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Internship Programs

Limited opportunities for college students and graduates are available for internships at Zoo Miami and Zoo Miami Foundation. Unless noted below, internships are unpaid.

Animal Health Program

This internship is designed to allow participants who desire a career in veterinary medicine and/or animal nutrition to gain hands on experience in a zoological setting. The interns will not only be exposed to the daily tasks of vets, vet techs and keepers working in their sections but also educated in the areas of vet medicine, nutrition, husbandry, training, enrichment, biology, conservation and record keeping. It is our goal to offer a dynamic internship to individuals who have chosen a career in animal health of zoological animals.

Description: The internship at Zoo Miami is designed for college students or recent graduates interested in multi-species animal health. This internship is unpaid. Interns must commit to a 16-week period (including but not limited to weekends and holidays). 

  • Zoo Hospital Clinical Internship must commit to a minimum of 460 hours
  • Zoo Hospital Husbandry and Nutrition Internship must commit to a minimum of 320 hours
  • Zoo Nutrition Science Internship must commit to a minimum of 320 hours

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be currently enrolled in college or recent college graduate
  • Must provide cover letter and resume
  • Must provide professional and/or academic references
  • Must be able to afford housing, food and transportation to Zoo Miami
  • Must have good communication skills, written and verbal
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and be in good physical condition
  • Must provide a current negative TB test prior to internship start date
  • Must submit to background check and fingerprint screening at designated county facility

Although this internship will better equip individuals for a job in the animal health field, this internship does not guarantee employment with Zoo Miami or Miami-Dade County. 

All applicants will be notified upon receipt of all materials. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.  Selected applicants will be contacted by the coordinator of their acceptance and notified by Human Resources for further processing. 

Internship Application Deadlines:

Semester Applications Accepted Application Deadlines
Summer (May-Aug.) Jan. 10 - March 10 March 10
Fall (Sept.-Dec.) May 10 - July 10 July 10
Spring (Jan.-April) Sept. 10 - Nov. 10 Nov. 10

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter , resume and  internship application  (below).

 

Submit Documents to: ZMInternships@miamidade.gov

Area Description​ ​​​​​​(But not limited to) # of Interns Accepted
Zoo Hospital Clinical Internship

This internship is focused on learning and gaining experience in all aspects of clinical operations in a zoo hospital setting.  Duties may include assisting veterinary staff with examinations and medical procedures/anesthesia, processing laboratory samples, performing necropsies and handling tissues, performing proper disinfection and sterilization techniques, learning biosecurity principles, animal handling and restraint, animal observations, assisting with research projects, cleaning of animal holding areas, preparing and distributing diets, data entry, assisting veterinary technicians and hospital keepers with hospital maintenance duties, and other related tasks.

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Zoo Hospital Husbandry and Nutrition Internship This internship is focused on learning all aspects of zoo animal health husbandry in hospital, quarantine, nutrition and breeding scenarios. The zoo’s animal collection is always changing and an individual’s health needs change with its life history. Interns will have the potential to work with a variety of taxa including: birds, carnivores, ungulates, reptiles, amphibians, fish, etc. Internship duties will include: assisting with animal feeding, enrichment, observation, record keeping, enclosure set up/cleaning, exhibit modification, biosecurity techniques, principles of quarantine, diet preparation, food item stocking and inventory, food safety and sanitation principals, dietary sampling, food item/vendor research, developing food recipes and other related tasks. There may also be opportunities to observe medical procedures and to assist with quarantine examinations and necropsies. 4
Zoo Nutrition Science Internship This internship is focused on working directly with the Zoo Nutritionist to learn nutrition science and research principles. Duties may include assisting with, diet formulation, diet nutrient analysis, nutritional monitoring and evaluation of animal body conditions, dietary item sampling, food enrichment, necropsy evaluation of animal body condition, data entry and assisting with nutrition research projects.  Duties may also include assisting with Animal Nutrition Center operations, diet preparation, and other nutrition-related tasks. 2

Animal Science Program

This internship is designed to allow participants who desire a career in the animal care field to gain hands-on experience in a zoological setting. It is our goal to offer a dynamic internship to not only be exposed to the daily tasks of the animal science staff but also educated in the areas of husbandry, training, enrichment, biology, conservation and record keeping.  This internship is unpaid. Interns must commit to a 16-week period and a minimum of 320 hours (including but not limited to weekends and holidays).  

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be currently enrolled in college or recent college graduate
  • Must provide cover letter and resume
  • Must provide professional and/or academic references
  • Must be able to afford housing, food and transportation to Zoo Miami
  • Must have good communication skills, written and verbal
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. and be in good physical condition
  • Must provide a current negative TB test prior to internship start date
  • Must submit to background check and fingerprint screening at designated county facility

Although this internship will better equip individuals for a job in the animal care field, this internship does not guarantee employment with Zoo Miami or Miami-Dade County. 

