and the public.

Primary work locations include zoo settings both indoors and outdoors. This position is safety-sensitive, subject to pre-employment and periodic background checks, drug testing, and annual tuberculosis testing due to working around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases.

Certification requirements: Valid Oklahoma driver’s license, passing a driver’s history check, and completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI training within the first two weeks of employment.

Development Outcomes

• Develop a deep understanding of the natural behaviors and life histories of area species through research, observation, and discussion with staff.
• Understand the responsibilities of qualified Bird Caretakers and standards of animal husbandry by reviewing guidelines and observing staff.
• Learn operant conditioning processes and standards through observation, discussion, and feedback on training sessions.
• Gain insight into medical care by observing staff medicating and treating animals, and assisting veterinary staff during procedures.
• Understand the purpose, planning, and execution of animal transfers and transports through observation and staff discussions.
• Become familiar with the Zoo’s strategic plan and institutional goals by reviewing the strategic plan and employee handbook.
• Learn AZA Accreditation Standards for assigned taxa by reviewing Animal Care Manuals (ACMs) and discussing implementation with staff.
• Understand area safety protocols and procedures by reviewing protocols and touring Bird areas with staff.
• Work effectively in a team environment, including with volunteers, by participating in daily routines and giving/receiving feedback.
• Develop skills in team decision-making, group feedback, and information gathering by attending and participating in team meetings.
• Understand normal and abnormal behavior of assigned taxa through reviewing natural histories and discussing observations with staff.
• Plan and organize work projects by assisting staff in identifying, planning, and completing area projects.
• Gain an understanding of zoo-wide priorities, goals, and responsibilities by shadowing staff in other departments.
• Learn to properly clean indoor and outdoor habitats by shadowing and assisting staff.
• Measure, prepare, and distribute diets by shadowing and assisting staff in diet processes.
• Understand enrichment protocols and develop skills to create, offer, and evaluate enrichment for animals.
• Learn weather parameters for each species by reviewing protocols and discussing housing choices with staff.
• Understand emergency response procedures by reviewing protocols and participating in drills.
• Develop skills in basic yard and habitat maintenance, such as checking/repairing hotwire, maintaining yards, and cleaning pools.
• Become familiar with the Zoo’s conservation activities by researching current/past activities and participating in conservation communication training.
• Educate and interact positively with guests in formal and informal settings through shadowing staff and participating in Keeper Chats or public training sessions.
• Learn to use computer programs such as Microsoft Office, ZIMS, and internet browsers through shadowing and assisting staff.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Commitment of 20 hours weekly for the duration of the internship, including flexibility for evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergencies.
• Current college or graduate student pursuing an applicable degree, recent graduate, or relevant education with interest in transitioning into an animal care career.
• Interest in pursuing a career in animal care.
• Ability to work well in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• Provide own housing and transportation.