Animal Care Behavioral Observation Internship - Summer 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. Learning objectives include animal observations, animal behavior, animal welfare science, enrichment and training, and accreditation standards related to animal wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Develop ethograms and apply sampling rules and recording techniques
• Use Scanimals for animal observation data collection
• Design and conduct small projects on activity budgets, habitat usage, conspecific or enrichment interactions
• Compile project data into professional reports for Animal Care staff
• Complete required quizzes, training modules, and a final reflection paper

Requirements

• Student or recent graduate (≤2 years) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or related field
• 3.0+ cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred
• TB test required
• Prior animal care or animal welfare knowledge/experience preferred
• Experience with formal observations on zoological animals preferred but not required
• Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully
• Subject to BMV and criminal background checks

Skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
• Ability to use a tablet for data input
• Strong computer skills, including pivot tables and spreadsheet manipulation
• 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 (Oct 1‑Nov 30), Spring (Dec 1‑Jan 31), Summer (Feb 1‑Mar 31), Fall (May 1‑Jun 30). To apply, visit https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships.

Schedule

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