All applicants will be notified upon receipt of all materials. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.  Selected applicants will be contacted by the coordinator of their acceptance and notified by Human Resources for further processing. 

Internship Application Deadlines:

Semester Applications Accepted Application Deadlines
Summer (May-Aug.) Jan. 10 - March 10 March 10
Fall (Sept.-Dec.) May 10 - July 10

July 10

Spring (Jan.-April) Sept. 10 - Nov. 10 Nov. 10

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and internship application (below).

 

Submit Documents to: ASInternships@miamidade.gov

 

AREA Description​ ​​​​​​(But not limited to) # OF INTERNS ACCEPTED
African Carnivores African painted dog, spotted hyena, Somali wild ass, lion, tiger,  Malayan tapir, and Cuban crocodile 4
Africa Hoofstock Giraffe, zebra, sable antelope, pygmy hippopotamus, okapi, bongo, mongoose lemur, rhinos, and a variety of other hoofstock 4
African Primates Gorilla and chimpanzee 1
A&B -  Atlantic Bats, jaguar, giant anteater, giant river otter, guanaco, spider monkey, howler monkey, peccary, sloth, warthog, red river hog, Visayan warty pig, and babirusa 1
A&B -  Cloud

Amphibians, fish, snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles, Komodo dragon

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A&B -  Flooded Harpy eagle, a variety of waterfowl, passerines, other softbills, as well as small primates and reptiles 1
Ambassador  -  Amphitheater Wildlife presentation and animal encounters - cheetah, serval, birds of prey, large snakes, psittacines, coatimundi, and other small mammals 1
Ambassador  -  Critter Connection Guest Engagement/Presentations - meerkat, red fox, prehensile-tailed porcupine, psittacines, birds of prey, camel, various reptiles, and domestic hoofstock 3
Asia Mammals Anoa, orangutan, gibbon, siamang, clouded leopard, Asian small-clawed otter, gaur, camels, lemur, sloth bear, and Komodo dragon 3
Australia Koala, tree kangaroo, singing dog, wombat, and cassowary 1
Avian Propagation Center Incubation and hand-rearing of critically endangered or extinct in the wild avian species 4
Aviary Area consists of a 2.5 acre free-flight aviary with over 350 birds and 70 species, including small and large birds such as hornbills, storks, and cranes 1
Elephants Asian elephant and African elephant 1
Florida: Mission Everglades American alligator, bobcat, grey fox, raccoon, American crocodile, bald eagle, flamingo, panther, bear, and wading birds 2
Animal Wellbeing and Research # OF INTERNS ACCEPTED
This internship will help aspiring professionals acquire experience with a wide variety of skills critical to any animal welfare program including ethogram development, behavioral research methodology, observational data collection techniques, basic data analysis, zoological record management, and zoo administration. This unique internship offers students the opportunity to experience almost all aspects of animal operations at the zoo. 3

Learning Experiences Program

Seeking interns to assist with community engagement and environmental education programs. Potential intern projects include working with students through our school education programs, working with Educators in the Animal Fun Factory (an enrichment makers space), and assisting the Camp Manager with daily operations of Zoo Camp.  

This internship with the Zoo Miami Foundation is designed for college students or recent graduates interested in conservation education. This internship is unpaid. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week worked for the entire length of their internship (4 months total).

Internship Application Deadlines:

Semester Applications Accepted Application Deadlines
Summer 2022 (May-Aug.) Jan. 10 - April 15, 2022 April 15, 2022
Fall 2022 (Sept. - Dec.) May 10 - July 15, 2022 July 15, 2022

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume along with the internship application form (below).

Submit Documents to: education@zoomiami.org

Development & Fundraising Program (Closed)

Activities include data entry, donor gift fulfillment, folding and stuffing for mailings, donor research, and other development-related activities as needed. Ability to assist with weekend and evening events is a plus. Must be detail-oriented and able to use Microsoft Office. Contact Carlos Simoes (csimoes@zoomiami.org).

Graphics Program

The Graphics and Exhibits Team is currently seeking applicants who desire a career in Graphic Design and would like to gain firsthand experience in an attraction/ zoo setting.  Ideal candidates will be passionate designers with a love for animals, conservation, and have regard for our zoo's mission.  This position provides the opportunities to participate in brainstorm sessions with the design team, hands on experience with design equipment, and the chance to help design and fabricate some zoo signage.  Candidates must submit a portfolio, or link to portfolio website, with their applications to be considered.

