Animal Care Behavioral Observation Internship - Spring 2027

About the role

Are you interested in learning about animal behavior and wellbeing? What about designing and conducting animal observation projects? If so, our Behavioral Observation internship might be for you!

Our Behavioral Observation interns work closely with our Animal Wellbeing team, learning about developing ethograms, different sampling rules and recording techniques, and how best to apply those concepts to answer a specific question. Interns will also be trained on Scanimals, CZA’s general animal observation program. Once trained on the basics, interns will begin independently conducting small projects in their region, typically focused on activity budgets, habitat usage, conspecific or enrichment interactions. After a project is completed, interns will learn how to compile their data into a professional report to share with Animal Care staff. Interns will also be required to complete various quizzes, training, and a final reflection paper assigned by their mentor.

Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on the following schedule: Spring Opportunities reviewed in November, Summer Opportunities reviewed in March, Fall Opportunities reviewed in June.

Responsibilities

• Develop ethograms and apply sampling rules and recording techniques
• Receive training on Scanimals (CZA’s general animal observation program)
• Conduct independent small projects focused on activity budgets, habitat usage, conspecific or enrichment interactions
• Compile data into professional reports for Animal Care staff
• Complete quizzes, training, and a final reflection paper as assigned by a mentor

Requirements

• Student or recent graduate (≤2 years) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine or related program
• 3.0 or above cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred
• TB test required
• Prior animal care or animal welfare knowledge/experience preferred
• Knowledge/experience conducting formal observations on zoological animals preferred but not required
• Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully
• Subject to BMV check
• Subject to Criminal Background check

Learning Objectives

• Animal Observations
• Animal Behavior
• Animal Welfare Science
• Enrichment and Training
• Accreditation Standards related to Animal Wellbeing

Skills

• Proficient on Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
• Able to use tablet to input data
• Strong computer skills, ability to work with pivot tables and Excel spreadsheets
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Professional appearance and behavior at all times
• Ability to work in varied weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow)
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays (July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day)

Benefits

Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to support hands-on, mission‑driven internship experiences at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. Applicants must be Ohio residents or attend an Ohio college or university and meet all other program eligibility requirements. Scholarship application windows: Winter October 1 – November 30, Spring December 1 – January 31, Summer February 1 – March 31, Fall May 1 – June 30. To apply, visit https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships.

Schedule

Hours: 20 to 40 hours per week for 12 to 16 weeks.