Animal Care Intern

Animal Care Intern: Area 2

SUMMARY 

The John Ball Zoo Animal Care Intern will perform technical animal management work in the care and feeding of exotic and domestic animals, cleaning and maintenance of buildings, animal displays, and other animal enclosures. Interns also observe and report on the physical and behavioral condition of the animals. Work is performed under general supervision following established policies, procedures, and instructions.  All internships are paid, and no housing assistance is provided. 

Perspective applicants should have a basic knowledge of building cleaning methods and materials. They should have knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of biology, zoology, or animal husbandry. An ability to learn proper animal management principles and practices as applied to an animal collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, or aquatic life. The ability to understand and follow oral/written instructions, to perform building and ground maintenance work frequently of a heavy nature, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public. Applicants should be physically and mentally capable of performing all the duties of the internship. 

This is a John Ball Zoo Internship paid position with 40 hours, 5 days a week. Housing is not provided but can be arranged by the intern at a local university, find more information at https://www.gvsu.edu/internhousing/.  

The Zoo Internship Program is not represented at the hiring parties, please apply online. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close once a strong pool of candidates is reached—apply early! 

Start Date: ​5/18/2026​ 

End Date: ​8/7/2026​ 

Starting Pay: $ 14.00 

  
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES 

• Understanding of operations of a non-profit zoo 
• John Ball Zoos Mission and efforts to realize it 
• Increased understanding of animal behavior. 
• Increased understanding of animal welfare. 
• Increased understanding of practical applications of animal husbandry. 
• Confidence in public speaking / guest relations skills. 

EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS 

• Presentation; presented to other interns, senior management, and possibly other staff. 
• Expected to attend and participate in all intern activities hosted by the zoo. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other team members, including employees, volunteers, and guests. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Must be enrolled in a relevant college program or have/ recently graduated in the last 12 months from a relevant degree program. Junior or senior college status or higher (preferred) pursuing a degree in biology, zoology, zoo management, etc. 
• Must be a highly motivated person with the ability to take direction, work independently or in a team, and complete projects in a timely manner. 
• Must have excellent communication skills, and the ability to interact positively and appropriately with coworkers, supervisors, managers, and members of the public with a wide variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. 
• Must be willing to work a regular schedule including weekends. 
• Must be able to work near small mammals, primates, amphibians, reptiles, and food items including fish. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE   

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of biology, zoology, or animal husbandry. 

REQUIREMENTS   

• Intern will work in various environments both inside and outside and may occasionally be exposed to inclement weather, pollen, mold, dust, dirt and other airborne contaminants. 
• Must be able to work in proximity to exotic and domestic animals. Must be able to tolerate exposure to animal dander, animal wastes, and other zoonotic contaminants. 
• Ability to bend, twist, stoop and stretch to enter animal enclosures. 
• Hearing comprehension and sight (20/20 corrected vision) for safety reasons. 
• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs. Strength to push and pull feed carts and animal doors. 
• Repetitive use of hands and constant exposure of hands to various cleaning products and/or fluids in performance of duties. 
• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time. 

  

John Ball Zoo is a drug-free workplace under federal regulations. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.