Description: The internship at Zoo Miami is designed for college students or recent graduates interested in Graphic Design within a large attraction setting.  This internship is unpaid. Interns must commit to a minimum of 320 hours over a 16-week period including but not limited to weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities:

  • Create and assist with Zoo Miami design work
  • Some computer work with graphic design software (Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop)
  • Periodical exhibit walkthroughs to ensure all signage is in good standing
  • Printing, cutting and mounting vinyl graphics
  • Some help with the organization of Graphics studio
  •  Meet with at least three different zoo divisions

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be currently enrolled in college or recent college graduate
  • Must provide cover letter, resume, graphic design portfolio and college transcripts
  • Must provide professional and/or academic references
  • Must be able to afford housing, food, and transportation to Zoo Miami
  • Must have good communication skills, written and verbal
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and be in good physical condition
  • Must submit to background check and fingerprint screening at designated county facility

Although this internship will better equip individuals for a job in the graphic design field, this internship does not guarantee employment with Zoo Miami or Miami-Dade County. 

All applicants will be notified upon receipt of all materials. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.  Selected applicants will be contacted by the coordinator of their acceptance and notified by Zoo Human Resources for further processing.

Internship Application Deadlines:

Semester Applications Accepted Application Deadlines
Summer (May-Aug.) Jan. 10 - Mar. 10 March 10
Fall (Sept.-Dec.) May 10 - July 10 July 10
Spring (Jan.-April) Sept. 10 - Nov. 10 Nov. 10

Interested applicants must submit a cover letterresume, graphic design portfolio and internship application form (below).

Please note - Animal interactions are limited.

Submit Documents to: ZMInternships@miamidade.gov

 

Area

Description​ ​​​​​​(But not limited to)

# of Interns Accepted
Graphics Department

Intern will assist with hands on design work within the Graphics Department.  Other functions include: Create and assist with design work related to Zoo Miami signage, perform some computer work with graphic design software, learn to work with various shop-related tools to complete projects, complete independent walk-through of different ground areas to ensure all signage and exhibits are up to date and in good standing, assist Graphics Manager and Graphic Artists with various duties and organizational tasks around the department area.

1

Horticulture Program

The Horticulture department is currently seeking applicants who desire a career in Zoological Horticulture. Zoo Miami covers over 350 developed acres and over 600 total acres. The interns will not only be exposed to the daily tasks of the horticulture teams by working in their sections but they will also be educated in the areas of Zoo landscape architecture and paddock design. It is our goal to offer a dynamic internship to individuals who have chosen a career in Zoological Horticulture who would like to gain firsthand experience in a dynamic facility with a multitude of systems. Zoo Miami’s Horticulture professional intern program is designed to provide qualified students with the opportunity to further their knowledge through practical hands on work experience.

Description: The internship at Zoo Miami is designed for college students or recent graduates interested in Landscape design, maintenance and park operation. This internship is unpaid. Interns must commit to a minimum of 320 hours over a 16-week period including but not limited to weekends and holidays. 

Responsibilities:

  • Daily check-in with assistant manager for job assignments
  • Clerical office work
  • Assist with plant and tree inventory
  • Plant ID, tagging and GPS
  • Volunteer supervision

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be currently enrolled in college or recent college graduate
  • Must provide cover letter, resume and college transcripts
  • Must provide professional and/or academic references
  • Must be able to afford housing, food and transportation to Zoo Miami
  • Must have good communication skills, written and verbal
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and be in good physical condition
  • Must submit to background check and fingerprint screening at designated county facility

Although this internship will better equip individuals for a job in the horticulture field, this internship does not guarantee employment with Zoo Miami or Miami-Dade County. 

All applicants will be notified upon receipt of all materials. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.  Selected applicants will be contacted by the coordinator of their acceptance and notified by Zoo Human Resources for further processing. 

Semester Applications Accepted Application Deadlines
Summer (May-Aug.) Jan. 10 - March 10 March 10
Fall (Sept.-Dec.) May 10 - July 10 July 10
Spring (Jan.-April) Sept. 10 - Nov. 10 Nov. 10

Please note- Animal interactions are limited.

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume along with the internship application form (below)

Submit Documents to: ZMInternships@miamidade.gov

AREA

INCLUDES:

(But not limited to)

# OF INTERNS ACCEPTED
Horticulture Assist the horticulture department with daily landscape operations. To include general maintenance, paddock design, plant ID, GIS, tree inventory, landscape inspections, special events prep. 2

Infrastructure & Construction Program

The Infrastructure / Construction Division is currently seeking applicants who desire a career in Construction Management and Facility Management. Zoo Miami covers over 350 developed acres and over 600 total acres. The interns will not only be exposed to the daily tasks of the Construction and Trades teams by working in their sections but they will also be educated in the areas of system design thru facility functionality and maintenance. It is our goal to offer a dynamic internship to individuals who have chosen a career in Construction, Facility Maintenance and Professional Engineering Design who would like to gain firsthand experience in a dynamic facility with a multitude of systems.

