Summer Internship: High Desert Oasis
Organization: Utah’s Hogle Zoo (AZA Member)
Internship: High Desert Oasis Internship
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
POSITION SUMMARY:
This internship is geared towards college students and recent graduates who are interested in playing a direct role in caring for Mongolian Wild Horses, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, White Rhinos, Bactrian Camels, Burros, Big Horn Sheep, American Badger, and Cougars. **Interns will be restricted with their interactions with the cougars.**
All candidates should be organized, self-motivated, dependable, positive, have excellent people skills, and show an interest in pursuing a career in animal care management. This internship is an in-depth program requiring a 40-hour per week commitment for 12 weeks. Interns must be flexible with their schedule and have the ability to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
REPORTS TO: Animal Care Supervisor of High Desert Oasis
DATES: Summer May 18- August 17, 2026 (start and end date may be flexible based on school schedule)
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The selected candidates will assist the Keeper staff in all aspects of caring for the Zoo’s animals in High Desert Oasis. This internship is designed to provide instruction in the following areas: animal husbandry, nutrition and diet preparation, record keeping, public education and knowledge of species under your care. Intern duties may include the following under keeper supervision (may vary based on skill level and departmental needs):
1. Diet preparation and feeding
2. Cleaning of animal exhibits and holding areas
3. Exhibit maintenance
4. Observing and recording animal condition, behaviors, and responses
5. Positive and educational interaction with zoo guests
6. Animal enrichment
7. Training observation
QUALIFICATIONS:
Be currently enrolled in a college or university, or have recently graduated. Have a minimum of one year of course work in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, etc.). Applicant should have a strong career interest in hoof stock husbandry in a zoological setting. Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment, able to lift 50 lbs. and work outdoors in the typical Utah climate. Interns need to have a recent negative TB test and tetanus shot. They must also pass a background check and a drug test if selected. Because of the nature of working close to a variety of animals, both alongside the management and keeper staff, the applicant needs to demonstrate maturity, self-motivation, and an ability to follow direction.A basic knowledge and understanding of computer word processing and PowerPoint is helpful. The ability to gain and hold a driver’s license is required. First Aid/CPR certified preferred.
WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours a week for a minimum of 12 weeks (holidays and weekends may be required)
COMPENSATION: The High Desert Oasis internship is unpaid. Professional development opportunities will be available. Possible college credit is available for those able to receive it through their college/university. No housing provided.
Scholarship Award: Interns participating in an unpaid internship at Utah’s Hogle Zoo will have the opportunity to apply for the Hugh H. Hogle, MD Internship Award. This award provides one scholarship annually to a Utah's Hogle Zoo summer intern; as funds are available.
TO APPLY: Applications are due by February 15, 2026.
Please visit https://www.hoglezoo.org/internship-opportunities/ to fill out an application. Attach a resume, cover letter, and informal transcript to application or send to volunteeroffice@hoglezoo.org. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.
Applicants will be contacted for interviews at the end of February, please do not expect to hear from us before then. Please e-mail volunteeroffice@hoglezoo.org with any questions.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive internship program representative of a variety of backgrounds, age groups, perspectives, experiences, abilities, and strengths.