Pinniped Internship 2026

Responsibilities

• 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 interpretation to the general public
• Maintaining area grounds and buildings
• Performing other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 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)

Qualifications

Subject to Drug Free Workplace Policy.

Subject to BMV check and Criminal Background check.

Benefits

The RISE Scholarship, generously funded by Battelle, is now open! Eligible interns can apply for a $5,000 scholarship supporting hands‑on, mission‑driven internship experiences across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds—applications are open May 1- June 30, 2026. To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit https//www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships.

Pay

Minimum of 20 hours/week for 12 to 16 weeks

Schedule

Flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays (July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day)