Description: The internship at Zoo Miami is designed for college students or recent graduates interested in Construction Management, Facility Management and Professional Engineering Design. This internship is unpaid. Interns must commit to a minimum of 320 hours over a 16-week period including but not limited to weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist Trades Supervisor in work order management
  • Assist Construction Manager with daily construction activities
  • Clerical office work
  • Assist in trouble shooting systems
  • Meet with at least three different zoo divisions

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be currently enrolled in college or recent college graduate
  • Must provide cover letter, resume and college transcripts
  • Must provide professional and/or academic references
  • Must be able to afford housing, food and transportation to Zoo Miami
  • Must have good communication skills, written and verbal
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and be in good physical condition
  • Must submit to background check and fingerprint screening at designated county facility

Although this internship will better equip individuals for a job in the construction / facility management field, this internship does not guarantee employment with Zoo Miami or Miami-Dade County. 

All applicants will be notified upon receipt of all materials. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.  Selected applicants will be contacted by the coordinator of their acceptance and notified by Zoo Human Resources for further processing. 

Semester Applications Accepted Application Deadlines
Summer (May-Aug.) Jan. 10 - March 10 March 10
Fall (Sept.-Dec.) May 10 - July 10 July 10
Spring (Jan.-April) Sept. 10 - Nov. 10 Nov. 10

Please note- Animal interactions are limited.

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume along with the internship application form (below)

Submit Documents to: ZMInternships@miamidade.gov

AREA

INCLUDES:

(But not limited to)

# OF INTERNS ACCEPTED

Infrastructure/ Construction

Assist the Construction and Trades department with the day-to-daytasks such as; work order management, construction activities,  clerical office work, troubleshooting systems, education in the areas  of system design thru facility functionality and maintenance, all  while providing exceptional customer service. 2

Sales & Events Program

The Sales and Events Team is currently seeking applicants who desire a career in Hospitality Management and Tourism. Zoo Miami caters to approximately one million guests annually. The interns will not only be exposed to the daily tasks of the Sales and Events team by working in their sections but they will also be educated in the areas of park operations. It is our goal to offer a dynamic internship to individuals who have chosen a career in Hospitality and Tourism and would like to gain firsthand experience in an attraction/ zoo setting.

Description: The internship at Zoo Miami is designed for college students or recent graduates interested in Sales, Events and park operation. This internship is unpaid. Interns must commit to a minimum of 320 hours over a 16-week period including but not limited to weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities:

  • Group check-in
  • Clerical office work
  • Assist in execution of events
  • Meet with at least five different zoo divisions
  • Participate in lectures on customer service, park operations, etc.

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be currently enrolled in college or recent college graduate
  • Must provide cover letter, resume and college transcripts
  • Must provide professional and/or academic references
  • Must be able to afford housing, food and transportation to Zoo Miami
  • Must have good communication skills, written and verbal
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and be in good physical condition
  • Must submit to background check and fingerprint screening at designated county facility

Although this internship will better equip individuals for a job in the hospitality field, this internship does not guarantee employment with Zoo Miami or Miami-Dade County.

All applicants will be notified upon receipt of all materials. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.  Selected applicants will be contacted by the coordinator of their acceptance and notified by Zoo Human Resources for further processing.

Internship Application Deadlines:

Semester Applications Accepted Application Deadlines
Summer (May-Aug.) Jan. 10 - March 10 March 10
Fall (Sept.-Dec.) May 10 - July 10 July 10
Spring (Jan.-April) Sept. 10 - Nov. 10 Nov. 10

Please note- Animal interactions are limited.

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume along with the internship application form (below)

 

Submit Documents to: ZMInternships@miamidade.gov

Special Events Program

Interns working with the Special Events Manager will be working under the Marketing department to assist in a variety of fundraising projects and events. Duties may include vendor research, such as getting quotes, production of sponsorship proposal packets, assisting with décor, volunteers, and other organizational aspects of the event. This is an ideal opportunity to gain knowledge and develop skills in special event planning. Must be able to work 15 hours per week. Good organizational skills and attention to detail is a must. Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Windows, and other related computer programs necessary. Contact Stefan Schwindeman at sschwindeman@zoomiami.org

Marketing & Public Relations Program (Closed)

We are sorry to inform you that we are currently not accepting any internship applications until further notice.

Zoo Miami Foundation Marketing and Public Relations interns will be involved in general marketing tasks and special projects.  They will learn about event planning and implementation, how to conduct visitor surveys, write press releases or stories, assemble press kits, maintain a press clippings book, and research. This is an ideal opportunity to gain practical experience for a career in the field and further cultivate their skills through a real-life work experience.  This internship will help them acquire marketing skills and provide them with knowledge of various marketing strategies. Ultimately, they will gain broad experience in marketing and should be prepared to enter any fast paced work environment. Marketing interns must be able to attend a minimum of 10 hours per week, including some weekends. 

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