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Summer Internship: Rocky Shores

Utah's Hogle Zoo
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Organization: Utah’s Hogle Zoo (AZA Member) 

Internship: Rocky Shores Internship

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

 

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

This internship is designed for college students and recent graduates who are interested in playing a direct role in caring for harbor seals, California sea lions, North American river otters, and bald eagles. Interns may have the opportunity to indirectly work with and learn about husbandry routines for polar bears and grizzly bears. All applicants should be organized, self-motivated and have excellent people skills. 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 Rocky Shores

 

DATES: Summer May 18- August 17, 2026 (start and end date may be flexible based on school schedule)

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The selected candidate will assist the keeper staff in all aspects of caring for the Zoo’s Rocky Shores collection. This internship is designed to provide instruction in the following areas: USDA and AZA regulations, animal husbandry, training, enrichment, nutrition and diets, record keeping, public education and knowledge of the species in the area. Intern duties may include the following under keeper supervision (may vary based on skill level and departmental needs):

  • Diet preparation and kitchen cleaning 
  • Cleaning of animal exhibits and holding areas 
  • Exhibit maintenance
  • Positive and educational interactions with zoo guests 
  • Observing and recording animal condition, behaviors, and responses
  • Animal enrichment
  • Behavioral ethograms
  • Observe and indirectly participate in training with various species
  • Narration of training demonstrations 

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Applicant should have a strong career interest in animal husbandry and informal education in a zoological setting. Applicant should currently be enrolled in a college or university and have a minimum of one year of course work in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, or a related field) or have recently graduated. Previous animal experience is preferred. 

 

Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment with people of all ages. They should be able to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in the typical Utah summer climate.  Applicants interested in a position in Rocky Shores must be able to pass a casual swim test, be comfortable working around water, comfortable with heights and comfortable working in relatively confined spaces. Interns need to have a recent negative TB test and a tetanus shot is recommended. The applicant needs to demonstrate maturity, self-motivation, and an ability to follow direction. A basic knowledge and understanding of computer word processing, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint is helpful. The ability to gain and hold a driver’s license is required. 

 

WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours a week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Interns are expected to work on holidays and weekends.

 

COMPENSATION: The Rocky Shores Intern position 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.