Education Internship

Dakota Zoo Education Internship

Education Internship Program

The Dakota Zoo’s Education Internship Program offers individuals a unique opportunity to work directly with a wide variety of animals and explore the role of a Zoo Educator. Internships are available for motivated persons who are striving to gain experience in the zoo field and/or college graduates seeking on-the-job experience. Internships provide practical experience in a zoological environment, provide some of the experience needed to be considered for positions working in zoological facilities and may help the intern to decide on their final career choice.

A self‑motivated and serious intern can expect to gain an understanding of the Dakota Zoo’s dedication to fostering awareness and appreciation for wildlife as described in its mission statement, “to instill and inspire a better understanding and appreciation for animals and nature.” The intern can also expect to grow to understand the importance of wildlife conservation and preservation through learning about the Dakota Zoo Conservation Fund and its mission “to support and promote wildlife conservation on a local, national and international level, with special emphasis on animal species that are found in our collection.”

Whether it is learning about the Dakota Zoo’s involvement in programs such as Species Survival Plans (SSP’s), activities such as spotlighting endangered black‑footed ferrets in the badlands of South Dakota, or assisting with helping an injured eagle to recuperate, interns will be able to grasp the significance that just one facility can make in the efforts of supporting wildlife conservation and enabling zoo visitors to gain an appreciation and concern for animals and nature.

Interns will also gain knowledge of education program development, program implementation, animal husbandry, ambassador animal training, enrichment, socialization, dietary requirements of animals, general knowledge of behavior, disease, and proper animal handling. Internships offer a modest stipend upon successful completion. Housing is not provided.

Education Internship Duties

• Summer Camps: Dakota Zoo hosts several camps in the summer for children ages 3-12. Interns will assist in planning and operation of these camps under the supervision of the Education Coordinator.
• Animal Handling: Interns must be comfortable handling ambassador animals for public presentations. Animals used for presentations include an armadillo, snakes, turtles, ferrets, and more. Interns will also aid in the supervision of teen volunteers during ambassador animal presentations.
• Interpretive Programs: Interns will participate in scheduled Bio Fact presentations and Ambassador Animal Presentations throughout the summer and must be willing to present to the public a variety of animals, with a conservation message being the backbone of the presentations.
• Lesson Planning: Interns will assist the Education Coordinator in planning camps. This includes coming up with a schedule and planning activities to be completed by campers.
• Interaction with Public: Interns are expected to be a friendly and welcoming presence during working hours. This includes moments outside of scheduled presentations that can be used to educate the public and/or foster empathy for wildlife.
• Assist with Wild Expeditions: Interns may assist with off‑site programs. This includes animal handling and potential training and socializing opportunities.
• Final Project: All interns are expected to work on a final project to be completed by the end of their internship. These projects will have the ultimate goal of improving the Dakota Zoo education program. Potential projects to be completed could include planning your own educational event, creating new interpretive signage to be posted around the zoo, etc.
• College‑aged or recent college graduate pursuing a degree in education, biology, zoology, fisheries and wildlife, or a related field. Must have completed 2 years of college and maintained a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Ability to work in extreme summer conditions and to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Must be able to tolerate hay, dust, animal hair and dander and, if allergic to a…